Old Testament
Job 20:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
That which he labored for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down. According to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice in it.
Compare translations
That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein.
What Job 20:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Zophar is explaining the fate of the wicked. He asserts that those who gain wealth through dishonest means will ultimately have to give it back. The idea is that no matter how much they try to enjoy their ill-gotten gains, they will not be able to keep them. Instead, they will face consequences that match their actions. The phrase 'shall not swallow it down' suggests that they will not be able to enjoy their wealth fully, as it will be taken from them. The verse emphasizes that the restitution will be proportional to what they have gained, and they will not find joy in their losses. This serves as a warning about the temporary nature of wealth acquired through wrongdoing and the inevitable justice that follows.
How to apply Job 20:18 to your life
This verse reminds us to pursue wealth and success through honest means. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences, ensuring that we do not compromise our integrity for temporary gains. True joy comes from living righteously and being accountable for our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 20:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 20:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 20:18 mean?
Job 20:18 explains that those who gain wealth through dishonest means will ultimately have to return it. The verse emphasizes that they will not be able to fully enjoy their ill-gotten gains, as justice will require them to restore what they have taken.
What is the meaning of 'shall not swallow it down' in Job 20:18?
The phrase 'shall not swallow it down' in Job 20:18 suggests that the wicked will not be able to enjoy their wealth fully. It indicates that despite their attempts to indulge in their gains, they will face consequences that prevent true enjoyment.
How does Job 20:18 relate to the theme of justice?
Job 20:18 illustrates the theme of justice by showing that dishonest actions lead to inevitable consequences. It reinforces the idea that individuals will have to restore what they have wrongfully acquired, emphasizing moral accountability.
What lesson can we learn from Job 20:18?
The lesson from Job 20:18 is to pursue wealth through honest means and to be aware of the consequences of our actions. It encourages integrity and accountability, reminding us that ill-gotten gains will ultimately lead to loss.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.