Old Testament
Job 21:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Their bull breeds and does not fail; their cow calves and does not cast her calf.
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Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.
What Job 21:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:10, the speaker highlights the prosperity of the wicked, using the imagery of livestock. The bull is strong and productive, successfully breeding without failure, while the cow gives birth without losing her calf. This illustrates that those who are unrighteous often experience material success and stability in their lives, which raises questions about the justice of God. The verse emphasizes the contrast between the apparent well-being of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, challenging the notion that righteousness always leads to prosperity and wickedness to suffering. It serves as a reminder that life’s circumstances do not always reflect moral standing, and that the righteous may endure hardships while the wicked thrive. This observation is part of Job's broader discourse on the nature of suffering and divine justice, prompting deeper reflection on the complexities of life and faith.
How to apply Job 21:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our understanding of success and justice. It reminds us that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that we should not judge others solely based on their material wealth or lack of suffering. Instead, we should focus on our own integrity and faithfulness, trusting that true justice will ultimately prevail.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Job 21:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 21:10 mean?
Job 21:10 illustrates the prosperity of the wicked by describing how their livestock thrive without failure. This highlights the contrast between their material success and the suffering of the righteous, questioning the fairness of divine justice.
What is the meaning of 'bull breeds and does not fail' in Job 21:10?
The phrase 'bull breeds and does not fail' signifies that the wicked experience consistent success and productivity in their lives, symbolizing their apparent stability and prosperity despite their unrighteousness.
How does Job 21:10 relate to the theme of divine justice?
Job 21:10 raises questions about divine justice by showing that the wicked can prosper while the righteous suffer, challenging the belief that good behavior always leads to rewards and bad behavior to punishment.
What can we learn from Job 21:10?
From Job 21:10, we learn that outward success does not necessarily reflect one's moral standing. It encourages us to look beyond material wealth and focus on our own integrity and faithfulness.
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