Old Testament
Job 21:19
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God lays up his iniquity for his children; he rewards him, and he shall know it.
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God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.
What Job 21:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job is expressing a belief that God holds individuals accountable for their sins, not just in their own lives but also in the lives of their children. The idea is that the consequences of one's actions can extend beyond oneself, affecting future generations. Job suggests that God will ensure that the wrongdoer faces the repercussions of their iniquity, and this will be evident to them. This reflects a broader theme in the book of Job, where the nature of justice and suffering is explored. Job is challenging the notion that the wicked always prosper and asserting that divine justice will ultimately prevail, even if it is not immediately visible. The verse serves as a reminder that our actions have lasting impacts and that accountability is a fundamental aspect of God's justice.
How to apply Job 21:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their potential impact on others, especially our children. It serves as a reminder to live righteously, understanding that our choices can have lasting effects. We should strive to set a positive example for future generations.
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 21:19
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Key themes
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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 21:19 mean?
Job 21:19 expresses the belief that God holds people accountable for their sins, suggesting that the consequences of one's actions can affect their children. It highlights the idea that divine justice will ultimately prevail, even if it is not immediately visible.
What is the meaning of iniquity in Job 21:19?
Iniquity in Job 21:19 refers to wrongdoing or sin. The verse indicates that God keeps a record of these wrongdoings, implying that there are consequences for one's actions that can extend to future generations.
How does Job 21:19 relate to generational consequences?
Job 21:19 suggests that the sins of an individual can have lasting effects on their children, indicating that the consequences of one's actions may extend beyond their own life. This highlights the importance of living righteously.
What themes are present in Job 21:19?
Key themes in Job 21:19 include divine justice, accountability for one's actions, the consequences of sin, and the impact of those consequences on future generations. It reflects the broader exploration of suffering and righteousness in the book of Job.
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