Job 20:18 (KJV)

What does Job 20:18 mean?

Job 20:18 describes a person who cannot keep or enjoy what he has gained. In the KJV, his goods must be restored, and even the wealth associated with his labor brings him no pleasure.

Zophar is speaking to Job about the fate of a wicked person. The image of not swallowing pictures wealth as food that someone cannot take in and enjoy. The verse follows Zophar’s picture of riches being brought back up in verse 15.

The Hebrew behind Job 20:18

• “substance” — חַיִל (ḥayil): This word can mean strength or wealth. Here it is often understood as the person’s resources or possessions.
• “restitution” — תְּמוּרָה (temurah): This word can refer to an exchange or something received in return. It points to what a person gets for his efforts, though the KJV presents it as restitution.

Why Job 20:18 matters

• Zophar’s words are part of an argument directed at Job, not a description by Job himself. Job has complained about his suffering, and Zophar answers with a picture of what happens to a wicked person.
• Zophar connects the loss of goods with harm done to others. Verse 19 says the person has oppressed the poor and taken a house he did not build.
• The verse gives the loss a personal edge: “he shall not rejoice therein.” Zophar’s concern is not only what the person owns, but whether those possessions bring him any enjoyment.