They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

JOB 21:12KJV
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Job 21:12 (KJV)

What does Job 21:12 mean?

Job 21:12 describes people celebrating with music, playing instruments like the timbrel and harp, and being joyful at the sound of the organ. The verse paints a picture of lively festivity and happiness, showing people enjoying life’s pleasures.

In this part of the book of Job, Job is speaking to his friends, challenging their belief that only the wicked suffer while the righteous prosper. Here, Job points out that some people, even those who ignore God, live in comfort and joy, surrounded by music and celebration. This observation is meant to question simple ideas about reward and punishment in life.

The Hebrew behind Job 21:12

  • "Timbrel" (תֹּף, tof): This refers to a hand drum or tambourine, an instrument often used in festive or joyful occasions. Its mention highlights the celebratory mood.
  • "Harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor): This is a stringed instrument, similar to a lyre, commonly associated with music in ancient Israel. Its use here adds to the sense of skilled, joyful music-making.
  • "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach): This word means to be glad or to rejoice, emphasizing the genuine happiness and delight of the people described.
  • "Organ" (עוּגָב, ugav): This likely refers to a type of ancient wind instrument, perhaps similar to a flute or pipe, not the modern organ. Its inclusion rounds out the picture of a full musical ensemble.

Why Job 21:12 matters

  • Job 21:12 challenges the idea that only the righteous experience joy and prosperity, showing that even those who may ignore God can live in apparent happiness.
  • The verse supports Job’s broader argument that life’s outcomes are not always simple or predictable, pushing back against his friends’ assumptions about suffering and blessing.
  • By describing music and celebration, Job 21:12 highlights the real, tangible pleasures some people enjoy, making Job’s question about justice and fairness more pointed and relatable.

Where else these words appear

“organ” Hebrew H5748 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • Job 30:31 My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.
  • Psalms 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

“timbrel” Hebrew H8596 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
  • Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

“harp” Hebrew H3658 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • Psalms 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.