Job 20:10

Authorized King James Version

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His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.

Original Language Analysis

בָּ֭נָיו His children H1121
בָּ֭נָיו His children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 1 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְרַצּ֣וּ shall seek to please H7521
יְרַצּ֣וּ shall seek to please
Strong's: H7521
Word #: 2 of 6
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
דַלִּ֑ים the poor H1800
דַלִּ֑ים the poor
Strong's: H1800
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
וְ֝יָדָ֗יו and his hands H3027
וְ֝יָדָ֗יו and his hands
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 4 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה shall restore H7725
תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה shall restore
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 5 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אוֹנֽוֹ׃ their goods H202
אוֹנֽוֹ׃ their goods
Strong's: H202
Word #: 6 of 6
ability, power, (figuratively) wealth

Analysis & Commentary

Zophar declares the wicked's children will beg: 'His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.' The next generation suffers for the father's wickedness—children begging from those their father oppressed. This principle (children bearing consequences of parents' sins) appears in Scripture but isn't absolute (Ezekiel 18). Zophar wrongly applies this to Job, whose children died (not impoverished), suggesting their deaths indicated Job's wickedness.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern understanding recognized intergenerational consequences of sin (Exodus 20:5-6). However, prophets also emphasized individual responsibility (Ezekiel 18). Zophar applies corporate consequences mechanically without wisdom about individual situations.

Questions for Reflection