Job 31:40
Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
Original Language Analysis
תַּ֤חַת
H8478
תַּ֤חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
1 of 10
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יֵ֥צֵא
grow
H3318
יֵ֥צֵא
grow
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְתַֽחַת
H8478
וְתַֽחַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
5 of 10
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
בָאְשָׁ֑ה
and cockle
H890
בָאְשָׁ֑ה
and cockle
Strong's:
H890
Word #:
7 of 10
stink-weed or any other noxious or useless plant
תַּ֝֗מּוּ
are ended
H8552
תַּ֝֗מּוּ
are ended
Strong's:
H8552
Word #:
8 of 10
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern oaths included conditional curses demonstrating sincerity. Job's agricultural curse shows willingness to stake his livelihood on his truthfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What are you willing to stake on your integrity?
- How does Job's bold oath model confidence in truth?
Analysis & Commentary
Job concludes his defense: 'Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.' This conditional curse invokes divine judgment if he's lied. Job stakes everything on his integrity - let his fields bear weeds if he's guilty.