Job 4:8
Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָ֭אִיתִי
Even as I have seen
H7200
רָ֭אִיתִי
Even as I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
they that plow
H2790
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
they that plow
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
3 of 7
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
אָ֑וֶן
iniquity
H205
אָ֑וֶן
iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
4 of 7
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
וְזֹֽרְעֵ֖י
and sow
H2232
וְזֹֽרְעֵ֖י
and sow
Strong's:
H2232
Word #:
5 of 7
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
Cross References
Proverbs 22:8He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.Hosea 8:7For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.Job 15:35They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.Jeremiah 4:18Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.2 Corinthians 9:6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature emphasized the moral order of the universe, but Job challenges this comfortable causality. Eliphaz speaks truth incompletely, failing to account for mystery in God's ways.
Questions for Reflection
- When has conventional wisdom failed to explain your circumstances?
- How do you balance belief in moral order with acceptance of mystery?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz's doctrine of retribution - 'they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same' - represents conventional wisdom that sin always produces visible consequences. While containing truth (Galatians 6:7), this theology cannot explain innocent suffering. The friends' failure is not false doctrine but misapplication.