Job 24:18 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

He moves as quickly as rushing water; their share of land is cursed on the earth; he no longer looks toward the vineyard paths.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse describes how the wicked person flees quickly like water and their inheritance becomes cursed, while they abandon the fruitful paths they once knew.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Job, which wrestles with themes of suffering and God's justice, Job is describing the wicked who exploit the vulnerable and seem to escape immediate punishment. He uses vivid imagery, like swift waters to depict their unstable lives and a cursed portion on earth to show their lack of true prosperity, while noting that they disregard the productive paths symbolized by vineyards. This fits into the larger narrative where Job and his friends debate why the righteous suffer and the wicked often prosper temporarily.

Explore Similar Verses

Isaiah 28:4

And the glorious beauty that sits at the top of that rich valley will be like a flower that quickly fades away, and like fruit that ripens too early before summer comes. When someone sees this early fruit, they grab it and eat it right away while it's still in their hand.

Genesis 40:10

The vine had three branches, and it seemed like it was sprouting new growth. Its blossoms burst open, and clusters of ripe grapes appeared on it.

Isaiah 5:19

These are people who say, 'Let God hurry up and do his work so we can see it! Let the Holy One of Israel's plan come quickly so we can know what it is!'

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