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Job 20:19

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Because he has crushed and abandoned the poor; because he has forcefully stolen a house that he did not build;

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is describing someone who has gained wealth and power by oppressing poor people and stealing what others have worked to build.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Job, set in the ancient Near East, Zophar is one of Job's friends who speaks in response to Job's suffering, arguing that the wicked will face divine judgment for their sins. This verse specifically describes the actions of the wicked, such as oppressing the poor and stealing property that belongs to others, as part of a broader biblical theme of God's justice against injustice. It reflects the cultural context of a patriarchal society where wealth disparities often led to exploitation, emphasizing moral accountability in ancient wisdom literature.

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