Job 21:11 - They send out their little ones like a flock. Their children dance.

Generated Verse: Job 21:11

What does "Job 21:11" mean?


Job 21:11, "They send out their little ones like a flock. Their children dance," is part of a larger passage where Job is describing the prosperity and apparent happiness of the wicked. To understand its meaning, consider the context:

Job's Argument: Job is arguing against the common belief that the righteous are always rewarded and the wicked are always punished in this life. He's observing that, in reality, the wicked often seem to flourish.

Verse Breakdown:

"They send out their little ones like a flock": This suggests that the wicked have many children whom they can send out without worry or hardship. "Like a flock" implies abundance and ease of care. Their children are numerous and well-provided for. They have the resources to support them and allow them to move freely. It could also suggest a lack of individual attention, similar to how a shepherd manages a flock.

"Their children dance": This signifies joy, carefree living, and a life free from the burdens of poverty or oppression. The children are not toiling or suffering; they are playing and enjoying themselves. It speaks to a life of leisure and happiness.

Overall Interpretation:

The verse paints a picture of the wicked enjoying family life and prosperity. Their children are numerous, healthy, and happy, suggesting that the parents' wickedness hasn't brought any visible negative consequences upon their offspring. This contributes to Job's argument that the wicked are not always punished. It highlights the injustice that Job perceives in the world – that those who seemingly deserve punishment are instead living in comfort and joy, passing this on to their children.

Contrast: The image contrasts with Job's own suffering. He has lost his children and his wealth, and is afflicted with painful sores. This makes the prosperity of the wicked even more frustrating and bewildering to him. He is questioning why he, a righteous man, is suffering while the wicked are prospering and their children are dancing.

In essence, Job 21:11 is part of a broader lament about the apparent unfairness of the world and the prosperity often enjoyed by the wicked, even extending to their descendants.

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