Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They send forth their children as a flock; their little ones dance about. New Living Translation They let their children frisk about like lambs. Their little ones skip and dance. English Standard Version They send out their little boys like a flock, and their children dance. Berean Standard Bible They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, King James Bible They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. New King James Version They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children dance. New American Standard Bible “They send out their boys like the flock, And their children dance. NASB 1995 “They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. NASB 1977 “They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. Legacy Standard Bible They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. Amplified Bible “They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children skip about. Christian Standard Bible They let their little ones run around like lambs; their children skip about, Holman Christian Standard Bible They let their little ones run around like lambs; their children skip about, American Standard Version They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children dance. Contemporary English Version their children play and dance safely by themselves. English Revised Version They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. GOD'S WORD® Translation They send their little children out [to play] like a flock of lambs, and their children dance around. Good News Translation Their children run and play like lambs International Standard Version They release their children to play like sheep; their young ones dance about, NET Bible They allow their children to run like a flock; their little ones dance about. New Heart English Bible They send forth their little ones like a flock. Their children dance. Webster's Bible Translation They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, World English Bible They send out their little ones like a flock. Their children dance. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey send forth their sucklings as a flock, "" And their children skip, Young's Literal Translation They send forth as a flock their sucklings, And their children skip, Smith's Literal Translation They will send forth their children as a flock, and their children will leap. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTheir little ones go out like a flock, and their children dance and play. Catholic Public Domain Version Their little ones go out like a flock, and their children jump around playfully. New American Bible They let their young run free like sheep, their children skip about. New Revised Standard Version They send out their little ones like a flock, and their children dance around. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTheir children stand firm like a flock, and their boys dance. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Their sons are firm as a flock, and their children dance OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children dance. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they remain as an unfailing flock, and their children play before them, taking up the psaltery and harp; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Job: God will Punish the Wicked…10Their bulls breed without fail; their cows bear calves and do not miscarry. 11They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, 12singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute.… Cross References Psalm 144:12 Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. Zechariah 8:5 And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” Matthew 11:16-17 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: / ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ Luke 7:31-32 “To what, then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? / They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ Psalm 127:3-5 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. / Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. / Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate. Isaiah 11:6-8 The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. Jeremiah 31:13 Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father. Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table. Isaiah 54:13 Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity. Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Deuteronomy 28:4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Genesis 33:5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Treasury of Scripture They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. Psalm 107:41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward… Jump to Previous Children Dance Flock Forth Little Ones Pleasure Skip Sucklings YoungJump to Next Children Dance Flock Forth Little Ones Pleasure Skip Sucklings YoungJob 21 1. Job shows that even in the judgment of man he has reason to be grieved7. Sometimes the wicked prosper, though they despise God 16. Sometimes their destruction is manifest 21. The happy and unhappy are alike in death 27. The judgment of the wicked is in another world They send forth their little ones like a flock; This phrase illustrates the prosperity and security of the wicked, as described by Job. The imagery of a flock suggests abundance and care, as flocks were valuable assets in ancient times. This reflects a life of ease and protection, contrasting with Job's suffering. The mention of "little ones" indicates a thriving family life, which was a sign of blessing and favor in the ancient Near Eastern culture. The metaphor of a flock also implies order and guidance, suggesting that the children are well-tended and flourish under their parents' provision. their children skip about, Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends' arguments about the prosperity of the wicked. 2. Job's Friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who argue that suffering is a result of sin and that prosperity is a sign of righteousness. Job challenges their simplistic understanding of God's justice. 3. The Wicked In this context, Job refers to those who live in apparent prosperity and ease, despite their disregard for God. He observes that their children live carefree lives. 4. Uz The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the backdrop for Job's trials and dialogues. 5. God The ultimate authority and sovereign over all events, whose justice and ways are being questioned and explored throughout the Book of Job. Teaching Points The Reality of Apparent InjusticeJob 21:11 challenges the simplistic view that prosperity is always a sign of God's favor. It reminds us that the wicked can appear to thrive, and their children may live carefree lives, but this is not the full account of God's justice. The Importance of a Long-term Perspective While the wicked may prosper temporarily, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and eternal plan. Our focus should be on faithfulness rather than immediate outcomes. The Role of Faith in Uncertainty Job's observations encourage us to maintain faith even when circumstances seem unfair. Trusting in God's character and promises is crucial when we face life's complexities. The Influence of Family and Community The imagery of children skipping like a flock suggests the importance of nurturing a joyful and secure environment for the next generation, regardless of external circumstances. The Call to Compassion and Understanding Job's discourse invites us to approach others with empathy and avoid quick judgments about their spiritual state based on their material circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 21:11?2. How does Job 21:11 illustrate the prosperity of the wicked's children? 3. What does Job 21:11 reveal about God's justice in the present world? 4. How can Job 21:11 challenge our understanding of God's blessings? 5. Connect Job 21:11 with Psalm 73:3-5 regarding the prosperity of the wicked. 6. How should believers respond when observing the prosperity of the unrighteous? 7. How does Job 21:11 challenge the prosperity of the wicked in a just world? 8. Why does Job describe children dancing in Job 21:11? 9. What does Job 21:11 reveal about God's justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 21? 11. Does life continue after death? 12. What does 'The Lord gives and takes away' mean? 13. Is atheism our natural state at birth? 14. What is the Bible's perspective on fertility? What Does Job 21:11 Mean They send forth their little ones like a flockJob paints a picture of parents confidently releasing a large number of children into open space, as a shepherd does with a thriving flock (cf. Psalm 144:12, “our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth”). The image underscores both abundance and safety—these families have so many young ones that they move together in groups. Job’s point is not merely population growth; it’s the visible prosperity of the wicked, whose households appear secure and flourishing (Genesis 30:43; Job 5:25). Even though they disregard God, their children still seem to multiply, echoing the natural blessing described for the righteous in Psalm 127:3–5. The contrast stings Job, because earlier his own “seven sons and three daughters” (Job 1:2) were wiped out despite his faithfulness. • The verb “send forth” suggests freedom of movement; nothing threatens these little ones. • The “flock” comparison highlights orderly increase and corporate strength—no sign of danger or divine judgment yet (Micah 2:12). Their children skip about The second clause zooms in on the carefree joy of those same youngsters. They “skip about,” brimming with life and unrestrained happiness, reminiscent of Zechariah 8:5 where “the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing.” Job observes that the wicked reap benefits typically associated with covenant blessing—laughter, play, and security (Jeremiah 31:13; Malachi 4:2). • Skipping implies light-heartedness, the absence of fear (Proverbs 1:33). • It signals a future: children healthy enough to play today will likely grow into adulthood tomorrow, perpetuating the prosperity seemingly guaranteed to the ungodly (Psalm 73:3–5). Within Job’s lament, these carefree children underscore his larger argument: earthly circumstances cannot be taken as the final verdict of God’s justice. The wicked may look blessed now, but their apparent success forms part of Job’s struggle to reconcile observable life with God’s righteous rule (Job 21:7–13). summary Job 21:11 spotlights the paradox that troubles Job: those who ignore God still enjoy overflowing families and exuberant children. The verse, divided into abundance (“little ones like a flock”) and carefree joy (“children skip about”), intensifies his question about divine justice. While Scripture elsewhere promises such blessings to the faithful, Job watches the ungodly claim them—for now. The passage invites readers to trust that God’s ultimate accounting lies beyond immediate appearances, anchoring hope in His unchanging righteousness rather than in present circumstances. (11, 12) They send forth their little ones . . .--In striking contrast to the fate of Job's own children, and in contradiction to what Eliphaz had said (Job 15:29-33).Verse 11. - They send forth their little ones like a flock. Free, i.e. joyful and frolicsome, to disport themselves as they please. The picture is charmingly idyllic. And their children dance. Frisk, i.e. "and skip, and leap," like the young of cattle full of health, and in the enjoyment of plenty" (Lee).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew They send forthיְשַׁלְּח֣וּ (yə·šal·lə·ḥū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out their little ones עֲוִילֵיהֶ֑ם (‘ă·wî·lê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 5759: A young boy like a flock; כַ֭צֹּאן (ḵaṣ·ṣōn) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock their children וְ֝יַלְדֵיהֶ֗ם (wə·yal·ḏê·hem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring skip about, יְרַקֵּדֽוּן׃ (yə·raq·qê·ḏūn) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 7540: To stamp, to spring about Links Job 21:11 NIVJob 21:11 NLT Job 21:11 ESV Job 21:11 NASB Job 21:11 KJV Job 21:11 BibleApps.com Job 21:11 Biblia Paralela Job 21:11 Chinese Bible Job 21:11 French Bible Job 21:11 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 21:11 They send forth their little ones like (Jb) |
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