Job 15:20
The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י
with pain all his days
H3117
יְמֵ֣י
with pain all his days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
רָ֭שָׁע
The wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 9
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מִתְחוֹלֵ֑ל
man travaileth
H2342
מִתְחוֹלֵ֑ל
man travaileth
Strong's:
H2342
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
וּמִסְפַּ֥ר
and the number
H4557
וּמִסְפַּ֥ר
and the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
6 of 9
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom recognized that wickedness creates anxiety and fear of judgment. Eliphaz stands in this tradition but wrongly applies it, making Job's suffering evidence of hidden evil.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we acknowledge sin's natural consequences without assuming all suffering results from personal sin?
- What is the relationship between conscience and suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
'The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.' Eliphaz describes the wicked's inner torment: 'travaileth with pain' (מִתְחוֹלֵל, mitcholel—writhes, anguishes) 'all his days' (כָּל־יְמֵי רָשָׁע, kol-yemey rasha). Years are 'hidden' (נִצְפְּנוּ, nitsf'nu—concealed, stored up) for 'the oppressor' (לֶעָרִיץ, le'arits—tyrant, ruthless one). The theology is partially true: sin does create inner torment (Proverbs 13:15, Romans 2:9). However, Eliphaz applies this to Job, implying Job's suffering proves wickedness. The error: assuming all suffering indicates secret sin. Jesus explicitly refutes this (John 9:2-3, Luke 13:1-5). Eliphaz describes a real phenomenon but misdiagnoses Job's situation.