Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְשִׂמְחַ֖ת
and the joy
H8057
וְשִׂמְחַ֖ת
and the joy
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
5 of 8
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom observed that wicked people sometimes prospered temporarily. Zophar uses this to argue Job's catastrophe proves his former prosperity was mere hypocritical appearance masking wickedness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between temporal prosperity and eternal blessing?
- What dangers exist in inferring someone's spiritual state from their current circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
'That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?' Zophar returns with retribution theology: the wicked's 'triumphing' (רִנַּת, rinnat—shouting, exultation) is 'short' (מִקָּרוֹב, miqqarov—from near, brief), and 'hypocrite's' (חָנֵף, chanef—godless) 'joy' (שִׂמְחַת, simchat) lasts only a 'moment' (רָגַע, rega). This echoes Psalm 37:35-36, 73:18-20—the wicked's prosperity is temporary. The theology is sound: ultimate judgment awaits. The application to Job is wicked: suggesting Job's prior prosperity proves he was always godless, now experiencing deserved collapse. Zophar confuses temporal prosperity with eternal destiny. The Reformed doctrine of common grace explains why the godless sometimes prosper temporarily without it proving their standing before God.