Job 20:9

Authorized King James Version

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The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.

Original Language Analysis

עַ֣יִן The eye H5869
עַ֣יִן The eye
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 1 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
שְׁ֭זָפַתּוּ also which saw H7805
שְׁ֭זָפַתּוּ also which saw
Strong's: H7805
Word #: 2 of 8
to tan (by sunburning); figuratively (as if by a piercing ray) to scan
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תוֹסִ֑יף him shall see him no more H3254
תוֹסִ֑יף him shall see him no more
Strong's: H3254
Word #: 4 of 8
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ע֝֗וֹד H5750
ע֝֗וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
תְּשׁוּרֶ֥נּוּ any more behold H7789
תְּשׁוּרֶ֥נּוּ any more behold
Strong's: H7789
Word #: 7 of 8
to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for
מְקוֹמֽוֹ׃ neither shall his place H4725
מְקוֹמֽוֹ׃ neither shall his place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

Analysis & Commentary

The eye also which saw him shall see him no more (עַיִן שְׁזָפַתּוּ וְלֹא תוֹסִיף, ayin shezaphatthu velo tosiyph)—Zophar describes total erasure from human memory. The Hebrew shazaph (to see, behold) emphasizes eyewitness testimony, while lo tosiyph (shall not continue/do again) stresses finality. Neither shall his place any more behold him echoes Psalm 103:16 but twists its meaning. The psalmist uses this imagery to humble all humanity; Zophar weaponizes it against Job.

The tragedy is that Zophar's description will partially come true—Job's seven sons and three daughters who once saw him will never see him again (Job 1:18-19). But this happened to Job the righteous, not Job the wicked. Zophar's theology cannot account for righteous suffering, so he forces Job into his retribution framework.

Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, being forgotten—having no one remember or speak your name—represented complete annihilation. Posterity and memory constituted a form of immortality before clear resurrection doctrine developed. Zophar's threat that Job will be forgotten strikes at the core of ancient identity and legacy. This same fear appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 109:13-15, Ecclesiastes 9:5), making resurrection hope all the more precious.

Questions for Reflection