Job 21:20
His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
Original Language Analysis
יִרְא֣וּ
shall see
H7200
יִרְא֣וּ
shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֵינָ֣ו
His eyes
H5869
עֵינָ֣ו
His eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Revelation 14:10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:Isaiah 51:17Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.Psalms 75:8For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
Historical Context
The cup of God's wrath was common ancient Near Eastern imagery for divine judgment. Drinking the cup meant experiencing full consequences. Job's desire that the wicked themselves drink this cup reflects concern for genuine justice, not transferred punishment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish appropriate desire for justice from vindictive revenge?
- What does Christ drinking the cup of God's wrath mean for believers' judgment?
- How does substitutionary atonement satisfy both justice and mercy?
Analysis & Commentary
The sinner should experience judgment: 'Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.' Job wants the wicked themselves to experience divine wrath, not escape through death or have only their children suffer. The cup metaphor for divine wrath appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 75:8, Revelation 14:10). Job's desire for just judgment isn't vindictive but reflects proper moral sense that evil should be punished.