Job 24:20
The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤הוּ
shall forget
H7911
יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤הוּ
shall forget
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
1 of 10
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
רִמָּ֗ה
him the worm
H7415
רִמָּ֗ה
him the worm
Strong's:
H7415
Word #:
4 of 10
a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִזָּכֵ֑ר
on him he shall be no more remembered
H2142
יִזָּכֵ֑ר
on him he shall be no more remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient burial customs feared being forgotten more than death itself—hence monuments, tombs, and name preservation (2 Samuel 18:18). For the wicked to be unremembered represented ultimate curse. The worm imagery reflects decomposition in rock-hewn tombs where bodies were laid on stone shelves.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the wicked person's ultimate fate—'he shall be no more remembered'—contrast with the righteous whose memory is blessed (Proverbs 10:7)?
- What does this verse teach about the fleeting nature of earthly power and reputation?
- How does Christ's resurrection reverse the worm's victory over human flesh (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)?
Analysis & Commentary
The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him—Job describes death's totality with visceral imagery. "The womb shall forget him" (rechem, רֶחֶם, womb/mother) means even maternal love—the strongest human bond—erases with death. The phrase "the worm shall feed sweetly" uses rimmah (רִמָּה, maggot) and methaq (מְתַק, sweet), creating grotesque irony: what's sweet to worms is dissolution of human flesh. This anticipates Jesus's warning about Gehenna "where their worm dieth not" (Mark 9:48).
He shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree—Complete obliteration awaits the wicked: no memory, no legacy. The verb "broken" (shavar, שָׁבַר) depicts violent shattering, like a tree snapped by storm. Avlah (עַוְלָה, wickedness/injustice) personified as a tree faces certain destruction. This echoes Psalm 37:35-36: "I have seen the wicked in great power... yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not." Job affirms ultimate justice but struggles with present delay.