Job 24:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤הוּ
shall forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#2
רֶ֨חֶם׀
The womb
the womb
#3
מְתָ֘ק֤וֹ
shall feed sweetly
a dainty, i.e., (generally) food
#4
רִמָּ֗ה
him the worm
a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively
#5
ע֥וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#6
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִזָּכֵ֑ר
on him he shall be no more remembered
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#8
וַתִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר
shall be broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#9
כָּעֵ֣ץ
as a tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#10
עַוְלָֽה׃
and wickedness
(moral) evil

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection