Job 8:20
Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֭ל
Behold God
H410
אֵ֭ל
Behold God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִמְאַס
will not cast away
H3988
יִמְאַס
will not cast away
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
4 of 9
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
תָּ֑ם
a perfect
H8535
תָּ֑ם
a perfect
Strong's:
H8535
Word #:
5 of 9
complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַ֝חֲזִ֗יק
man neither will he help
H2388
יַ֝חֲזִ֗יק
man neither will he help
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
7 of 9
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
Cross References
Psalms 37:24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.Job 4:7Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?Psalms 37:37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.Isaiah 45:1Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;Psalms 94:14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.Job 21:30That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.Job 9:22This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.
Historical Context
Bildad appeals to observable patterns: the righteous generally prosper, the wicked generally suffer. Proverbs teaches these patterns as normative. However, Bildad elevates pattern to absolute law, leaving no room for exceptions or divine mystery. His speech promises that if Job repents, God will restore him (8:5-7), assuming Job's suffering results from sin requiring repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold biblical principles about sowing and reaping without making them absolute laws that deny mystery?
- What does Bildad's error teach about the limits of human wisdom in understanding God's ways?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bildad concludes: 'Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers.' The verb ma'as (מָאַס, cast away) means to reject or despise. Tam (תָּם, perfect) is the same word describing Job in 1:1—complete or having integrity. Bildad's logic appears sound: God doesn't reject the righteous or aid the wicked. The problem is the implied accusation: since Job is suffering (apparently cast away), he must not truly be perfect. Bildad cannot accept that God might test the perfect or that suffering serves purposes beyond punishment.