Job 11:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 11:20
20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.
Chapter Context
Job 11 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, worship, obedience. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 11:20
20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.
Analysis
Zophar concludes with warning: 'the eyes of the wicked shall fail' (תִּכְלֶינָה, tikhlenah—be consumed, perish), 'they shall not escape' (אָבַד מָנוֹס, avad manos—refuge perishes), and 'their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost' (מַפַּח־נָפֶשׁ, mapach-nefesh—breathing out of soul, death). This orthodox warning echoes Psalm 112:10 and Proverbs 10:28. The 'giving up of the ghost' is a stark image—their hope expires like a dying breath. The theology is sound: the wicked ultimately perish. The implication against Job is false: Zophar suggests Job faces this fate unless he repents of unspecified sins. He uses the doctrine of judgment as a weapon. Biblical warnings about judgment should drive us to Christ, not be deployed against fellow sufferers.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite theology clearly distinguished the fate of the righteous and wicked. Zophar stands in this tradition but misapplies it, placing Job in the category of 'the wicked' based solely on his suffering.
Reflection
- How do we proclaim the reality of divine judgment without presuming to know who falls under it?
- What is the difference between biblical warning and spiritual manipulation through fear?
Word Studies
- Hope: תִּקְוָה (Tikvah) H8615 - Hope, expectation
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 17:5, 31:16, Deuteronomy 28:65