Job 15:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 15:20
20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Chapter Context
Job 15 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, grace, wisdom. 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
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 15:20
20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Analysis
'The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.' Eliphaz describes the wicked's inner torment: 'travaileth with pain' (מִתְחוֹלֵל, mitcholel—writhes, anguishes) 'all his days' (כָּל־יְמֵי רָשָׁע, kol-yemey rasha). Years are 'hidden' (נִצְפְּנוּ, nitsf'nu—concealed, stored up) for 'the oppressor' (לֶעָרִיץ, le'arits—tyrant, ruthless one). The theology is partially true: sin does create inner torment (Proverbs 13:15, Romans 2:9). However, Eliphaz applies this to Job, implying Job's suffering proves wickedness. The error: assuming all suffering indicates secret sin. Jesus explicitly refutes this (John 9:2-3, Luke 13:1-5). Eliphaz describes a real phenomenon but misdiagnoses Job's situation.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom recognized that wickedness creates anxiety and fear of judgment. Eliphaz stands in this tradition but wrongly applies it, making Job's suffering evidence of hidden evil.
Reflection
- How do we acknowledge sin's natural consequences without assuming all suffering results from personal sin?
- What is the relationship between conscience and suffering?