Job 24:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 24:20
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.
Chapter Context
Job 24 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, fellowship, mercy. 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 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 24:20
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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)?
Cross-References
- Evil: Proverbs 10:7
- Parallel theme: Daniel 4:14