Job 8:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 8:20
20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
Chapter Context
Job 8 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, truth. 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 21-22: 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 8:20
20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Evil: Job 9:22, 21:30
- Parallel theme: Job 4:7, Psalms 37:24, 37:37, 94:14, Isaiah 45:1