Job 16:20 (KJV)

What does Job 16:20 mean?

Job 16:20 describes how Job’s friends mock and reject him, while he turns to God in deep sorrow, pouring out his tears in prayer. The verse shows Job’s isolation from those around him and his desperate appeal to God for understanding and help.

Job is speaking in the middle of a long response to his friends, who have accused him of wrongdoing. Despite their scorn, Job does not give up on reaching out to God. The verse highlights both the pain caused by his friends’ lack of compassion and Job’s continued faith that God is the one who truly hears his suffering.

The Hebrew behind Job 16:20

• "friends" (רֵעַ, rêaʿ): This word often means close companions or associates, suggesting that those who should have supported Job are instead turning against him.
• "scorn" (לָעַג, lāʿag): This verb means to mock or ridicule, emphasizing the harshness and contempt Job experiences from his friends.
• "eye" (עַיִן, ʿayin): Refers to Job’s own eyes, which he describes as pouring out tears, a vivid image of his emotional pain.
• "out" (דָּלַף, dalaf): This word means to drip or pour, painting a picture of Job’s tears flowing freely, not just a few tears but a steady stream.
• "God" (אֱלוֹהַּ, ʾĕlôah): This is a common Hebrew word for God, showing that Job’s prayers and tears are directed toward the divine, not toward people.

Why Job 16:20 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that Job’s suffering is only physical or material; it shows the deep emotional and relational pain caused by his friends’ rejection.
• Job 16:20 emphasizes the contrast between human failure and God’s faithfulness, as Job turns to God when people let him down.
• The verse connects to the larger theme in Job of honest lament and prayer, showing that even in despair, Job’s instinct is to cry out to God rather than give in to bitterness or silence.