Job 18:20 (KJV)

What does Job 18:20 mean?

Job 18:20 describes how people from both the future ("they that come after him") and the past ("they that went before") will react with shock and fear when they hear about the downfall of a certain man. The verse emphasizes that his fate is so dreadful that it will astonish and frighten everyone who learns of it.

In this verse, Bildad the Shuhite is speaking to Job, warning him about the terrifying end that comes to the wicked. Bildad claims that the destruction of such a person is so complete that it leaves a lasting impression on everyone, no matter when they hear about it. The verse is part of Bildad’s attempt to persuade Job that suffering is always a result of wickedness.

The Hebrew behind Job 18:20

• "after" (אַחֲרָיו, 'acharav): This word refers to those who come later, or future generations. Bildad is saying that even people who are not yet born will be shocked when they hear about this downfall.
• "astonied" (שָׁמֵם, shamem): This word means to be appalled, desolate, or stunned. The sense here is not just surprise, but a deep, unsettling shock at the severity of what happened.
• "day" (יוֹם, yom): In this context, "his day" refers to the time of the man’s judgment or disaster, not just a literal day. It marks the moment of his downfall.
• "before" (קַדְמֹנִים, qadmonim): This word points to those who lived earlier, the ancestors or previous generations. The verse paints a picture of the man’s fate being so notorious that it echoes backward and forward in time.
• "affrighted" (שָׁעַר, sha'ar; שָׂעַר, sa'ar): These words convey the idea of being terrified or horrified. The reaction is not mild fear but a strong, visceral fright.

Why Job 18:20 matters

• Job 18:20 shows that Bildad is not just warning Job personally, but making a sweeping claim about the fate of all who are judged as wicked—suggesting their downfall becomes a cautionary tale for all generations.
• The verse highlights the intensity of the response to such judgment, using strong language for shock and fear, which underlines how severe and memorable this fate is meant to be.
• Understanding the original words helps clarify that Bildad is describing more than just surprise; he is talking about a deep, haunting horror that affects everyone who hears about the wicked person’s end, connecting this warning to the broader theme of fear and justice in the book of Job.