Job 20:12 (KJV)

What does Job 20:12 mean?

Job 20:12 describes how a wicked person may find evil actions appealing, almost like a sweet taste that he wants to savor and keep close, hiding it under his tongue. The verse uses the image of someone enjoying and secretly holding onto wickedness, suggesting a deliberate choice to cling to wrongdoing.

In this verse, Zophar, one of Job’s friends, is speaking to Job during their debate about suffering and justice. Zophar is arguing that even if wickedness seems pleasant or rewarding for a time, it is still wrong and will eventually bring trouble. The verse uses vivid language to show how people can be drawn to evil, treating it as something desirable, but this is only temporary and deceptive.

The Hebrew behind Job 20:12

• "wickedness" (רַע, raʿ): This word means evil or wrongdoing. Here, it is pictured as something a person might actually want to taste or keep close, highlighting how temptation can feel attractive.
• "sweet" (מָתוֹק, matoq): This word means sweet or pleasant to the taste. The verse uses it to show that evil can seem enjoyable or appealing at first.
• "hide" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to cover or conceal. The image is of someone hiding wickedness under the tongue, suggesting secrecy and a desire not to let go of it.
• "mouth" (פֶּה, peh) and "tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon): These words emphasize the physical imagery of tasting and savoring, making the metaphor more vivid and personal.

Why Job 20:12 matters

• Job 20:12 helps clarify that the attraction to wrongdoing is often about immediate pleasure or satisfaction, not just open rebellion.
• The verse highlights the self-deception involved in sin—how people can hide and cherish evil, thinking it will benefit them.
• In the context of Job, Zophar’s words set up his argument that any enjoyment of evil is short-lived and will ultimately lead to downfall, which is a key theme in his speech.