He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.

JOB 20:17KJV
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Job 20:17 (KJV)

What does Job 20:17 mean?

Job 20:17 describes how the wicked person will not experience prosperity or delight, pictured as missing out on “the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.” The verse uses rich images of abundance to show that such a person will be denied the good things in life.

In this part of the book of Job, Zophar is speaking to Job and arguing that evil people will ultimately lose out on blessings and satisfaction. The verse uses the imagery of flowing streams and luxurious foods to emphasize the fullness of what the wicked will miss. This is part of Zophar’s larger speech warning that wrongdoing leads to emptiness and loss.

The Hebrew behind Job 20:17

  • “Rivers” (פַּלְגֵי־, palgei): This word often refers to channels or streams that bring life and fertility, highlighting the idea of missing out on what sustains and refreshes.
  • “Floods” (נָהָר, nahar): This term usually means a large river, suggesting abundance and plenty; its use here stresses the scale of what the wicked will not enjoy.
  • “Brooks” (נַחַל, nachal): This word points to smaller streams or seasonal watercourses, adding to the picture of all kinds of blessings being withheld.
  • “Honey” (דְּבַשׁ, devash) and “Butter” (חֶמְאָה, chemah): These foods were symbols of luxury and richness in ancient times, so their mention underlines the loss of both sweetness and richness in life.

Why Job 20:17 matters

  • Job 20:17 helps clarify that Zophar’s argument is not just about punishment, but about being cut off from all forms of joy and prosperity, using vivid, everyday images.
  • The verse connects to the wider speech by showing how Zophar believes the wicked will be deprived of blessings that are both physical (food, water) and symbolic (satisfaction, happiness).
  • Understanding these images helps the reader see the depth of what is being denied, rather than just a simple lack of material wealth.

Where else these words appear

“rivers” Hebrew H6390 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 5:15 And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.
  • Judges 5:16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

“butter” Hebrew H2529 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
  • Judges 5:25 He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

“honey” Hebrew H1706 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
  • Deuteronomy 27:3 And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
  • Psalms 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

“floods” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.