Job 20:6 (KJV)

What does Job 20:6 mean?

Job 20:6 says that even if a person’s greatness or pride rises as high as the sky, and their status seems to reach the clouds, this does not guarantee lasting security or success. The verse uses lofty language to describe how someone might appear powerful or untouchable, but this is not permanent.

In this verse, Zophar, one of Job’s friends, is speaking to Job. Zophar is warning that the apparent success and pride of the wicked are only temporary, no matter how high they seem to climb. The verse uses vivid imagery to show how human achievement or arrogance can look impressive but is ultimately fragile.

The Hebrew behind Job 20:6

• "excellency" (שֵׂאת, śe'ēt) often refers to pride, greatness, or something lifted up. Here, it points to a person’s high status or self-importance.
• "up" (עָלָה, ʿālāh) means to go up or ascend. This word helps paint the picture of someone’s greatness rising higher and higher.
• "heavens" (שָׁמַיִם, shāmayim) and "clouds" (עָב, ʿāv) both emphasize extreme heights, suggesting the highest possible level of success or pride.
• "head" (רֹאשׁ, rosh) and "reach" (נָגַע, nāgaʿ) together describe the idea of someone’s head touching or reaching the clouds, reinforcing the image of extreme elevation.

Why Job 20:6 matters

• Job 20:6 clarifies that outward success or pride can look impressive but is not a guarantee of lasting security, especially in the context of the wicked.
• The verse connects to Zophar’s larger argument that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, setting up the contrast between temporary greatness and ultimate downfall.
• The vivid imagery helps the reader understand the difference between how things appear on the surface and what their true outcome will be, which is a key theme in the book of Job.