Question 1

What does Job 20:7 mean?

Accepted Answer

Job 20:7 says that a wicked person will disappear forever, in a way as shameful and final as being compared to his own dung; people who once saw him will wonder where he has gone. The verse uses strong language to stress how completely the wicked will be wiped out and forgotten. In this verse, Zophar is speaking to Job during their debate about why people suffer. Zophar insists that the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, but their end is disgraceful and total. The verse uses vivid imagery to highlight the shame and utter loss of reputation that, in Zophar’s view, awaits those who do evil.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Job 20:7

Accepted Answer

"perish" (אָבַד, ’ābad, H6): This word often means to be destroyed or lost completely. Here, it emphasizes the total and irreversible end of the wicked person. "ever" (נֵצַח, nētsach, H5331): This word can mean "forever" or "perpetually," stressing that the wicked person’s disappearance is not temporary but lasting. "dung" (גָּלָל, galal, H1561): This is a blunt word for excrement, used here to show how disgraceful and unwanted the wicked person’s end will be. "seen" (רָאָה, ra’ah, H7200): This word means to see or observe. The verse points out that people who once noticed or recognized the wicked person will now be surprised at his absence. "say" (אָמַר, ’amar, H559): This is the common word for "say" or "declare." It highlights that people will actually comment on the disappearance, not just notice it silently. "Where" (אֵי, ’ēy, H335): This is a direct question word meaning "where?" It shows the sense of surprise and perhaps disbelief at how completely the person has vanished.

Question 3

Why Job 20:7 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse clears up the idea that the wicked might always be remembered or escape consequences; instead, it insists their end is both shameful and complete. The strong imagery of dung and disappearance emphasizes how Zophar views the fate of the wicked—not just punished, but erased from memory and respect. In the context of Job, this verse shows the sharp disagreement between Job and his friends about whether suffering is always tied to personal wickedness, highlighting the debate over justice and fate.

Job 20:7 (KJV)