Job 8:20 (KJV)

What does Job 8:20 mean?

Job 8:20 says that God does not reject a person who is upright, nor does He support those who do evil. The verse draws a clear line between how God treats those who are blameless and those who act wickedly.

In this verse, Bildad is speaking to Job during their debate about suffering and justice. Bildad insists that God is fair and will not abandon someone who is "perfect" (meaning upright or blameless), while also refusing to help those who do wrong. Bildad’s words reflect his belief that suffering is a result of wrongdoing, and that God’s justice is always visible in people’s circumstances.

The Hebrew behind Job 8:20

• "God" (אֵל, 'el, H410): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and might. Bildad appeals to God’s authority as the ultimate judge.
• "Cast away" (מָאַס, ma'as, H3988): This word means to reject or despise. Bildad is saying God will not reject someone who is upright in character.
• "Perfect" (תָּם, tam, H8535): This word is often understood as "blameless" or "complete," describing someone with integrity rather than absolute sinlessness.
• "Help" (יַעֲזֹר, ya'azor, H2388 + יָד, yad, H3027): The phrase here means to strengthen or support, with "hand" (yad) often symbolizing power or assistance. Bildad claims God will not give strength or support to those who do evil.
• "Doers" (רַע, ra', H7489): This word refers to those who act wickedly or cause harm, emphasizing active wrongdoing.

Why Job 8:20 matters

• Job 8:20 shows how Job’s friends viewed suffering: they believed good people are always rewarded and evil people are always punished, which is a major theme in the book’s debates.
• The verse highlights the tension between human assumptions about God’s justice and the deeper mystery of suffering that Job experiences.
• Understanding the original words helps clarify that "perfect" means upright or blameless, not flawless, which shapes how we read Bildad’s argument and Job’s response.