King James Version

What Does Job 20:2 Mean?

Job 20:2 in the King James Version says “Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. I make: Heb. my haste is in me” — study this verse from Job chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. I make: Heb. my haste is in me”

Job 20:2 · KJV

Context

1

Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

2

Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. I make: Heb. my haste is in me

3

I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

4

Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,

Read Job 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. This verse introduces Zophar's second speech in response to Job's defense. The Hebrew laken (לָכֵן, "therefore") signals that Zophar speaks from compulsion based on what Job has said. The phrase "my thoughts cause me to answer" (se'ippai yeshivuni, שְׂעִפַּי יְשִׁיבוּנִי) reveals that Zophar's response is emotionally driven—se'ippai can mean thoughts, but carries connotations of agitation, disquiet, or inner turmoil.

The statement "for this I make haste" (ba'avur chushi vi, בַּעֲבוּר חוּשִׁי בִי) indicates Zophar feels urgency to respond—his inner compulsion will not allow silence. The word chushi (חוּשִׁי) suggests emotional haste or impatience. Zophar is not responding from careful reflection but from agitated conviction that Job's words demand immediate rebuttal. This reveals a fundamental problem with Job's "comforters"—they speak from emotional reaction and theological presumption rather than genuine wisdom or compassion.

Zophar's haste contrasts with biblical wisdom's emphasis on thoughtful, measured speech. Proverbs repeatedly warns against hasty words (Proverbs 29:20, "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him"). James counsels being "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). Zophar's agitated response demonstrates that theological correctness without love and patience becomes cruel accusation. His speech that follows (Job 20:4-29) presents orthodox retribution theology—the wicked suffer, therefore Job's suffering proves his wickedness—but misapplies truth, becoming false comfort that increases suffering rather than relieving it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The book of Job is set in the patriarchal period, possibly contemporary with Abraham (approximately 2000-1800 BC). Job lived in Uz, likely in the region of Edom southeast of Israel. The dialogue structure—Job's lament followed by three cycles of speeches from his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature conventions. These lengthy dialogues explore the problem of innocent suffering, challenging simplistic retribution theology common in ancient cultures.

Zophar the Naamathite (possibly from Naamah in northwest Arabia) represents the most harsh and dogmatic of Job's three friends. His two speeches (Job 11 and 20) are shorter than Eliphaz's and Bildad's, and he doesn't speak in the third cycle, possibly indicating he has nothing more to say. His theology is rigid: the wicked always suffer, prosperity indicates righteousness, and suffering proves sin. This perspective reflected conventional wisdom but failed to account for the complexity revealed in Job's case.

The historical context of the book addresses the universal human problem of suffering's meaning. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature from Egypt and Mesopotamia (like the Babylonian "Ludlul Bēl Nēmeqi") also grappled with innocent suffering, but Job provides the biblical perspective. Unlike pagan literature that questioned divine justice or accepted suffering as capricious divine whim, Job maintains both God's absolute righteousness and the reality that human understanding is limited. The book anticipates Christ, the ultimate innocent sufferer whose redemptive suffering accomplishes God's eternal purposes (Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:21-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zophar's hasty, emotionally driven response illustrate the danger of speaking before truly listening?
  2. What is the difference between theological truth (the wicked do suffer) and wrongly applied theology (therefore all suffering indicates wickedness)?
  3. How can we offer comfort to suffering people without falling into the errors of Job's friends?
  4. What does this passage teach about the relationship between emotional conviction and spiritual wisdom?
  5. How does Job's experience of being misunderstood by religious friends point forward to Christ's suffering and rejection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לָ֭כֵן1 of 6
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

שְׂעִפַּ֣י2 of 6

“Therefore do my thoughts”

H5587

divided (in mind), i.e., (abstractly) a sentiment

יְשִׁיב֑וּנִי3 of 6

“cause me to answer”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וּ֝בַעֲב֗וּר4 of 6
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

ח֣וּשִׁי5 of 6

“and for this I make haste”

H2363

to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment

בִֽי׃6 of 6
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 20:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:22Proverbs 14:29Jeremiah 20:9Psalms 116:11Job 4:2Psalms 39:2-3

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