King James Version

What Does Job 20:21 Mean?

Job 20:21 in the King James Version says “There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods. none: or, be none left for his meat” — study this verse from Job chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods. none: or, be none left for his meat”

Job 20:21 · KJV

Context

19

Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; oppressed: Heb. crushed

20

Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. feel: Heb. know

21

There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods. none: or, be none left for his meat

22

In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him. wicked: or, troublesome

23

When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating.

Read Job 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nothing escapes the wicked's consumption: 'There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.' The wicked consume everything, leaving nothing—yet this brings no lasting prosperity. The second phrase suggests their goods won't endure or benefit others. While describing some wicked people's fate, this doesn't explain Job's losses. Job's wealth benefited many; its loss came from external attack, not consumption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom warned against consuming all resources without provision for future or others. Joseph's wisdom in Egypt demonstrates proper stewardship. Zophar assumes Job consumed everything selfishly, contradicting Job's testimony of generosity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we steward resources for future and others rather than present consumption?
  2. What distinguishes appropriate enjoyment from selfish consumption?
  3. How does the Gospel transform our relationship with material possessions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֵין1 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׂרִ֥יד2 of 8

“be left”

H8300

a survivor

לְאָכְל֑וֹ3 of 8

“There shall none of his meat”

H400

food

עַל4 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֝֗ן5 of 8
H3651

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

לֹא6 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָחִ֥יל7 of 8

“therefore shall no man look”

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

טוּבֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“for his goods”

H2898

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

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 20:21 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 20:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 15:29Jeremiah 17:11Luke 16:24-25Job 18:19

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