King James Version

What Does Job 20:24 Mean?

Job 20:24 in the King James Version says “He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.” — study this verse from Job chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.”

Job 20:24 · KJV

Context

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.

24

He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.

25

It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are upon him.

26

All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.

Read Job 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall flee from the iron weapon (יִבְרַח מִנְּשֶׁק בַּרְזֶל, yivrah minneshek barzel)—Zophar's vivid battle imagery depicts the wicked as a fleeing warrior. Barzel (iron) represents superior weaponry that Bronze Age armies feared. The bow of steel shall strike him through (תַּחְלְפֵהוּ קֶשֶׁת נְחוּשָׁה, tachlephehu qeshet nechushah)—actually 'bow of bronze' (nechushah), not steel. The KJV's 'steel' reflects translation convention; bronze bows were formidable ancient weapons.

The imagery suggests inescapable judgment: flee from one weapon, you're struck by another. This anticipates Amos 5:19 (flee the lion, meet the bear). Zophar believes divine judgment pursues the wicked relentlessly. His error isn't the theology itself—God does judge sin—but identifying Job as the target. The NT affirms inescapable judgment (Hebrews 9:27) but reveals Christ as both judge and substitute.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Iron weapons became widespread in the ancient Near East during the Iron Age (1200-600 BC), though the Job narrative predates this. The mention of iron may reflect later editorial updating of archaic terms for contemporary readers. Bronze bows required enormous strength and were prized weapons. Composite bows could pierce armor at considerable distance, making them symbols of inescapable divine judgment (Psalm 7:12-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inescapability of divine judgment in Zophar's speech point to humanity's desperate need for a mediator?
  2. What is the relationship between temporal judgments (which the wicked sometimes escape) and final judgment (which no one escapes)?
  3. How should the certainty of judgment affect how we warn others, without becoming accusatory like Zophar?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִ֭בְרַח1 of 6

“He shall flee”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

מִנֵּ֣שֶׁק2 of 6

“weapon”

H5402

military equipment, i.e., (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal

בַּרְזֶ֑ל3 of 6

“from the iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

תַּ֝חְלְפֵ֗הוּ4 of 6

“shall strike him through”

H2498

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

קֶ֣שֶׁת5 of 6

“and the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

נְחוּשָֽׁה׃6 of 6

“of steel”

H5154

copper

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 20:24 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 20:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 5:19Isaiah 24:182 Samuel 22:35Proverbs 7:231 Kings 20:30Amos 9:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

Job 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 20 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes