King James Version

What Does Job 20:29 Mean?

Job 20:29 in the King James Version says “This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God. appointed: Heb. of his decree ...” — study this verse from Job chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God. appointed: Heb. of his decree from God”

Job 20:29 · KJV

Context

27

The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him.

28

The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath.

29

This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God. appointed: Heb. of his decree from God

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.' Zophar concludes: this is the wicked's 'portion' (חֵלֶק, cheleq) from God and appointed 'heritage' (נַחֲלַת אִמְרוֹ, nachalat imro). 'Portion' and 'heritage' are covenant language, usually positive (Psalm 16:5, 73:26). Zophar inverts them: the wicked's inheritance is judgment. The theology is sound (Psalm 11:6). The application to Job is false: Job isn't receiving the wicked's portion but the righteous's testing. By calling Job's suffering the wicked's heritage, Zophar damns Job. Yet God ultimately vindicates Job and condemns Zophar's theology (42:7). This warns against presuming to know someone's eternal destiny from temporal circumstances. Only God assigns portions and heritages.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Inheritance and portion language was central to Israel's covenant theology. Zophar's use of this sacred language to condemn Job would have been particularly harsh, suggesting Job's covenant standing itself was false.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we avoid presuming to assign eternal portions based on temporal circumstances?
  2. What does it mean that suffering doesn't determine our heritage in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
זֶ֤ה׀1 of 8
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חֵֽלֶק2 of 8

“This is the portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

אָדָ֣ם3 of 8

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

רָ֭שָׁע4 of 8

“of a wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

מֵאֱלֹהִ֑ים5 of 8

“from God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְנַחֲלַ֖ת6 of 8

“and the heritage”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אִמְר֣וֹ7 of 8

“appointed”

H561

something said

מֵאֵֽל׃8 of 8

“unto him by God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

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 20:29 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 20:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 27:13Job 31:2-3Psalms 11:5-6Job 18:21Matthew 24:51Lamentations 3:38

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