King James Version
What Does Job 20:4 Mean?
“Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,”
Job 20:4 · KJV
Context
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,
5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? short: Heb. from near
6
Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; clouds: Heb. cloud
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryZophar appeals to tradition: 'Knowest thou not this of old, that the triumphing of the wicked is short?' This invocation of ancient wisdom attempts to silence Job through conventional theology. Yet Job's experience challenges this comfortable certainty.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued tradition as authoritative. Zophar's appeal to 'old' knowledge reveals how tradition can blind us to present reality.
Reflection Questions
- When does appealing to traditional wisdom become avoidance of hard questions?
- How do you balance respect for tradition with honest engagement with reality?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsיָ֭דַעְתָּ2 of 9
“Knowest”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עַ֑ד4 of 9
“thou not this of old”
H5703properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
שִׂ֖ים6 of 9
“was placed”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עֲלֵי8 of 9
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 20:4 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 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge