King James Version

What Does Job 20:7 Mean?

Job 20:7 in the King James Version says “Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?” — study this verse from Job chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?”

Job 20:7 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

7

Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?

8

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

9

The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.

Read Job 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung (כְּגֶלְלוֹ לָנֶצַח יֹאבֵד, keglelo lanetsach yoved)—Zophar delivers the book's most visceral, repulsive image: the wicked person perishes כְּגֶלְלוֹ (keglelo, 'like his dung/excrement'). The noun גָּלָל (galal) is animal dung, used for fuel but considered unclean. לָנֶצַח (lanetsach, 'forever, perpetually') intensifies the judgment: permanent rubbish.

They which have seen him shall say, Where is he? (רֹאָיו יֹאמְרוּ אַיּוֹ, ro'av yomru 'ayyo)—The wicked vanish so completely that witnesses ask אַיּוֹ ('ayyo, 'Where?')—an interrogative of absence. Zophar assumes Job's suffering proves him wicked, headed for oblivion. The irony: Job will be vindicated, remembered, and his words canonized, while Zophar's name means 'chirper'—insignificant noise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The image of dung as worthlessness appears across Scripture. Paul considers his credentials 'dung' (σκύβαλον, skubalon) compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Zophar weaponizes this metaphor against Job, but the book's resolution proves Zophar spoke 'dung'—his theology was the refuse, not Job's life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zophar's crude insult reveal the depths to which theological argumentation can sink?
  2. When have you seen people use Scripture's vivid language to wound rather than heal?
  3. What does it mean that Job's words were preserved as Scripture while Zophar's condemnation proved false?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כְּֽ֭גֶלֲלוֹ1 of 6

“like his own dung”

H1561

dung (plural balls of dung)

לָנֶ֣צַח2 of 6

“for ever”

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

יֹאבֵ֑ד3 of 6

“Yet he shall perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

רֹ֝אָ֗יו4 of 6

“they which have seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יֹאמְר֥וּ5 of 6

“him shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַיּֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“Where”

H335

where? hence how?

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 20:7 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 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 83:10Job 7:102 Kings 9:37Job 14:10Job 4:20Job 8:18

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