King James Version

What Does Job 21:20 Mean?

Job 21:20 in the King James Version says “His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.” — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.”

Job 21:20 · KJV

Context

18

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away. carrieth: Heb. stealeth

19

God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it. his iniquity: that is, the punishment of his iniquity

20

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

21

For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?

22

Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.

Read Job 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sinner should experience judgment: 'Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.' Job wants the wicked themselves to experience divine wrath, not escape through death or have only their children suffer. The cup metaphor for divine wrath appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 75:8, Revelation 14:10). Job's desire for just judgment isn't vindictive but reflects proper moral sense that evil should be punished.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The cup of God's wrath was common ancient Near Eastern imagery for divine judgment. Drinking the cup meant experiencing full consequences. Job's desire that the wicked themselves drink this cup reflects concern for genuine justice, not transferred punishment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish appropriate desire for justice from vindictive revenge?
  2. What does Christ drinking the cup of God's wrath mean for believers' judgment?
  3. How does substitutionary atonement satisfy both justice and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִרְא֣וּ1 of 6

“shall see”

H7200

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

עֵינָ֣ו2 of 6

“His eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כִּיד֑וֹ3 of 6

“his destruction”

H3589

a crushing; figuratively, calamity

וּמֵחֲמַ֖ת4 of 6

“of the wrath”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

שַׁדַּ֣י5 of 6

“of the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃6 of 6

“and he shall drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

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 21:20 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 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 75:8Revelation 14:10Isaiah 51:17Job 27:19Revelation 19:15Psalms 60:3

Test Your Knowledge

Job 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 21 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes