King James Version
What Does Job 24:20 Mean?
“The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.”
Context
18
He is swift as the waters ; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.
19
Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned. consume: Heb. violently take
20
The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.
21
He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.
22
He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life. no: or, he trusteth not his own life
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **The womb shall forget him.**—Some understand this verse as expressing what *ought *rather to be the doom of the wicked. “His own mother *should *forget him; the worm should feed sweetly on him; he should be no more remembered; and *then *unrighteousness would be broken as a tree.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 24:20 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 24:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge