King James Version
What Does Job 33:20 Mean?
“So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. dainty: Heb. meat of desire”
Job 33:20 · KJV
Context
18
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. from perishing: Heb. from passing
19
He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20
So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. dainty: Heb. meat of desire
21
His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out .
22
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo that his life abhorreth bread (wezihămāṯû ḥayyātô lāḥem, וְזִהֲמַתּוּ חַיָּתוֹ לָחֶם)—The verb zāham means to loathe, feel disgust, or abhor. Life (ḥayyāh) itself recoils from bread (leḥem), the staff of life. This depicts severe illness where appetite vanishes—the body rejects sustenance necessary for survival. Physical revulsion toward food signals mortal danger, the body shutting down its basic drives.
And his soul dainty meat (wěnapšô ma'ăkal ta'ăwāh, וְנַפְשׁוֹ מַאֲכַל תַּאֲוָה)—Even delicacies (ma'ăkal ta'ăwāh, food of desire or appetite) that normally stimulate hunger become repulsive. The soul (nepeš) refuses what once gave pleasure. This progression shows suffering advancing from pain (v.19) to systemic shutdown. Elihu's description mirrors Job's own testimony: 'I have no appetite for food' (3:24, literal translation). The loss of desire for life's basic goods signals proximity to death.
And his soul dainty meat (wěnapšô ma'ăkal ta'ăwāh, וְנַפְשׁוֹ מַאֲכַל תַּאֲוָה)—Even delicacies (ma'ăkal ta'ăwāh, food of desire or appetite) that normally stimulate hunger become repulsive. The soul (nepeš) refuses what once gave pleasure. This progression shows suffering advancing from pain (v.19) to systemic shutdown. Elihu's description mirrors Job's own testimony: 'I have no appetite for food' (3:24, literal translation). The loss of desire for life's basic goods signals proximity to death.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture viewed appetite and eating as signs of vitality and divine blessing. Abraham prepared a feast for angelic visitors (Genesis 18:6-8), and shared meals sealed covenants. Loss of appetite signaled serious illness or depression (1 Samuel 1:7, Psalm 102:4). Without modern medical intervention, prolonged inability to eat meant certain death. Elihu describes suffering's progression toward mortality.
Reflection Questions
- How does losing appetite for life's normal pleasures during suffering redirect attention to deeper spiritual needs?
- What does this description teach about empathy for those experiencing severe illness or depression?
- How might God use the loss of earthly appetites to create hunger for Himself alone?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsחַיָּת֣וֹ2 of 6
“So that his life”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ4 of 6
“and his soul”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
תַּאֲוָֽה׃6 of 6
“dainty”
H8378a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
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 33:20 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 33:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge