Job 20:20
Job 20:20 in Multiple Translations
Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure.
Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.
Because he knew no quietness within him, He shall not save aught of that wherein he delighteth.
There is no peace for him in his wealth, and no salvation for him in those things in which he took delight.
Because their greed was never satisfied, nothing they liked is left that they didn't consume.
Surely he shall feele no quietnes in his bodie, neither shall he reserue of that which he desired.
For he hath not known ease in his belly. With his desirable thing he delivereth not himself.
“Because he knew no quietness within him, he will not save anything of that in which he delights.
Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.
And yet his belly was not filled: and when he hath the things he coveted, he shall not be able to possess them.
“They were always greedy and never satisfied. They just keep dreaming about owning more and more things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹא
יָדַ֣ע
שָׁלֵ֣ו
בְּ/בִטְנ֑/וֹ
בַּ֝/חֲמוּד֗/וֹ
לֹ֣א
יְמַלֵּֽט
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁלֵ֣ו
shâlêv
H7961
at ease
Adj
בְּ/בִטְנ֑/וֹ
beṭen
H990
belly
Prep | N-fs | Suff
בַּ֝/חֲמוּד֗/וֹ
châmad
H2530
to desire
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְמַלֵּֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 20:20
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שָׁלֵ֣ו
shâlêv
H7961
"at ease"
Adj
Being at ease means feeling peaceful and secure, like having no worries. In the Bible, it can also mean being prosperous or wealthy, but sometimes it can imply being too comfortable and becoming careless.
Definition: 1) quiet, at ease, prosperous 1a) at ease (of persons) 1b) quiet (of land) 1c) quiet, ease 1d) ease (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (being) at ease, peaceable, (in) prosper(-ity), quiet(-ness), wealthy. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:40; Psalms 73:12; Jeremiah 49:31.
בְּ/בִטְנ֑/וֹ
beṭen
H990
"belly"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
בַּ֝/חֲמוּד֗/וֹ
châmad
H2530
"to desire"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take great pleasure in something or someone, like a precious treasure. It's used to describe the beauty of God's creation and the joy of being in a loving relationship. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and Psalms to express delight and desire.
Definition: v 1) to desire, covet, take pleasure in, delight in 1a) (Qal) to desire 1b) (Niphal) to be desirable 1c) (Piel) to delight greatly, desire greatly
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: beauty, greatly beloved, covet, delectable thing, ([idiom] great) delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 6:25; Psalms 19:11.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְמַלֵּֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
Study Notes — Job 20:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 20:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:20
- Sermons on Job 20:20
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
18He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading.
19For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build.
20Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure.
21Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure. 22In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 5:13–14 | There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:20–21 | But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” |
Job 20:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we are never satisfied with what we have, we will never be able to truly enjoy or keep our possessions. It's like having a big house full of toys, but never being happy with what we have. As it says in 1 Timothy 6:7, we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out, so we should focus on storing up treasures in heaven, not just on earth. By trusting in God and being content with what we have, we can find true joy and satisfaction, as seen in Philippians 4:11-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that his appetite is never satisfied?
This phrase suggests that the person's desire for wealth and material possessions is insatiable, and no amount of treasure can fulfill it, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:10 where it says, 'Whoever loves money never has money enough.'
How does this relate to the concept of greed?
The verse highlights the dangers of greed, where one's appetite for wealth consumes them, leading to an inability to escape or enjoy their treasure, similar to the warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 about the love of money being a root of all kinds of evil.
Is this verse only talking about wealthy people?
While the context suggests a wealthy individual, the principle applies to anyone whose heart is consumed by a desire for more, whether it be wealth, power, or other earthly pursuits, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
What is the ultimate consequence of never being satisfied?
The ultimate consequence is that one cannot escape or enjoy their treasure, and as the surrounding verses suggest, their prosperity will not endure, and they will face distress and misery, as seen in Job 20:21-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I am never satisfied with, and how can I find contentment in God?
- How can I balance my desire for earthly possessions with a heart that is focused on eternal treasures?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of gratitude and satisfaction with what I have, rather than constantly desiring more?
- In what ways can I use my resources to bless others and bring glory to God, rather than just accumulating wealth for myself?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:20
Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly,.... Or happiness in his children, so some in Bar Tzemach; rather shall have no satisfaction in his substance; though his belly is filled with hid
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:20
Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. Shall not - rather, 'For he knows (or knew) no quietness' or rest from desires. In his belly - i:e., inwardly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:20
He shall not feel quietness in his belly, i.e. he shall have no peace nor satisfaction in his mind in all his gains, partly because of his perpetual fears and expectations of the wrath of God and man, which his guilty conscience knoweth that he deserves; and partly because they shall be speedily taken away from him. He still continueth the metaphor of a glutton, whose belly is not quiet until it hath vomited up that wherewith he had oppressed it. Of that which he desired, i.e. any part of his good and desirable things, but he shall forfeit and lose them all.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:20
Job 20:20 Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.Ver. 20. Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly] i.e. Peace in his conscience, satisfaction in his soul; but as he is still coveting more, being sick of a dropsy or bulimy, as it were; so he hath many inward gripings and grabbings, worse than any belly ache or sickness of the stomach; he never eateth to the satisfying of his soul, as the righteous man doth, but the belly of the wicked shall want, Proverbs 13:25. His meat is so sauced, and his drink so spiced, with the wrath of God, that he hath no joy of it. His belly is pained, his mind is in perpetual turmoil, while, like a ship laden, but not filled up, he hath enough to sink him, but not enough to satisfy him. He shall not save of that which he desired] Which he coveted with strong desire, and had as soon have been knocked on the head as parted with, as his plate, wardrobe, jewels, &c., neither can he save them nor they him. Broughton rendereth, By that which he desired he shall not be safe; and to like purpose the Septuagint,
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:20
(20) Quietness in his belly.—“Because he knew no quietness within him, (Comp. Isaiah 57:20-21.) he shall not save ought of that which he desireth.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:20
Verse 20. Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly] I have already remarked that the word בטן beten, which we translate belly, often means in the sacred Scriptures the whole of the human trunk; the regions of the thorax and abdomen, with their contents; the heart, lungs, liver, c., and consequently all the thoughts, purposes, and inclinations of the mind, of which those viscera were supposed to be the functionaries. The meaning seems to be, "He shall never be satisfied he shall have an endless desire after secular good, and shall never be able to obtain what he covets."
Cambridge Bible on Job 20:20
20. quietness in his belly] Rather as above. The belly is the seat of appetite; the words mean, because he felt and displayed a restless insatiable greediness.
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:20
Surely he shall not feel quietness - Margin, as in the Hebrew “know.” The sense is, he shall not know peace or tranquility. He shall be agitated and troubled.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:20
20. That which he desired — Because he knew no rest in his craving, (literally, belly,) he shall not escape with his dearest; meaning, perhaps, the children of Job.
Sermons on Job 20:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ii Timothy - Part 1 - Continue in the Gospel by John Stott | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the word of God and not being influenced by the world. He reminds Timothy of his past and present loyalty |
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(John - Part 47): Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having faith in God rather than relying on worldly things. He emphasizes that while material possessions and achievements m |
|
No Peace for the Wicked by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of King David and his guilt after taking the widow of a fallen soldier as his wife. David felt restless and burdened by his wrongdoi |
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Comfort and Security in Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to the end of the chapter. He begins by explaining that he chose to preach on something comforting |
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Contentment and Covetousness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of rest and contentment in God. It highlights the need to focus on obeying all of God's commandments and claiming His promise |
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The God of Peace by Thomas Wilson | The video is a sermon transcript that covers various topics. It starts with a description of a powerful waterfall and the awe it inspires, relating it to the anticipation of seeing |
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Psalm 47 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a young boy who was fascinated by a particular object. The speaker then relates this story to the idea of putting our t |