Job 20:21
Job 20:21 in Multiple Translations
Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure.
There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.
There was nothing left that he devoured not; Therefore his prosperity shall not endure.
He had never enough for his desire; for this cause his well-being will quickly come to an end.
Nothing escapes their ravenous appetites, so their happiness doesn't last long.
There shall none of his meate bee left: therefore none shall hope for his goods.
There is not a remnant to his food, Therefore his good doth not stay.
There was nothing left that he didn’t devour, therefore his prosperity will not endure.
There shall none of his food be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.
There was nothing left of his meat, and therefore nothing shall continue of his goods:
When they finished eating their food, there was never anything left over because they had greedily eaten it all; but now their prosperity will end.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:21
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 20:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵין
שָׂרִ֥יד
לְ/אָכְל֑/וֹ
עַל
כֵּ֝֗ן
לֹא
יָחִ֥יל
טוּבֽ/וֹ
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
שָׂרִ֥יד
sârîyd
H8300
survivor
N-ms
לְ/אָכְל֑/וֹ
ʼôkel
H400
food
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֝֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָחִ֥יל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
טוּבֽ/וֹ
ṭûwb
H2898
goodness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 20:21
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
שָׂרִ֥יד
sârîyd
H8300
"survivor"
N-ms
A survivor is someone who remains alive after a difficult event, and this word is used to describe those who are left after a disaster or war. It can also refer to a remnant of people who continue to exist despite challenges. The Bible often uses this term to describe the remaining Israelites.
Definition: 1) survivor, remnant, that which is left 1a) survivor
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] alive, left, remain(-ing), remnant, rest. See also: Numbers 21:35; 2 Kings 10:11; Isaiah 1:9.
לְ/אָכְל֑/וֹ
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֝֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
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.
יָחִ֥יל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
טוּבֽ/וֹ
ṭûwb
H2898
"goodness"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word describes goodness, beauty, or gladness, emphasizing the positive aspects of something. It is used in various books, including Psalms and Proverbs. This word highlights the best or most excellent qualities of something.
Definition: 1) goods, good things, goodness 1a) good things 1b) goods, property 1c) fairness, beauty, joy, prosperity, goodness (abstract) 1d) goodness (of taste, discernment) 1e) goodness (of God) (abstract)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: fair, gladness, good(-ness, thing, -s), joy, go well with. See also: Genesis 24:10; Psalms 27:13; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Job 20:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 20:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:21
- Sermons on Job 20:21
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
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. 23When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:11 | Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.” |
| 2 | Job 15:29 | He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land. |
| 3 | Luke 16:24–25 | So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
| 4 | Job 18:19 | He has no offspring or posterity among his people, no survivor where he once lived. |
Job 20:21 Summary
[This verse is saying that when someone is only looking out for themselves and taking advantage of others to get what they want, their success won't last. As Psalm 37:1-2 teaches, the wicked will eventually wither away, while the righteous will flourish. It's like they're eating away at everything around them, but eventually, there will be nothing left, and their prosperity will disappear. This is a reminder that true fulfillment and prosperity come from living a life of righteousness and generosity, as seen in Proverbs 19:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'nothing is left for him to consume' in Job 20:21?
This phrase suggests that the wicked person's insatiable appetite for wealth and power will eventually lead to his downfall, as there will be nothing left for him to exploit or dominate, much like the warning in Proverbs 21:25-26 that those who are greedy will be left with nothing.
How does this verse relate to the idea of prosperity?
The verse indicates that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived and will not endure, as seen in Psalm 37:1-2, which teaches that the wicked will wither like grass, while the righteous will flourish like a tree planted by streams of water.
Is this verse saying that all wealthy people will lose their prosperity?
No, this verse is specifically addressing the wicked and their selfish, exploitative ways, as seen in Job 20:19, and not all wealthy individuals, as some, like Job, were wealthy and righteous, as noted in Job 1:1-3.
What is the ultimate consequence of the wicked person's actions?
According to Job 20:23, the ultimate consequence is that God will vent His fury upon the wicked person, which is a sobering reminder of the importance of living a righteous life, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize my own desires and needs above those of others, and how can I work to change this?
- In what ways do I see the concept of 'nothing being left to consume' playing out in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
- How can I cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude, rather than an insatiable appetite for more, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10?
- What does this verse teach me about the fleeting nature of worldly prosperity and the importance of seeking eternal riches, as encouraged in Matthew 6:19-21?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:21
There shall none of his meat be left,.... Not in his belly, all shall be cast up; none of his substance left for himself or others; none of his riches for his children or heirs, all being consumed:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:21
There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods. There shall none of his meat be left. Maurer translates 'Nothing was left to his voracity' - i:e., nothing escaped his voracity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:21
None of his meat be left for his own future use; but he shall be stripped of all. Therefore shall no man look for his goods; it being publicly known and observed that he was totally ruined, none of his kindred or friends shall trouble themselves to seek for any relics of his estate, as is usually done after men’ s deaths. But this verse is and may be rendered otherwise, There shall none be left for his meat, (i.e. he shall leave no heir who shall possess or enjoy his goods,) because, none of his goods shall remain, either for his heir or any other; all shall be utterly lost.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:21
Job 20:21 There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.Ver. 21. There shall none of his meat be left] Zophar still pursueth the allegory of the belly; and in all striketh at poor Job, who had scarce a bit of bread to eat, but yet was not without the hidden manna, the feast of a good conscience, which made him say with Luther, Manducato pane hic vivamus, &c., Let us take up with coarse fare here, since we have better within, and better yet we shall have in heaven; in our Father’ s house is bread enough, &c. Therefore no man shall look for his goods] Heb. His goods, or goodness. It was well said, that he that first called riches Bona, goods, was a better husband than divine. But it may be thought that the most are such husbands. The common cry is, "Who will show us any good?" The Lord answereth, Exodus 33:19, "I will make all my good pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee." The prophet answereth, Micah 6:8, "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good," viz. to do justly; and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. But most men are of his mind who said, He that will not venture his body will never be valiant, and he that will not venture his soul will never be rich (Nevessan). But what saith the prophet? He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall die a poor fool, Jeremiah 17:11.
And what saith Zophar here? He shall die a plain beggar, and leave no estate worth the looking after or suing for; this does not always happen, but ωςεπιτοπολυ, many times it doth, as is easily to be observed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:21
(21) There shall none of his meat be left.—Rather, There was nothing left that he devoured not, therefore his prosperity shall not endure.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:21
Verse 21. There shall none of his meat be left] Coverdale translates thus: He devoured so gredily, that he left nothinge behynde, therefore his goodes shal not prospere. He shall be stripped of every thing.
Cambridge Bible on Job 20:21
21. his goods] This may mean his prosperity. In all these verses the retribution corresponds to the sin—the insatiable greediness is recompensed by utter loss and want.
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:21
“There shall none of his meat be left Margin, “or, be none left for his meat.” Noyes renders it, “Because nothing escaped his greatness.” Prof.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:21
21. His goods — Nothing escaped his devouring. Therefore his good, ùׂ ?åá, shall not endure. “By the word good is intended his summum bonum, or what seemed such to the bad man.
Sermons on Job 20:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 55 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the division caused by those who separate themselves from unity, leading to spiritual deaths and deceitfulness. He emphasizes the importance of casting |
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A Few Sighs From Hell (Reading) by John Bunyan | In this sermon transcript, the preacher warns the listeners to consider the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and not to delay in accepting it. He emphasizes the consequences of rejec |
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People Who Die Without Christ Jesus Go to Hell by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into the topic of hell, emphasizing the eternal and dreadful nature of it. It explores the severity of hell as a place of fire, pain, weeping, and gnashing of te |
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Radio Messages on Lordship by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding why Jesus Christ died on the cross and was raised from the dead. He urges the audience to pay attention to t |
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Future Punishment Eternal by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the necessity of discussing hell in preaching, citing biblical figures like David, Paul, John, and Jesus who spoke plainly about it. He argues tha |
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Faith's View of Christ by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes that Christ came to bring joy and peace to humanity, contrasting true joy with the fleeting pleasures of the world. He explains that the disciples |
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Jesus Forsaken by God by R.B. Jones | R.B. Jones preaches on the profound agony of Jesus on the cross, illustrating it as a representation of the torment of hell for those who reject Him. He emphasizes that the physica |