Job 20:4
Job 20:4 in Multiple Translations
Do you not know that from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth,
Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,
Knowest thou not this of old time, Since man was placed upon earth,
Have you knowledge of this from early times, when man was placed on the earth,
Don't you know that since ancient times, since human beings were put on this earth,
Knowest thou not this of olde? and since God placed man vpon the earth,
This hast thou known from antiquity? Since the placing of man on earth?
Don’t you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth,
Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,
This I know from the beginning, since man was placed upon the earth,
“Do you not know that from long ago, ever since people were first put on the earth,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/זֹ֣את
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
מִנִּי
עַ֑ד
מִנִּ֤י
שִׂ֖ים
אָדָ֣ם
עֲלֵי
אָֽרֶץ
הֲ/זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Part | Pron
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מִנִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep
עַ֑ד
ʻad
H5703
perpetuity
N-ms
מִנִּ֤י
min
H4480
from
Prep
שִׂ֖ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Inf-a
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 20:4
הֲ/זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Part | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
מִנִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
עַ֑ד
ʻad
H5703
"perpetuity"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.
מִנִּ֤י
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
שִׂ֖ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
עֲלֵי
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.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Job 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 20:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:4
- Sermons on Job 20:4
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
2“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me.
3I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.
4Do you not know that from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth,
5the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? 6Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 9:1–3 | And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. |
| 2 | Job 15:10 | Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father. |
| 3 | Job 32:7 | I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. |
| 4 | Psalms 115:16 | The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind. |
| 5 | Genesis 1:28 | God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” |
| 6 | Job 8:8–9 | Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. |
Job 20:4 Summary
This verse is saying that since the beginning of time, when God first put people on the earth, it has been clear that the happiness and success of wicked people is short-lived, as we see in Psalm 37:35-36. The speaker, Zophar, is about to explain that even though it might seem like the wicked are getting away with their actions, God will ultimately bring them to justice, just as He does in Isaiah 57:1. This truth can give us hope and comfort when we see evil people prospering, and remind us to trust in God's goodness and timing, as we are encouraged to do in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 27:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Job 20:4?
The main point of Job 20:4 is that the speaker, Zophar, is about to share a timeless truth that has been known since the beginning of humanity, as stated in the verse, and this truth is that the triumph of the wicked is brief, as seen in Psalm 37:35-36 and Isaiah 57:1.
What does 'from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth' mean in this verse?
This phrase refers to the beginning of human history, and it emphasizes that the truth Zophar is about to share has been known and observed since the earliest days of humanity, much like the knowledge of God's existence and nature that is spoken of in Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19:1-6.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Zophar's second speech, in which he responds to Job's previous statements, and it serves as an introduction to his argument that the wicked will ultimately face punishment, a theme that is also explored in other parts of the book, such as in Job 8:1-7 and Job 11:1-6.
What can we learn from Zophar's statement in this verse?
We can learn that there are timeless truths that have been known and observed throughout human history, and that these truths can be applied to our lives today, just as the Psalmist applies them in Psalm 103:17-18, and just as the apostle Paul does in 2 Timothy 2:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some examples from my own life where I have seen the 'triumph of the wicked' be brief, and how can I apply this truth to my current circumstances?
- In what ways can I, like Zophar, share timeless truths with others, and how can I be confident in the truth of God's word, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17?
- How does the phrase 'from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth' help me to understand the nature of God and His relationship with humanity, as described in Genesis 1:26-31 and Psalm 8:3-8?
- What are some ways that I can, like the Psalmist, trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when I see the wicked prospering, as spoken of in Psalm 37:1-7 and Psalm 73:1-28?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:4
Knowest thou [not] this of old,.... Or "from eternity" (g), from the beginning of time, ever since the world was; as if he should say, if you are the knowing man you pretend to be, you must know this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:4
Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, Knowest thou not? From thy way of behaving, one would think thou didst not know.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:4
i.e. This which I am now about to say. How canst thou, thou, I say, who pretendest to such an exact and universal knowledge of men and things, be ignorant of so notorious a thing, which wicked men sensibly feel, and good men diligently observe, and all men are forced to acknowledge, one time or other? Of old, i.e. from the experience of all former ages. Since man was placed upon earth, i.e. since the world was made, and there were any men to observe God’ s government of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:4
Job 20:4 Knowest thou [not] this of old, since man was placed upon earth,Ver. 4. Knowest thou not this of old] Whether Zophar intended his own conscience or not before, he here appealeth to Job’ s; and secretly taxeth him of going against it, or, at least, of gross ignorance; knowest thou not this, which every one knoweth that is not a mere novice, and which is proved by the examples and experiences of all ages? to wit, Malis male esse, that it shall be ill with the wicked. This is a generally received maxim, and the histories of all ages do plainly and plentifully confirm it. Hinc collige, diligenter observanda esse, &c. (Merlin). Hence we may well gather, that God’ s judgments against wicked persons are to be diligently observed out of the histories of all ages, both divine and human. Since man was placed upon the earth] Heb. Since he placed man upon the earth, viz. in that earthly paradise, the garden of Eden, planted for purpose of man’ s pleasure; where, nevertheless, he stayed not one night, as some gather from Psalms 49:12, but soon by his sin became like the beasts that perish ( pecoribus morticinis), that die of the murrain, saith Junius, and so are good for nothing. Cain for like cause was cast out, the old world drowned, Sodom and her sisters consumed with fire, &c. There cannot be one instance given to the contrary of that which is here affirmed, viz.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:4
Verse 4. Knowest thou not this of old] This is a maxim as ancient as the world; it began with the first man: A wicked man shall triumph but a short time; God will destroy the proud doer. Since man was placed upon earth] Literally, since ADAM was placed on the earth; that is, since the fall, wickedness and hypocrisy have existed; but they have never triumphed long. Thou hast lately been expressing confidence in reference to a general judgment; but such is thy character, that thou hast little reason to anticipate with any joy the decisions of that day.
Cambridge Bible on Job 20:4
4–10. The prosperity of the wicked is brief 4. Knowest thou not this old] i. e. knowest thou not this to be or to have been of old, lit. from for ever. “This” which is from of old and from the time man has been upon the earth is the fact that the felicity of the wicked is brief (Job 20:5). On “hypocrite” see ch. Job 8:13.
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:4
Knowest thou not this of old - That is, dost thou not know that this has always happened from the beginning of the world, or that this is the invariable course of events.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:4
4. Knowest thou this — This gives the only sign of a reply that either he or his friends deign to make to the grand confession of faith, I know, etc.
Sermons on Job 20:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Each One Must Examine His/her Task by Sydney TM Mbatha | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. He uses the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate his point. The virgins |
|
The Tent of Shem by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a radical message he gave as a young believer at a Full Gospel Businessmen's Conference. Despite facing backlash and criticism, the message |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 9:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of draining the blood from animals before consuming them, as it symbolizes the taking of life. The speaker also expresses his p |
|
|
God of the Nations - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's rule over his creation throughout redemption history. He refers to biblical events such as the flood an |
|
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the challenges and struggles faced by believers in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being anointed by the Holy Spirit and refers |
|
(Genesis #9) God in Covenant by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to communicate His word to us and desires our comfort and service. The preacher highlights the covenant God made with all cre |
|
(Happenings Ahead) the Man of Sin and the Scarlet Woman 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the curse of slavery that was placed upon the descendants of Ham, specifically Canaan. He explains that the entire family of Ham was put into |