Job 20:5
Job 20:5 in Multiple Translations
the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless but for a moment?
That the pride of the sinner is short, and the joy of the evil-doer but for a minute?
that the triumph of the wicked doesn't last long, that those who reject God are only happy for a short time?
That the reioycing of the wicked is short, and that the ioy of hypocrites is but a moment?
That the singing of the wicked [is] short, And the joy of the profane for a moment,
that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
That the praise of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.
wicked people like you do not continue to rejoice for a long time, ungodly people are happy only for a ◄moment/very short time► [HYP]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Job 20:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
רִנְנַ֣ת
רְ֭שָׁעִים
מִ/קָּר֑וֹב
וְ/שִׂמְחַ֖ת
חָנֵ֣ף
עֲדֵי
רָֽגַע
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רִנְנַ֣ת
rᵉnânâh
H7445
triumphing
N-fs
רְ֭שָׁעִים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
מִ/קָּר֑וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Prep | Adj
וְ/שִׂמְחַ֖ת
simchâh
H8057
joy
Conj | N-fs
חָנֵ֣ף
chânêph
H2611
profane
Adj
עֲדֵי
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
רָֽגַע
regaʻ
H7281
moment
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 20:5
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.
רִנְנַ֣ת
rᵉnânâh
H7445
"triumphing"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a triumphant shout for joy, like the joyful singing in Psalm 100. It's about celebrating with a loud, ringing cry. In the Bible, it's often used to describe worship and praise.
Definition: ringing cry, shout (for joy)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: joyful (voice), singing, triumphing. See also: Job 3:7; Psalms 63:6; Psalms 100:2.
רְ֭שָׁעִים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מִ/קָּר֑וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
וְ/שִׂמְחַ֖ת
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
חָנֵ֣ף
chânêph
H2611
"profane"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is hypocritical and godless, like the Pharisees Jesus condemned in Matthew 23. It means being soiled by sin and acting irreligiously. The KJV Bible translates it as 'hypocrite'.
Definition: hypocritical, godless, profane, hypocrite, irreligious
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: hypocrite(-ical). See also: Job 8:13; Job 34:30; Psalms 35:16.
עֲדֵי
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
רָֽגַע
regaʻ
H7281
"moment"
N-ms
This word describes a very short space of time, like the blink of an eye. It can be translated as a moment, instant, or suddenly.
Definition: 1) a moment adv 2) for a moment, at one moment...at another moment with prep 3) in a moment
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: instant, moment, space, suddenly. See also: Exodus 33:5; Isaiah 26:20; Psalms 6:11.
Study Notes — Job 20:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:5
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:5
- Sermons on Job 20:5
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
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, 7he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:35–36 | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. |
| 2 | Job 18:5–6 | Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. |
| 3 | Acts 12:22–23 | And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
| 4 | Psalms 73:18–20 | Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. |
| 5 | Job 8:12–13 | While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up quicker than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish. |
| 6 | Job 27:8 | For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? |
| 7 | Job 5:3 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. |
| 8 | Matthew 7:21 | Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. |
| 9 | Judges 16:21–30 | Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison. However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved. Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” Now the temple was full of men and women; all the lords of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them. Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson reached out for the two central pillars supporting the temple. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one pillar and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. |
| 10 | Job 8:19 | Surely this is the joy of his way; yet others will spring from the dust. |
Job 20:5 Summary
The verse Job 20:5 reminds us that the success and happiness of people who do not follow God will not last long. This is because God is in control and will bring justice, as we see in Psalm 37:35-36. We can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives or in the world, and remember that our hope is in eternal things, not earthly successes or failures (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). By keeping our eyes on God and His promises, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of Job 20:5 in the context of the book of Job?
Job 20:5 emphasizes that the triumph of the wicked is short-lived, which is a theme also found in Psalm 37:35-36, reminding us that God is ultimately in control and will bring justice.
How can we reconcile the idea of the wicked prospering with the concept of a loving God?
The Bible teaches that God's ways are not our ways, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, and that His timing and purposes are often beyond our understanding, but we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty.
What does it mean for the joy of the godless to be momentary?
This phrase suggests that the happiness and satisfaction that unbelievers experience are fleeting and will eventually come to an end, as stated in Luke 12:20, where riches and possessions do not guarantee lasting joy or security.
How can we apply the truth of Job 20:5 to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's sovereignty and remembering that our struggles and hardships are temporary, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, and that our hope is in eternal things, not earthly successes or failures.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen the triumph of the wicked in my own life or in the world around me, and how can I respond to these situations with faith and trust in God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and timing in my life, even when I do not see immediate justice or resolution to difficult circumstances?
- What are some things that bring me momentary joy or happiness, and how can I ensure that these things are not becoming idols or distractions from my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I trust in God's goodness and character, even when I do not understand the circumstances of my life or the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short,.... Their outward prosperity and felicity, of which they make their boast, and in which they glory and triumph for a while; at first Job's friends set
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Hypocrite - literally, the ungodly (Psalms 37:35-36).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:5
Is short, Heb. is from near, i.e. from or for a little time; they have not long enjoyed it, and it will shortly vanish. The joy of the hypocrite: this he adds by way of reflection upon Job, who though he did clear himself from gross wickedness, yet might be guilty of deep hyprocrisy.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:5
Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?Ver. 5. That the triumphing of the wicked is short] Heb. That the shouting of the wicked is from near, it is of no long standing, but like a blaze of thorns, that is quickly extinct, or as a bubble in the water, that is soon down; the pleasure of sin is but for a season. Huius sententiae exemptum habes in Goliath, saith Brentius here. An example of this sentence we have in Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:42-44; and another in his countrymen, the Philistines, who had twice beaten the Israelites, and taken the ark, 1 Samuel 5:1-12, but this triumph was soon at an end; and so was that of the Jews when they had crucified Christ, and now danced upon his grave, as the proverb is; but he arose in despite of them, and set up his trophies. Say that the triumph of the wicked should last as long as life, what is that to the Infinite? Punctum est quod vivimus, et puncto minus. But wicked men commonly die before their time, as Solomon phraseth it, Ecclesiastes 7:17; that is, by an untimely death, they live not half their days, Psalms 55:23. God cuts them off, that others may live more quietly; and while they live, their comforts are not sincere, but mixed with many molestations. Little knoweth the world where their new shoes pinch them, as that Roman said.
One little drop of an evil conscience can trouble a whole sea of the wicked man’ s triumphs. The joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?] Zophar had a strong conceit that Job was but a hypocrite, one that was wicked before God in heart, notwithstanding his fair pretences and professions of piety, and should therefore be led forth with the workers of iniquity, Psalms 125:5, as cattle led to the slaughter, or as bulls led to the altar, with garlands on their horns, and music by their sides, Acts 14:13, but suddenly they feel and fall under the murdering axe. Such is the hypocrite’ s joy, and Zophar would he should know so much, being sensible of this that himself was the party in speech; since his prosperity had ended in misery, and God had dashed all his comforts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:5
(5) The triumphing of the wicked is short.—He affirms that the destruction of the wicked is not only certain, but speedy. (Comp. Psalms 103:16 and Job 7:8; Job 7:10.)
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:5
That the triumphing - The word “triumphing” here (רננה renânâh),” shouting, rejoicing” - such a shouting as people make after a victory, or such as occurred at the close of harvesting.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:5
5. Hypocrite — Ungodly. Job’s triumphant faith is but “the triumphing of the wicked,” and “the joy of the ungodly.” These are the rough, spiteful stones which Zophar hurls at the exultant confession
Sermons on Job 20:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Cost by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of counting the cost of true Christianity, urging believers to consider the sacrifices required to follow Christ. He warns that many who initial |
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If God Could Keep Me From Trouble, Then Why Doesn't He? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and doing good. He encourages the audience to look for opportunities to do good and to rely on God's p |
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God's Terribleness and Gentleness by Joseph Parker | Joseph Parker preaches about the contrasting truths of God's power and restraint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing both aspects. He illustrates how God's p |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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Waiting Rather Than Fretting by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the inevitability of external stimuli that cause vexation in our lives, suggesting that true deliverance from a fretting spirit comes through humility, self-d |
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We Should Obey God by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of obeying God rather than following prideful and divisive leaders who incite conflict. He warns against yielding to the harmful inclinati |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |