Job 20:8
Job 20:8 in Multiple Translations
He will fly away like a dream, never to be found; he will be chased away like a vision in the night.
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: Yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
He is gone like a dream, and is not seen again; he goes in flight like a vision of the night.
They will vanish like a dream, never to be found, fleeing like a vision of the night.
He shall flee away as a dreame, and they shall not finde him, and shall passe away as a vision of the night,
As a dream he fleeth, and they find him not, And he is driven away as a vision of the night,
He will fly away as a dream, and will not be found. Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night.
He shall fly away as a dream, and will not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
As a dream that fleeth away he shall not be found, he shall pass as a vision of the night:
They will be forgotten like [SIM] a dream is, and they will exist no more. They will vanish, like visions that people see during the night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:8
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 20:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/חֲל֣וֹם
יָ֭עוּף
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִמְצָא֑וּ/הוּ
וְ֝/יֻדַּ֗ד
כְּ/חֶזְי֥וֹן
לָֽיְלָה
כַּ/חֲל֣וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Prep | N-ms
יָ֭עוּף
ʻûwph
H5774
to fly
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִמְצָא֑וּ/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וְ֝/יֻדַּ֗ד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
Conj | V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
כְּ/חֶזְי֥וֹן
chizzâyôwn
H2384
vision
Prep | N-ms
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 20:8
כַּ/חֲל֣וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
יָ֭עוּף
ʻûwph
H5774
"to fly"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word can mean flying or fainting, often due to darkness or gloom. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, describing dramatic scenes.
Definition: v 1) to fly, fly about, fly away 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to fly, hover 1a2) to fly away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to fly about or to and fro 1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish 1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away 2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. See also: Genesis 1:20; Proverbs 23:5; Psalms 18:11.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יִמְצָא֑וּ/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
וְ֝/יֻדַּ֗ד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
Conj | V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
כְּ/חֶזְי֥וֹן
chizzâyôwn
H2384
"vision"
Prep | N-ms
Chizzayon refers to a vision or revelation, often received through dreams or divine communication. It appears in various forms, including ecstatic states and prophetic oracles.
Definition: 1) vision 1a) vision (in the ecstatic state) 1a1) valley of vision (perhaps fig. of Jerusalem or Hinnom) 1b) vision (in the night) 1c) vision, oracle, prophecy (in divine communication)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: vision. See also: 2 Samuel 7:17; Job 33:15; Isaiah 22:1.
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Job 20:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 20:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:8
- Sermons on Job 20:8
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
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?’
8He will fly away like a dream, never to be found; he will be chased away like a vision in the night.
9The eye that saw him will see him no more, and his place will no longer behold him. 10His sons will seek the favor of the poor, for his own hands must return his wealth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 90:5 | You whisk them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— |
| 2 | Psalms 73:20 | Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. |
| 3 | Isaiah 29:7–8 | All the many nations going out to battle against Ariel— even all who war against her, laying siege and attacking her— will be like a dream, like a vision in the night, as when a hungry man dreams he is eating, then awakens still hungry; as when a thirsty man dreams he is drinking, then awakens faint and parched. So will it be for all the many nations who go to battle against Mount Zion. |
| 4 | Job 18:18 | He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world. |
| 5 | Psalms 18:10 | He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. |
| 6 | Job 27:21–23 | The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place. It hurls itself against him without mercy as he flees headlong from its power. It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place. |
Job 20:8 Summary
This verse, Job 20:8, is saying that the life of a wicked person is like a dream that disappears when we wake up - it's short-lived and fleeting. Just like a vision in the night that vanishes when the sun rises, the wicked person's legacy will be completely removed, as also seen in Psalm 37:36, where the wicked are compared to a fleeting moment. This reminds us to focus on what really lasts, like our relationship with God, and to trust in His judgment and sovereignty, rather than seeking worldly successes that will ultimately fade away (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). By prioritizing eternal rewards, we can build a legacy that will truly last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'fly away like a dream' in Job 20:8?
This phrase means that the wicked person's life and accomplishments will be short-lived and fleeting, much like a dream that disappears when we wake up, as also seen in Psalm 73:20, where the wicked are compared to a dream that fades away.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment?
This verse illustrates how God's judgment will bring an end to the wicked person's life and legacy, leaving no lasting impact, as also warned in Proverbs 10:25, where the righteous have a lasting foundation, but the wicked will be swept away.
What is the significance of the phrase 'chased away like a vision in the night'?
This phrase emphasizes the sudden and complete removal of the wicked person, much like a vision or nightmare that disappears when the night is over, highlighting the transience of earthly pursuits and the certainty of God's judgment, as also seen in Isaiah 29:7-8, where the wicked are compared to a vision that vanishes.
How should we apply this verse to our own lives?
This verse reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God and seek eternal rewards, rather than worldly successes that will ultimately fade away, as encouraged in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can prioritize eternal rewards over worldly successes in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my legacy is built on a foundation that will last, rather than one that will be 'swept away' like the wicked in this verse?
- What are some 'dreams' or pursuits in my life that may be fleeting or unfulfilling, and how can I replace them with a focus on God's eternal purposes?
- In what ways can I trust in God's judgment and sovereignty, even when the wicked seem to prosper, as seen in this verse and in Psalm 37:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:8
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found,.... Either as a dream which is forgotten, as Nebuchadnezzar's was, and cannot be recovered; or as the matter and substance of a dream, which,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:8
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night. Fly away - (Psalms 90:10) as a dream - (Isaiah 29:7; Psalms 73:20).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:8
As a dream; which for the present makes a great show and noise, and highly affects the fancy, but hath nothing solid nor permanent in it; for as soon as the man awakes all vanisheth, and the remembrance of it is quickly lost. Shall not be found; the man will be utterly lost and gone, together with all his riches and glory. As a vision of the night; which appears to a man in the night and in his sleep.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:8
Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.Ver. 8. He shall fly away as a dream, &c.] As a delightful dream is soon forgotten, so shall it be with the hypocrite. His felicity is merely imaginary, his joy is but as the commotion of the affections in a dream, which comes to nothing, Isaiah 29:7-8. A man that is to be hanged next day may dream over night he shall be a king. A man that sleepeth upon a steep rock may dream of great possessions befallen him, and, starting for joy, may fall to the bottom, and mischieve himself. Psalms 73:20, "As a dream when one awaketh, so, O Lord, when thou wakest, thou shalt despise their image"; that is, their painted pageant of outward pomp. Surely such of all men, walk in a vain show or in an image, Psalms 39:6; their seeming prosperity hath no tack or consistence in it, themselves and their money perish together, Acts 8:20. Yea, he shall be chased away] By the displeasure of Almighty God, he shall be driven or rather kicked out of the world. As a vision of the night] Phasma, sire Phantasma, which passes sooner out of memory, and is more transient than a day vision.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:8
Verse 8. He shall fly away as a dream] Instead of rising again from corruption, as thou hast asserted, (Job 19:26,) with a new body, his flesh shall rot in the earth, and his spirit be dissipated like a vapour; and, like a vision of the night, nothing shall remain but the bare impression that such a creature had once existed, but shall appear no more for ever.
Cambridge Bible on Job 20:8
8. as a dream] Comp. Psalms 73:20, “As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest thou shalt despise their image”; Isaiah 29:8, of the enemies of Israel.
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:8
He shall fly away as a dream - As a dream wholly disappears or vanishes. This comparison of man with a dream is not uncommon, and is most impressive. See Psalms 73:20; see the notes at Isaiah 29:7-8.
Sermons on Job 20:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Human Life a Dream by John Wesley | John Wesley reflects on the transient nature of human life, comparing it to a dream that vanishes upon awakening. He emphasizes the folly of the wicked who live as if their earthly |
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Exposition on Psalm 19 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the glory of God revealed through the heavens and the works of His hands, as well as the proclamation of His Word day and night. He emphasizes the univers |
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Improve God's Name by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine preaches on the significance of God's name in salvation, emphasizing how God's mercy and goodness are displayed for the sake of His name. Believers are encouraged to |
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God's Wind by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God's contrary winds and sufferings in life can actually lift us to higher levels and bring us closer to God's heavens, just like birds facing |