Job 34:20
Job 34:20 in Multiple Translations
They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without hand.
Suddenly they come to an end, even in the middle of the night: the blow comes on the men of wealth, and they are gone, and the strong are taken away without the hand of man.
They die in a moment; at midnight they shudder and pass away; the mighty are gone without effort.
They shall die suddenly, and the people shalbe troubled at midnight, and they shall passe foorth and take away the mightie without hand.
[In] a moment they die, and at midnight Shake do people, and they pass away, And they remove the mighty without hand.
In a moment they die, even at midnight. The people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are taken away without a hand.
In a moment they shall die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
They shall suddenly die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and they shall pass, and take away the violent without hand.
People often die suddenly; he strikes them at midnight and they die; he even gets rid of mighty people without the help of any humans [SYN].
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:20
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 34:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֶ֤גַע
יָמֻתוּ֮
וַ/חֲצ֪וֹת
לָ֥יְלָה
יְגֹעֲשׁ֣וּ
עָ֣ם
וְ/יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ
וְ/יָסִ֥ירוּ
אַ֝בִּ֗יר
לֹ֣א
בְ/יָֽד
רֶ֤גַע
regaʻ
H7281
moment
N-ms
יָמֻתוּ֮
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וַ/חֲצ֪וֹת
châtsôwth
H2676
middle
Conj | N-fs
לָ֥יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
יְגֹעֲשׁ֣וּ
gâʻash
H1607
to shake
V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
וְ/יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יָסִ֥ירוּ
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
אַ֝בִּ֗יר
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בְ/יָֽד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:20
רֶ֤גַע
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.
יָמֻתוּ֮
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/חֲצ֪וֹת
châtsôwth
H2676
"middle"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to the middle of something, like the middle of the night. It describes a point halfway between two extremes. The Bible uses it to talk about time.
Definition: middle, mid-, half, division
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: mid(-night). See also: Exodus 11:4; Job 34:20; Psalms 119:62.
לָ֥יְלָה
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.
יְגֹעֲשׁ֣וּ
gâʻash
H1607
"to shake"
V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to shake or agitate violently, and can describe natural events like earthquakes or the turmoil of the sea. It is used to convey a sense of intense movement or instability.
Definition: 1) to shake, quake 1a) (Qal) to shake 1b) (Pual) to be shaken up, convulsed 1c) (Hithpael) to shake back and forth, toss or reel to and fro 1d) (Hithpoel) to reel to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: move, shake, toss, trouble. See also: 2 Samuel 22:8; Jeremiah 5:22; Psalms 18:8.
עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וְ/יָסִ֥ירוּ
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אַ֝בִּ֗יר
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
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.
בְ/יָֽד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Job 34:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:20
- Sermons on Job 34:20
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
18who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’
19who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
20They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.
21For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. 22There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 73:19 | How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 25:37–39 | In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 26:10 | David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 5:2 | For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:36 | Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 6 | Job 12:19 | He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. |
| 7 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 8 | Daniel 5:30 | That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, |
| 9 | Acts 12:23 | 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. |
| 10 | Isaiah 10:16–19 | Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame. And the Light of Israel will become a fire, and its Holy One a flame. In a single day it will burn and devour Assyria’s thorns and thistles. The splendor of its forests and orchards, both soul and body, it will completely destroy, as a sickness consumes a man. The remaining trees of its forests will be so few that a child could count them. |
Job 34:20 Summary
[This verse reminds us that life can change in an instant, and even the most powerful people can die suddenly, as seen in Job 34:20 where it says 'They die in an instant, in the middle of the night'. God is in control of everything, including who lives and dies, and when, as stated in Psalm 139:16 where it says 'all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be'. We should trust God's sovereignty over our lives and not fear what might happen to us, because as Romans 8:28 says, 'God works all things together for the good of those who love Him'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to die 'in an instant, in the middle of the night' as mentioned in Job 34:20?
This phrase suggests that death can come suddenly and unexpectedly, even to those who seem strong and powerful, as seen in Psalm 73:18-20 where the wicked are suddenly destroyed.
Who are the 'mighty' that are removed without human hand in Job 34:20?
The 'mighty' refers to those who are powerful and influential in this world, but God is not partial to them and can remove them from power at any time, as seen in Daniel 2:21 where God removes kings and sets up others.
How does Job 34:20 relate to God's sovereignty over human life?
This verse highlights God's complete control over human life and death, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:39 where God says 'I put to death and I bring to life', emphasizing His absolute authority over all things.
What is the significance of the phrase 'without human hand' in Job 34:20?
This phrase emphasizes that God's judgment and removal of the wicked can occur through natural means or supernatural intervention, without the need for human involvement, as seen in Exodus 12:29 where the firstborn of Egypt were killed by the angel of death without human intervention.
Reflection Questions
- How does the reality of sudden death impact my priorities and values in life?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty over my life, even in the face of uncertainty and unexpected events?
- What does this verse teach me about God's perspective on human power and influence?
- How can I apply the truth of God's control over life and death to my own fears and anxieties about the future?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:20
In a moment shall they die,.... Princes as well as the common people, rich men as well as poor; all must and do die, great and small, high and low, kings and peasants, rich and poor men, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:20
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. They - "the rich" and "princes" who offend God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:20
In a moment; whensoever God doth but give the word, and send his summons for them. Shall they, i. e. the rich and the prince, no less than the poor, must submit to the law of death, which God hath imposed upon all men, without exception, and they cannot charge God with injury therein. The people; whole nations or people are no less subject to God’ s power than any particular persons; their numbers cannot secure them from God’ s hand. Troubled, i.e. disturbed and terrified with those calamities which God shall bring upon them. At midnight; suddenly, and when they are most secure. Pass away; either, 1. Go into captivity, or run or flee away they know not whither for their lives. Or, 2. Perish or die, as he said before, and as this word is oft used, as . So the same thing is said of the people, which in the first branch of the verse was said of the princes.
Taken away; either from their place or power, or out of this life. Without hand; without any hand or help of man, by some secret and stupendous work and judgment of God; which he oft inflicts upon those who are out of the reach of men.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:20
Job 34:20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.Ver. 20. In a moment shall they die] Be they mean or mighty, they are, when God pleaseth, suddenly swept away by the hand of death; as chess men are into the bag, without distinction of kings, dukes, bishops, or common people. And the people shall be troubled at midnight] As were the Egyptians, when their firstborn were slain in their dead sleep, Exodus 12:29, not without much terror and tumult; and as were the army of Sennacherib, 2 Kings 19:35, and Belshazzar with his Babylon, Daniel 5:30-31. "The people shall be troubled," they shall be shaken as leaves in a great wind, or be carried away as by a mighty torrent; when they were most secure, and dreamed of no such danger. Neither in all these alterations and various occurrences is God unrighteous, since he is debtor to none, neither doth he anything without reason and right. And pass away] Praeteribunt, id est, peribunt; they shall pass into the grave, as Ecclesiastes 1:4, "One generation passeth, and another cometh"; or they shall perish, as when it is said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away." The Vulgate hath it, Pertransibunt. It is not transibunt, they shall pass, saith Gregory; but pertransibunt, they shall pass through, because the wicked are always passing on to perdition throughout all their lives. And the mighty shall be taken away without hand] That is, without seeing the hand that smiteth them; which is, saith one, a Divine force, invisibly cutting asunder the thread of their lives in a moment: Psalms 76:12, The Lord cutteth off the spirit of princes. The Hebrew importeth, that he slips them off, as ono should slip off a flower between his finger; or as one should slip off a bunch of grapes, &c. The original here is, They shall take away the mighty, that is, the angels shall hurry them out of the world without hand, that is, without man’ s help, without human violence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:20
(20) In a moment shall they die—i.e., “they all alike die, rich and poor together; the hour of death is not hastened for the poor nor delayed for the rich. They all alike die.” Even at midnight the people are troubled. . . .—It is hard to think that the writer did not know of Exo 12:29. It is better to read these statements as habitual presents and not as futures: “In a moment they die, even at midnight—the people are shaken and pass away,” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:20
Verse 20. In a moment shall they die] Both are equally dependent on the Almighty for their breath and being; the mighty as well as the poor. If the great men of the earth have abused their power, he sometimes cuts them off by the most sudden and unexpected death; and even at midnight, when in security, and least capable of defence, they are cut off by the people whom they have oppressed, or by the invisible hand of the angel of death. This appears to be spoken in reference to Eastern tyrants, who seldom die a natural death.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:20
20–28. God’s strict justice may be seen in His government of the peoples and their princes alike. His justice is unerring, for it is guided by omniscient insight. Punishing oppression, it avenges the cause of the poor and afflicted.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:20
In a moment shall they die - That is, the rich and the great. They pass suddenly off the stage of action.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:20
20. Shall they die — Rather, they die. Shall be troubled — Literally, Are shaken, as by an earthquake, or smitten, as by the nocturnal attack of an enemy.
Sermons on Job 34:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Folly of Looking Back in Fleeing Out of Sodom by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the folly of looking back when fleeing out of Sodom, drawing parallels between the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world to the judgment |
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The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin |
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Choices for Life - Tim Wiesner Talks With Jim Cymbala - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Symbola of the Brooklyn Tabernacle emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel in a time when people are realizing the uncertainty of tomorrow. He |
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(The Last Days) Dont Get Drunk W/ Worldiness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the last days and the coming of Christ. It highlights the need for readiness over detailed knowledge of future events, focu |
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Revival Fire - Part 2 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a group of people who experienced a divine encounter with God. They were on their way back from Brownsville when God's pr |
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(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) Dont Get Drunk With Worldliness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of being spiritually prepared for the second coming of Jesus. He references Luke 21:26, where Jesus speaks about the fear and |
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1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as believers and living in accordance with it. He encourages listeners to stand upon the promise |