Job 20 5

Job 20:5 kjv

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

Job 20:5 nkjv

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?

Job 20:5 niv

that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.

Job 20:5 esv

that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment?

Job 20:5 nlt

the triumph of the wicked has been short lived
and the joy of the godless has been only temporary?

Job 20 verses

Job 20 5 Meaning

Job 20:5 declares that the happiness and apparent success of the wicked are inherently fleeting. Their triumphant exultation and joy last only a very brief time, preceding their inevitable downfall and the judgment of God. Zophar asserts this as a universal principle of divine justice.

Job 20 5 Context

Job 20:5 is part of Zophar the Naamathite’s second and final speech (Job 20:1-29) within the book of Job. This chapter marks the peak of his impassioned and often harsh contribution to the debate. Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad, believes in a strict retribution theology: righteousness brings blessing, and wickedness brings suffering. His words in Job 20 directly address Job’s assertion (Job 12:6, 21:7) that the wicked often prosper and live long lives. Zophar vehemently denies this, maintaining that the wicked's success is superficial and exceedingly brief, quickly followed by catastrophic ruin. He portrays the wicked as enduring constant torment and swift destruction from God, attributing all misfortune directly to God’s righteous judgment. His words serve as an indirect polemic against Job, implying that Job must be secretly wicked for enduring such immense suffering. Historically, this perspective was common in the Ancient Near East and among early Israelite theology, focusing on immediate and observable justice rather than future recompense.

Job 20 5 Word analysis

• that (כִּ֣י - ki): A conjunction, often meaning "for" or "surely" or "because." Here, it introduces Zophar’s fundamental premise, presenting it as an indisputable truth. It asserts a causal link or foundational reason for his following argument.
• the mirth (רֶ֫נֶן֮ - renan): From the root "ranan," meaning "to cry aloud," "shout for joy," or "exult." This word suggests a vocal, often public, expression of triumph, jubilation, or a feeling of vindicated success. It is not quiet contentment but a boisterous celebration. This highlights the outward appearance of the wicked's prosperity.
• of the wicked (רְ֭שָׁעִים - resha'im): Plural of "rasha'," meaning "unrighteous," "guilty," or "transgressor." It denotes those who deviate from the straight path of God’s commandments and moral law. In Zophar’s context, it specifically refers to those whose actions oppose God's will and invite divine judgment.
• is short (קָר֑וֹב - qarov): Means "near," "at hand," or "short in time." It conveys imminence and brevity. It’s not "soon to happen" in the distant future, but "about to happen" or "for a limited duration." This immediately challenges Job’s observation of extended prosperity among the wicked.
• And the joy (וְשִׂמְחַ֣ת - ve'simḥat): "Ve" means "and," linking to the previous clause. "Simḥat" means "joy," "gladness," or "pleasure." While similar to "renan," it can encompass a broader range of positive emotions, often with less emphasis on vocal expression. The parallelism reinforces the fleeting nature of all positive experiences for the wicked.
• of the godless (חָ֝נֵף - ḥanef): Meaning "impious," "profane," "hypocrite," or "unholy." This term describes someone who is spiritually impure or outwardly righteous but inwardly corrupt. It may refer to one whose piety is mere show, defiled or stained by ungodly character, indicating a deep spiritual alienation from God.
• but for a moment (רֶ֣גַע - rega'): "Rega'" signifies "an instant," "a twinkling," "a sudden brief period." This word further intensifies "short," emphasizing extreme brevity. It paints a picture of fleeting, impermanent happiness that vanishes almost as soon as it appears, contrasting sharply with true, lasting blessing from God.

• "the mirth...is short": This phrase challenges the perception of lasting success for those who reject God. It highlights that what appears to be flourishing for the wicked is superficial and does not endure the test of time or divine scrutiny. Their "triumph" is inherently unstable and without a solid foundation.
• "the joy of the godless but for a moment": This acts as poetic parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the initial statement. It underscores the ultimate brevity of the wicked's happiness, reducing their perceived "joy" to a mere fleeting flicker that immediately precedes darkness and judgment. This pairing of "wicked" and "godless" and "mirth" and "joy" solidifies Zophar's unwavering conviction regarding the swift end of their apparent prosperity.

Job 20 5 Bonus section

• Zophar's absolute conviction expressed in Job 20:5 contrasts sharply with Job’s lived experience and deep theological struggle. Job grappled with the apparent prosperity of the wicked, and the suffering of the righteous, which did not align with the neat, tidy framework of immediate divine retribution advocated by his friends. This verse is a core expression of the conventional wisdom that the Book of Job then proceeds to deconstruct and reframe throughout its narrative, leading to a more nuanced understanding of God's ways.
• The terms for "wicked" (רְשָׁעִים - resha'im) and "godless" (חָ֝נֵף - ḥanef) provide an amplified picture of the target of God's judgment. While "rasha'" focuses on those who act unjustly and transgress, "hanef" adds the dimension of one who is impure or defiled, perhaps implying a moral hypocrisy or lack of genuine reverence for God, despite any outward show.
• The dramatic terms "mirth" and "joy" that are cut short reflect the highly visible and often arrogant display of power and wealth by the wicked. Zophar envisions their downfall as equally public and sudden, echoing a common ancient Near Eastern literary motif where the proud are inevitably brought low.

Job 20 5 Commentary

Job 20:5 is a forceful assertion by Zophar, arguing that the wicked’s period of triumph and joy is intensely brief, vanishing in an instant. This statement underpins his entire argument against Job: any suffering Job experiences must be due to hidden sin, because God's justice dictates swift retribution for the wicked. Zophar’s theology emphasizes the observable consequences of actions in this life, positing that even if the wicked appear to flourish, it is a momentary deception. He argues their exuberant boasts and self-satisfaction quickly turn to ruin and humiliation, as a direct consequence of divine decree. The verse succinctly captures the traditional wisdom perspective, particularly within retribution theology, that God's justice will always manifest swiftly against the unrighteous, negating any lasting joy or success they might experience. This truth provides comfort to the righteous who endure trials, reminding them that God ultimately reigns.