Job 20:5-9
that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment? Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away like a dream and not be found; he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, nor will his place any more behold him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a common saying: the wicked's triumph is brief, and the ungodly's joy is fleeting. But Zophar's use of "hypocrite" here is sharp, subtly implying he sees Job's present suffering as evidence of a hidden pretense, suggesting Job's supposed joy or righteousness is just a temporary show that's about to vanish.
Zophar, the third friend, is now speaking, and he's delivering a strong, almost accusatory, speech about the inevitable downfall of the wicked. He asserts that their fleeting success and celebrations are destined to end quickly, implying this is a universal truth. Zophar is essentially arguing for a swift and certain divine retribution, a stark contrast to Job's own experiences and arguments that the wicked often prosper for a long time.
When you see the wicked seemingly winning, it's easy to question God's justice. But this verse offers a different perspective on their success.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, states that the 'triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment.' This isn't just a wish; it's a theological observation about the ultimate nature of unrighteous success.
A Fleeting Victory
The original Hebrew word for 'triumphing' (rena'nah) describes a loud, joyful shout, like one after a victory. Zophar is saying that this kind of triumphant rejoicing by the wicked doesn't last. Their moments of glory, their apparent success, are temporary. Think of it like a flash in the pan – bright, noticeable, but quickly gone.
The Contrast with Lasting Joy
This brevity stands in stark contrast to the enduring joy found in righteousness and a right relationship with God. The wicked's joy is often built on fleeting pleasures, power, or possessions, all of which are temporary and can be snatched away in an instant. The emphasis is on the limited duration of their celebrations.
What's the difference between outward show and inner reality? This verse touches on a specific kind of joy that looks real but isn't.
Zophar specifically calls out the 'joy of the hypocrite.' This points to a joy that is not genuine, a happiness based on outward appearances or a false profession rather than a true inner transformation.
The Illusion of Happiness
A hypocrite is someone who pretends to be righteous or godly but lacks the true, deep-seated faith and commitment. Their joy might come from the temporary benefits of their religious performance – like praise from others, a sense of security they wrongly assume they have, or even the superficial pleasure of going through the motions.
Built on Sand
This kind of joy is described as being 'but for a moment.' It's like building a house on sand; it might stand for a little while, but it has no solid foundation. When the storms of life or God's judgment come, this joy collapses because it's not rooted in reality.
Understand the original words
rasha' · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A person who acts in opposition to God’s law, lacking divine reverence. It describes someone whose life is characterized by moral corruption and a rejection of God's authority.
simchah · Hebrew Noun
An internal attitude of gladness or delight. Biblically, true joy is anchored in God, whereas the joy of the ungodly is seen as fleeting and ultimately hollow.
chaneph · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
One who is profane, impious, or hypocritical. It refers to someone who lacks true religion or moral integrity, often used for those who feign righteousness while remaining alienated from God.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the expansive or celestial firmament, often symbolizing God's dwelling place, majesty, or the highest possible limit of human reach. In poetic contexts, it represents ultimate pride or greatness.
Zophar's words reflect a prevailing, though ultimately challenged, belief in ancient Israel that divine justice ensured the wicked's immediate and inevitable downfall. Job's struggle forces a deeper consideration of suffering and God's hidden ways.
c. 1000 BC - 600 BC
Development of Wisdom Literature
The book of Job emerges from a tradition of wisdom literature in ancient Israel, which explored complex questions about life, justice, and suffering. This period saw the compilation and refinement of proverbs, teachings, and narratives that sought to understand God's ways.
c. 900 BC - 700 BC
Scribal Traditions and Oral Recitation
The material within Job was likely shaped by scribal culture and oral traditions. Teachings and debates were refined through repeated recitation, influencing the poetic and rhetorical style found in the text.
c. 800 BC - 600 BC
Theological Debates on Retribution
A dominant theological idea was the 'retribution principle,' suggesting that God directly rewarded the righteous and punished the wicked in this life. This belief formed the bedrock of arguments presented by Job's friends.
c. 800 BC - 600 BC— this verse
Zophar's Argument on Wickedness
This Psalm directly echoes the sentiment that the wicked's reign and prosperity are fleeting, contrasting it with the inheritance of the humble.
Psalm 73:17-19The psalmist describes witnessing the flourishing of the wicked only to realize their ultimate downfall and how quickly their joy turns to ruin.
Proverbs 10:28This proverb succinctly states that the hope of the righteous leads to joy, but the expectation of the wicked perishes, reinforcing the temporary nature of their delight.
Ecclesiastes 7:6This verse compares the laughter of fools to the crackling of thorns under a pot – a loud, brief burst of noise and flame that quickly dies out, much like the wicked's fleeting triumph.
pulpitJob 20:5: "That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?"
Verse 5. - That the triumphing of the wicked is short (comp. Psalm 37:35, 36; Psalm 51:1-5; Psalm 73:17-19, etc.). This is one of the main points of dispute between Job and his opponents. It has been previously maintained by Eliphaz (Job 4:8-11; Job 5:3-5; Job 15:21, 29) and by Bildad (Job 8:11-19), as it is now by Zophar, and may be regarded as the traditional belief of the time, which scarce…
ellicottJob 20:5: "That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?"
(5) The triumphing of the wicked is short. —He affirms that the destruction of the wicked is not only certain, but speedy. (Comp. Psalm 103:16 and Job 7:8 ; Job 7:10 .)
The verse highlights a common saying: the wicked's triumph is brief, and the ungodly's joy is fleeting. But Zophar's use of "hypocrite" here is sharp, subtly implying he sees Job's present suffering as evidence of a hidden pretense, suggesting Job's supposed joy or righteousness is just a temporary show that's about to vanish.
Zophar, the third friend, is now speaking, and he's delivering a strong, almost accusatory, speech about the inevitable downfall of the wicked. He asserts that their fleeting success and celebrations are destined to end quickly, implying this is a universal truth. Zophar is essentially arguing for a swift and certain divine retribution, a stark contrast to Job's own experiences and arguments that the wicked often prosper for a long time.
Zophar, the third friend, is now speaking, and he's delivering a strong, almost accusatory, speech about the inevitable downfall of the wicked. He asserts that their fleeting success and celebrations are destined to end quickly, implying this is a universal truth. Zophar is essentially arguing for a swift and certain divine retribution, a stark contrast to Job's own experiences and arguments that the wicked often prosper for a long time.
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It challenges us to examine the source of our own joy. Is it a fleeting, superficial happiness based on external factors, or is it a deep, abiding joy rooted in our relationship with God?
abad · Hebrew Verb
In a legal or poetic sense, it denotes the act of ceasing to be, coming to an end, or undergoing divine judgment resulting in ruin. It signifies total loss or destruction.
chalohm · Hebrew Noun
Used in wisdom literature to describe that which is fleeting, unsubstantial, and illusory; it signifies something that lacks lasting reality or permanent standing.
chazon · Hebrew Noun
A supernatural manifestation or revelation, often used in scripture to signify something that seems present but is ethereal, temporary, or deceptive in its lack of permanence.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, forcefully argues that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and their eventual downfall is assured and swift. He insists on the traditional view of divine justice.
c. 800 BC - 600 BC
Job's Counter-Arguments and Suffering
Job, despite his suffering, challenges the simplistic view of retribution. He observes that the wicked often prosper, leading him to question the fairness of God's justice and the nature of his own suffering.
"that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment? Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung; those who…" — The verse highlights a common saying: the wicked's triumph is brief, and the ungodly's joy is fleeting. But Zophar's use of "hypocrite" here is sharp, subtly implying he sees Job's present suffering…
