What does Job 20:21 mean?

"There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods." - Job 20:21

"There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods." - Job 20:21

Job 20:21 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Job, which is a poetic and symbolic exploration of suffering and the human experience of faith and doubt.

The context of this verse is the response of one of Job's friends, Zophar, to Job's lament over his suffering. Zophar, along with Job's other friends, believes that Job's suffering must be a result of his sin, and he urges Job to repent. In this particular passage, Zophar is describing the fate of the wicked, suggesting that they will eventually lose everything, including their possessions and their honor.

The verse contains several important themes that are present throughout the book of Job. One of these themes is the question of the relationship between sin and suffering. Job's friends, like many people both then and now, believe that suffering is always a result of sin. However, the book of Job challenges this assumption by presenting the story of a righteous man who suffers greatly. This verse reflects Zophar's belief that the wicked will eventually suffer the consequences of their actions, but the larger context of the book of Job suggests that suffering is not always a direct result of individual sin.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of impermanence and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. The image of a person losing all of their possessions and the lack of anyone seeking after their goods is a powerful reminder of the transitory nature of material wealth. This theme is also reflected in other passages throughout the Bible, including Jesus' teachings about the dangers of attachment to worldly possessions.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The image of someone losing all of their possessions can be read as a metaphor for spiritual poverty and the ultimate insignificance of material wealth in the face of divine judgment. This theme is echoed in the teachings of many religious traditions, which emphasize the importance of spiritual wealth and the futility of excessive attachment to material possessions.

Overall, Job 20:21 is a powerful and evocative verse that touches on important themes of suffering, sin, impermanence, and the true nature of wealth. Its placement within the larger context of the book of Job gives it even greater depth and resonance, as it is part of a larger exploration of the mysteries of human existence and the ways in which we grapple with the fundamental questions of life.

Have questions about Job 20:21?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Job 20:21 Artwork

Job 20:21 - "There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods."

Job 20:21 - "There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods."

"There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods." - Job 20:21

"There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods." - Job 20:21

Job 3:20-21 - "Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?"

Job 3:20-21 - "Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?"

Job 21:20 - "His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty."

Job 21:20 - "His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty."

"Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?" - Job 3:20-21

"Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?" - Job 3:20-21

"His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty." - Job 21:20

"His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty." - Job 21:20

Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"

Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"

"But Job answered and said," - Job 21:1

"But Job answered and said," - Job 21:1

Job 1:21

Job 1:21

Job 1:20

Job 1:20

Job 1:20

Job 1:20

Job 1:21

Job 1:21

Job 1:20 - "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,"

Job 1:20 - "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,"

Job 20:5 - "That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?"

Job 20:5 - "That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?"

Job 20:1 - "Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,"

Job 20:1 - "Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,"

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Job 20:20 - "Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired."

Job 20:20 - "Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired."

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Job 21:21 - "For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?"

Job 21:21 - "For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?"

Genesis 21-20

Genesis 21-20

John 20:21

John 20:21

Job 28:20 - "Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?"

Job 28:20 - "Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?"

Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."

Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."

Job 21:8 - "Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes."

Job 21:8 - "Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes."

Job 21:2 - "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations."

Job 21:2 - "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations."

Job 36:20 - "Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place."

Job 36:20 - "Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place."

Job 21:13 - "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave."

Job 21:13 - "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave."