Job 20:1

Zophar Speaks

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite^[a] replied:

Job 20:1 Meaning and Commentary

Job 20:1

Then answered Zophar the Naamathite
Notwithstanding the sad distressed condition Job was in, an account of which is given in the preceding chapter, enough to pierce a heart of stone, notwithstanding his earnest request to his friends to have pity on him, and notwithstanding the noble confession of his faith he had made, which showed him to be a good man, and the excellent advice he gave his friends to cease persecuting him, for their own good, as well as for his peace; yet, regardless of these things, Zophar starts up and makes a reply, and attacks him with as much heat and passion, wrath and anger, as ever, harping upon the same string, and still representing Job as a wicked man and an hypocrite;

and said,
as follows.

Job 20:1 In-Context

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:

2 This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset!

3 I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply.

4 Don't you know that ever since antiquity, from [the time] man was placed on earth,

5 the joy of the wicked has been brief and the happiness of the godless has lasted only a moment?

Footnotes

• [a] Jb 2:11; 11:1