Job 6:20

20 They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed.

Job 6:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 They are ashamed because they were confident; they come there and are disappointed.
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 They count on it but are disappointed. When they arrive, their hopes are dashed.
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 They arrive so confident - but what a disappointment! They get there, and their faces fall!
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 They were put to shame because they had hoped; They came thither, and were confounded.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 They are ashamed because they relied on the streams. Arriving there, they are disappointed.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 They are ashamed because they had been confident [of finding water]. When they arrive there, they are frustrated.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 They become troubled because they had expected to find some. But when they arrive at the stream beds, they don't find any water at all.

Job 6:20 Meaning and Commentary

Job 6:20

And they were confounded because they had hoped
When they came to the places where they hoped to find water, finding none were ashamed of their vain hope, and reflected upon themselves for being so foolish as to raise their expectations upon such a groundless surmise:

they came thither, and were ashamed;
which is the same thing expressed in different words; and aptly enough describes Job's disappointment in not meeting with that relief and comfort he expected from his friends, to whom he makes application of all this in the following words.

Job 6:20 In-Context

18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go off into the wasteland and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema look for water, the traveling merchants of Sheba look in hope.
20 They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed.
21 Now you too have proved to be of no help; you see something dreadful and are afraid.
22 Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf, pay a ransom for me from your wealth,

Cross References 1

  • 1. Jeremiah 14:3; Joel 1:11
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