Job 15:20

KJV

The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wicked {H7563} man travaileth {H2342} with pain all his days {H3117}, and the number {H4557} of years {H8141} is hidden {H6845} to the oppressor {H6184}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The wicked is in torment all his life, for all the years allotted to the tyrant.

Berean Standard Bible

A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.

American Standard Version

The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, Even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:20, a pronouncement from Eliphaz the Temanite, encapsulates a core tenet of the traditional retribution theology held by Job's friends: the belief that the wicked inevitably endure continuous suffering throughout their lives, culminating in an unpredictable and often abrupt end. This verse serves as Eliphaz's rhetorical weapon to imply Job's hidden sinfulness, arguing that his profound anguish is a direct consequence of his unrighteousness, thus reinforcing the friends' rigid worldview regarding divine justice and the direct correlation between actions and earthly consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Eliphaz's second speech to Job, following Job's impassioned responses in [Job 13](/job/13 "Job's Plea to God") and [Job 14](/job/14 "Job's Lament and Hope"). Eliphaz’s discourse in [Job 15](/job/15 "Eliphaz's Second Speech") is notably more harsh and dogmatic than his initial address, reflecting his growing frustration with Job's refusal to confess sin. He begins by accusing Job of undermining piety and reverence for God (vv. 4-6), then asserts a superior wisdom based on age and tradition (vv. 7-10). The pronouncement in verse 20 serves as the opening statement in a vivid and extended description of the fate of the wicked (vv. 20-35). This section aims to convince Job that his suffering is a clear sign of his wickedness, directly contradicting Job's assertions of innocence and his plea for an audience with God. The immediate verses preceding [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Suffering") emphasize Eliphaz's conviction that even "holy ones" are not pure in God's sight, setting a bleak stage for his pronouncements on human depravity and its supposed consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location generally understood to be outside of Israel, perhaps in Edom or northern Arabia. The cultural backdrop is that of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which frequently explored profound themes of justice, suffering, and the complex relationship between the divine and humanity. A prevailing belief, particularly within the wisdom traditions of the region, was the concept of "retribution theology," which posited a direct and observable correlation between one's moral actions and their earthly prosperity or suffering. Righteousness was believed to lead to blessing, longevity, and success, while wickedness was thought to inevitably result in curses, pain, and an early demise. Eliphaz, identified as a "Temanite" (Teman being a prominent city in Edom, renowned for its wisdom, as noted in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Wisdom of Teman")), embodies this traditional wisdom. His arguments reflect a common, though ultimately incomplete and flawed, understanding of divine justice prevalent in his time, a perspective that the book of Job profoundly challenges and critiques.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Suffering") contributes significantly to several central themes within the overarching narrative of the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the enduring **problem of suffering** and the various human attempts to explain its origins, particularly through the rigid lens of **retribution theology**. Eliphaz's assertion that the wicked "travaileth with pain all his days" is a direct and forceful application of this theology, implying that Job's profound pain must unequivocally stem from his unconfessed wickedness. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine justice**, albeit presented from a limited and human-centric perspective. Eliphaz firmly believes that God's justice is always immediate, transparent, and visibly punitive towards the wicked in this earthly life. This stands in stark contrast to Job's lived experience and his intense struggle with God's seemingly inexplicable actions, thereby pushing the reader to question the simplistic nature of such a view. Finally, the verse touches upon the critical theme of **human wisdom versus divine wisdom**. Eliphaz presents his arguments as established, unassailable wisdom, passed down through generations. Yet, the book ultimately demonstrates the profound inadequacy of human wisdom to fully comprehend the intricate and often mysterious ways of God, culminating in God's direct and humbling address to Job from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "God's First Speech to Job") through [Job 41](/job/41 "God's Second Speech to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, H7563 _râshâʻ_):** This term describes someone who is morally wrong, an actively bad person, often characterized by ungodliness or guilt. In Eliphaz's context, it refers to those who deviate from God's established moral order, suggesting a deliberate and active rebellion against righteousness. The use of this term immediately labels the subject of the verse as one deserving of the suffering described.
* **Travaileth (Hebrew, H2342 _chûwl_):** This primitive root carries a powerful semantic range, most notably referring to the intense, writhing pain of childbirth (e.g., [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Pain of Childbirth")). It can also mean to writhe, tremble, or be in great pain. In the context of Job 15:20, its use emphasizes a continuous, agonizing, and inescapable internal torment. It suggests a life consumed by distress, anxiety, and profound inner turmoil, rather than mere discomfort or occasional hardship, painting a vivid picture of a soul in constant, convulsive pain.
* **Oppressor (Hebrew, H6184 _ʻârîyts_):** This noun describes a fearful, powerful, or tyrannical individual, one who is mighty, strong, terrible, or violent. Eliphaz specifically links the suffering and uncertain future not just to generic "wickedness" but to active, oppressive behavior. This term highlights the moral dimension of the described suffering, suggesting that those who inflict cruelty and injustice upon others will themselves experience a life of internal terror and a precarious existence, a kind of poetic justice.
* **Hidden (Hebrew, H6845 _tsâphan_):** A primitive root meaning to hide (by covering over), by implication to hoard or reserve, or figuratively to deny. It can also mean to protect or to lurk. In this verse, it signifies that the lifespan of the oppressor is concealed from them, implying a lack of security and a constant dread of an unforeseen and sudden demise. Their future is not within their control or knowledge, underscoring the precariousness of their existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days":** This clause asserts a universal and continuous experience for the wicked. Eliphaz claims that a life of unrighteousness, characterized by active wickedness, is inherently and perpetually filled with deep, agonizing pain. The phrase "all his days" emphasizes the relentless, unceasing nature of this suffering, implying that the wicked find no true peace, rest, or inner tranquility from the moment they embark on their path until their end. This pain is not merely an external consequence but an internal, existential torment, a constant state of spiritual and psychological anguish.
* **"and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor":** This second clause describes the uncertain and often abrupt end to the life of the wicked, specifically the "oppressor." The "number of years" refers to their lifespan, which is "hidden" or unknown to them, implying a lack of security, a constant dread of an unforeseen and sudden demise. This suggests that divine judgment may cut short their life, denying them the full measure of years they might have anticipated or desired. It underscores the precariousness and insecurity of a life lived apart from God's favor, where the future is shrouded in uncertainty and potential doom, and control over one's destiny is an illusion.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's pronouncement in [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Suffering") employs several potent literary devices to convey his message with rhetorical force. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as he asserts that the wicked man "travaileth with pain *all* his days." This is an exaggeration designed to emphasize the severity and pervasive nature of the suffering. While wickedness certainly brings consequences, the idea of unceasing, total agony for every wicked person in every moment is an overstatement. There is also a strong element of **Generalization**, as Eliphaz presents this as an absolute truth applicable to all wicked individuals, leaving no room for nuance or exceptions. The phrase "the number of years is hidden" employs **Foreshadowing** and **Irony**: it foreshadows a sudden, negative end, while ironically, the oppressor, who seeks to control and dominate, is ultimately powerless over his own fate and lifespan. The vivid imagery of "travaileth with pain" also serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for deep, internal anguish, drawing on the intense physical pain of childbirth to describe a spiritual and psychological torment that consumes the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's rigid application of retribution theology is ultimately challenged and corrected by God in the book of Job, his statement in [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Suffering") contains a kernel of truth about the intrinsic consequences of a life lived in rebellion against God. The Bible consistently teaches that a life of wickedness, marked by oppression and injustice, often brings its own internal torment, fear, and insecurity, regardless of outward appearances of success. True peace, security, and a sense of purpose are not found in worldly power or material gain, but in a right relationship with God and adherence to His righteous principles. The fear of an unknown future and the internal anguish described by Eliphaz can be seen as the natural fruit of a conscience defiled by sin and a life lived without divine favor, even if divine judgment does not always manifest immediately or visibly in the ways humans expect.

* [Proverbs 11:5-6](/proverbs/11-5-6 "Proverbs 11:5-6 - The Integrity of the Upright Guides Them")
* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalm/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The End of the Wicked")
* [Romans 2:8-9](/romans/2-8-9 "Romans 2:8-9 - God's Wrath on the Unrighteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliphaz's words in [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Suffering"), though part of a flawed theological framework, serve as a profound reminder that a life disconnected from God's wisdom and marked by injustice carries inherent consequences. While we must resist the temptation to simplistically attribute all suffering to sin, we can acknowledge that a life of wickedness often begets internal turmoil, fear, and a lack of true peace. The pursuit of power through oppression, the accumulation of wealth through unrighteous means, or the indulgence in self-serving desires ultimately leads to a fractured soul and an insecure future. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we building on a foundation of righteousness, seeking justice and mercy, or are we sowing seeds of discord and self-interest? True security and lasting peace are found not in controlling our circumstances or accumulating earthly possessions, but in aligning our hearts and actions with the character of God, trusting in His ultimate justice and finding our rest in His unwavering presence. It calls us to consider the long-term spiritual and emotional cost of unrighteousness, urging us towards a life of integrity and dependence on divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "pain all his days" resonate with or challenge your understanding of the internal consequences of unrighteous living?**
* **In what ways might a life of oppression or injustice lead to an "uncertain" or "hidden" number of years, even apart from immediate divine judgment?**
* **How does the book of Job, as a whole, refine or correct the simplistic retribution theology expressed by Eliphaz in this verse?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking true peace and security in God, rather than in worldly power or control?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 15:20 mean that all wicked people suffer visibly and continuously throughout their entire lives?**

Answer: Not necessarily in the literal, observable sense that Eliphaz intends. Eliphaz, like Job's other friends, operates under a rigid retribution theology that posits an immediate, direct, and visible correlation between sin and suffering. He asserts that the wicked "travaileth with pain all his days" as a universal truth to explain Job's plight. However, the book of Job itself challenges this simplistic view, demonstrating that righteous people can suffer immensely, and wicked people can sometimes prosper (as acknowledged by Job in [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7-13 "Job 21:7-13 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). While a life of wickedness often brings internal turmoil, fear, and ultimately leads to a spiritual and existential emptiness, Eliphaz's statement is an overgeneralization and hyperbole, reflecting a limited human understanding of divine justice rather than a comprehensive theological truth. The Bible teaches that God's justice is ultimate and certain, but its manifestation in this life is complex and not always immediately apparent or easily explained by human formulas.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Suffering") speaks from the perspective of a flawed human theology, its underlying themes of suffering, justice, and the fate of the wicked find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ. Eliphaz’s description of the wicked man’s perpetual pain and uncertain end points, albeit imperfectly, to the spiritual reality of a life separated from God. In stunning contrast, Jesus, the truly righteous one, "travailed with pain" not for his own sin, but for ours, enduring the ultimate suffering on the cross to bear the consequences of human wickedness ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Transgressions")). He, the sinless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), experienced the "hidden" number of years, dying prematurely according to human reckoning, yet His death was not a sign of divine judgment on Him but the very means of salvation for those who believe ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). Through His sacrifice, Christ offers true peace and security, replacing the wicked's perpetual torment with the "peace that surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), and transforming the uncertainty of death into the certainty of eternal life for those who are in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, the plight of the wicked described by Eliphaz is fully addressed and overcome by the redemptive work of Christ, who offers liberation from the bondage of sin and the fear of a hidden, uncertain future, providing a glorious hope for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 27:13

This [is] the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, [which] they shall receive of the Almighty.

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

James 5:6

Ye have condemned [and] killed the just; [and] he doth not resist you.

Job 24:1

¶ Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Romans 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.