Job 20:11

Job 20:11 is part of Zophar the Naamathite’s second discourse, where he vehemently argues for the swift and inevitable downfall of the wicked. His words are harsh, reflecting the common ancient Near Eastern belief among Job's friends that suffering was always a direct consequence of sin.

Context

In the Book of Job, Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad, operates under the assumption of retributive justice: the righteous prosper, and the wicked suffer. He attributes Job’s immense suffering directly to unconfessed sin, suggesting that Job’s youthful transgressions have deeply corrupted him. This verse specifically targets the idea that a person's evil deeds, even from their early life, are ingrained and will ultimately lead to their demise. Zophar’s argument here is typical of the friends’ perspective, which Job consistently refutes, maintaining his innocence before God.

Key Themes

• The Pervasiveness of Sin: The phrase "His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth" vividly portrays sin not as a superficial act, but as something that has permeated the very core of a person's being. It suggests a deep-seated corruption that has been present since their formative years.
• The Inescapability of Consequences: "which shall lie down with him in the dust" emphasizes that the effects and judgment for this deeply ingrained sin are unavoidable, even in death. There is no escaping the spiritual and physical consequences; they follow the individual to the grave. This reflects a belief in the lasting impact of one's moral choices. Numbers 32:23 similarly warns that "be sure your sin will find you out."
• Zophar's Retributive Theology: While the verse powerfully speaks to the consequences of sin, it's crucial to remember that it comes from Zophar, whose theology is ultimately deemed flawed in the broader narrative of Job. He wrongly applies this principle directly to Job's situation, failing to understand the complexities of suffering or God's sovereign purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "bones" (עֲצָמָיו, 'atsamav) often signifies the very essence or strength of a person, their inner being or constitution, rather than just physical skeletal structure. To say one's "bones are full" of something implies a profound and pervasive saturation. The KJV's bracketed "[of the sin]" is an interpretive addition, clarifying that the youth's actions or character, rather than just the period of youth itself, are the source of this deep corruption.

Practical Application

While Zophar’s specific application to Job was incorrect, the verse still carries profound implications about the nature and consequences of sin. It serves as a stark reminder that:

• Sin's Deep Impact: Sin can become deeply ingrained in our character, affecting our very core if left unaddressed. It’s not just external actions but internal dispositions that matter.
• Lasting Consequences: Our choices, especially those made in our formative years, can have long-lasting effects that accompany us throughout life and even into death. This underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness and transformation. The wages of sin are indeed death, both spiritually and, as Zophar suggests, physically in a broader sense.
• The Need for Repentance and Redemption: For those who recognize deeply rooted sin, the message of the Bible is not one of hopelessness but of God's abundant grace and forgiveness through Christ, which can cleanse and transform even the most deeply ingrained patterns.