Job 20:20

KJV

Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely he shall not feel {H3045} quietness {H7961} in his belly {H990}, he shall not save {H4422} of that which he desired {H2530}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because his appetite would not let him rest, in his greed he let nothing escape;

Berean Standard Bible

Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure.

American Standard Version

Because he knew no quietness within him, He shall not save aught of that wherein he delighteth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 20:20, spoken by Zophar the Naamathite, asserts the inevitable internal turmoil and external loss for the wicked. It posits that despite any temporary prosperity, the unrighteous will experience a profound lack of inner peace and will ultimately fail to retain or enjoy the very things they have greedily pursued, highlighting the transient and unsatisfying nature of ill-gotten gains and selfish desires.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 20:20 is situated within Zophar's second and final speech, a fervent and dogmatic discourse on the swift and certain downfall of the wicked. His address begins in [Job 20:1](/job/20 "Job 20 - Zophar's Second Speech") and continues through [Job 20:29](/job/20-29 "Job 20:29 - The Wicked's End"). Throughout his speech, Zophar vehemently argues that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, like a dream, and that divine judgment will inevitably strip them of their wealth, their peace, and ultimately their very lives. This particular verse serves as a concise summary of the internal and external consequences he envisions for those who live unrighteously. Zophar's arguments, like those of Eliphaz and Bildad, are based on a rigid retribution theology, where suffering is always a direct consequence of sin, a premise that the broader narrative of the [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - An Overview") systematically challenges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, there was a prevalent belief that righteousness led to prosperity and wickedness to suffering, a concept often referred to as the doctrine of divine retribution. This worldview provided a framework for understanding the world and God's justice. Job's friends, including Zophar, operate firmly within this traditional understanding. They believe that Job's immense suffering must be evidence of hidden sin, as God would not punish a righteous man. The concept of "belly" as the seat of emotions and inner being was common in ancient Hebrew thought, not merely a physical organ. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions was also a significant aspect of ancient societies, and the wisdom literature often cautioned against the vanity and emptiness of such pursuits when disconnected from divine wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil for Wealth").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Zophar's speech and the Book of Job. Firstly, it underscores Zophar's unwavering belief in **divine retribution**, portraying God as a meticulous judge who ensures the wicked receive their just desserts, both internally and externally. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **the futility of worldly possessions** and the emptiness of desires pursued apart from God. Zophar argues that even if the wicked accumulate much, they cannot truly enjoy or retain it, echoing broader biblical warnings about the transience of earthly treasures found in passages like [Ecclesiastes 2:10-11](/ecclesiastes/2-10 "Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 - The Vanity of Toil"). Thirdly, the verse touches on the theme of **inner peace versus turmoil**. Zophar posits that the wicked are inherently restless, lacking the tranquility that accompanies a life lived in righteousness, contrasting with the peace promised to the righteous in other biblical texts, such as [Isaiah 48:22](/isaiah/48-22 "Isaiah 48:22 - No Peace for the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Quietness (Hebrew, _sheqeṭ'_):** The Hebrew word שֶׁקֶט (_sheqeṭ_) means "quietness," "rest," or "tranquility." Its negation ("shall not feel quietness") signifies a profound and perpetual state of agitation, restlessness, and inner turmoil. This is not merely an absence of external noise but a deep-seated lack of spiritual and emotional peace, often stemming from guilt, anxiety, or insatiable greed. It contrasts sharply with the concept of true rest and peace that is offered by God.
* **Belly (Hebrew, _beṭen'_):** The Hebrew term בֶּטֶן (_beṭen_) literally refers to the "belly" or "womb." However, in ancient Hebrew anthropology, it frequently served as a metaphor for the innermost being, the seat of emotions, thoughts, desires, conscience, and even moral character. Therefore, "quietness in his belly" refers to an internal, holistic sense of contentment and peace, while its absence denotes a deep, pervasive disquietude that affects one's entire inner life.
* **Desired (Hebrew, _ḥemda'_):** The word חֶמְדָּה (_ḥemda_) translates to "desire," "pleasantness," or "precious thing." In this context, "that which he desired" refers to the objects of the wicked person's covetousness—their ill-gotten gains, their accumulated wealth, or anything they pursued with selfish ambition. The phrase "he shall not save of that which he desired" implies that they will not be able to preserve, enjoy, or benefit from these things; they will either be lost, become a source of vexation, or prove ultimately unsatisfying.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly":** This clause describes the internal consequence of wickedness. It asserts that the wicked person, despite any outward show of prosperity or success, will be plagued by an inherent restlessness and lack of inner peace. Their conscience may trouble them, their desires may remain insatiable, or their ill-gotten gains may bring anxiety rather than contentment. This speaks to a spiritual and emotional void that cannot be filled by worldly acquisition.
* **"he shall not save of that which he desired":** This second clause details the external, material consequence. It declares that the wicked will not be able to preserve, retain, or truly benefit from the wealth or possessions they have coveted and acquired. What they have gained through unrighteous means or selfish ambition will ultimately slip away, be destroyed, or bring them no lasting satisfaction. It underscores the transient and futile nature of worldly pursuits when divorced from divine principles.

#### Literary Devices
Job 20:20 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly in the phrase "quietness in his belly," which evokes a vivid picture of internal tranquility or its absence. This is not a literal stomachache but a profound spiritual and emotional dis-ease, painting a picture of a soul perpetually agitated. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **synthetic parallelism**, where the second clause ("he shall not save of that which he desired") expands upon and reinforces the idea presented in the first clause ("Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly"). The internal turmoil described in the first clause is complemented by the external loss in the second, creating a comprehensive picture of the wicked's fate. Furthermore, given the broader context of the Book of Job, there is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**. While Zophar pronounces these truths about the wicked, he misapplies them to Job, who is righteous. The audience knows Job's suffering is not due to his sin, making Zophar's confident assertions about divine retribution ironically flawed in their specific application.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zophar's pronouncement in Job 20:20, while flawed in its application to Job, reflects a general biblical truth: true peace and lasting satisfaction cannot be found in unrighteous pursuits or the accumulation of earthly treasures. The insatiable nature of greed and the anxiety that often accompanies ill-gotten gains stand in stark contrast to the peace offered by God. This verse underscores the biblical principle that genuine contentment is a spiritual state, not a material one, and that pursuing worldly desires above God's will ultimately leads to emptiness and loss. It serves as a warning against the deceptive allure of temporary prosperity that lacks a foundation of righteousness and divine blessing.

* [Psalm 37:16](/psalm/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - Better a Little with Righteousness")
* [Proverbs 15:16](/proverbs/15-16 "Proverbs 15:16 - Better a Little with the Fear of the Lord")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 20:20 challenges us to examine the source of our desires and the nature of our peace. Are we pursuing things that promise temporary satisfaction but ultimately lead to inner turmoil and a sense of emptiness? The verse reminds us that true "quietness in the belly"—a profound sense of inner peace and contentment—does not come from accumulating wealth or fulfilling every earthly desire, especially if those pursuits are unrighteous or self-centered. Instead, genuine peace is a fruit of a right relationship with God, a clear conscience, and a life lived in accordance with His wisdom and purposes. This verse encourages us to re-evaluate our priorities, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing that true peace and lasting fulfillment are found only there, rather than in the fleeting gains of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "quietness in his belly" mean to you personally, and how might you cultivate more of it in your life?**
* **In what ways might the pursuit of "that which he desired" (worldly goals, possessions, status) lead to a lack of true satisfaction or even loss in the long run?**
* **How does this verse challenge the modern cultural emphasis on material success as the ultimate source of happiness?**
* **What spiritual disciplines or practices can help us prioritize inner peace and lasting spiritual treasures over fleeting earthly desires?**

### FAQ
**Does Zophar's view of the wicked always align with the broader biblical teaching on suffering and prosperity?**

Answer: While Zophar's statement in Job 20:20 contains a general truth about the ultimate futility of unrighteous gain and the lack of peace for the wicked, his rigid application of this principle to Job is fundamentally flawed and does not align with the full biblical teaching. The Book of Job itself serves as a profound critique of the simplistic retribution theology held by Job's friends. It demonstrates that suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin, and prosperity is not always a sign of righteousness. God's ways are more complex and mysterious than Zophar and his friends can comprehend ([Job 42:7-8](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7-8 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")). While the Bible certainly teaches that sin has consequences and that righteousness is ultimately blessed, it also acknowledges that the righteous may suffer and the wicked may prosper for a time ([Psalm 73:3-12](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). The ultimate biblical perspective emphasizes God's sovereignty, justice, and grace, which transcend human understanding of cause and effect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 20:20, though spoken by Zophar with a flawed understanding of suffering, points prophetically to the profound contrast between the world's fleeting promises and the enduring peace offered by Christ. The wicked person's inability to "feel quietness in his belly" highlights humanity's innate longing for inner peace, a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). Jesus, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), offers a peace that transcends understanding, a peace rooted in reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through His Blood")). Furthermore, the phrase "he shall not save of that which he desired" foreshadows the ultimate futility of pursuing worldly treasures. Christ taught His followers to store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")), contrasting the transient nature of earthly possessions with the eternal security found in Him. He is the true "desire of all nations" ([Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - The Desire of All Nations")), the one who truly satisfies the soul and offers eternal life, unlike the empty promises of the world that ultimately lead to spiritual bankruptcy ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). In Christ, we find true quietness for our souls and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")).

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

Ecclesiastes 5:13

There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

Ecclesiastes 5:14

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand.

Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

Isaiah 57:21

[There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.