Job 20:22

KJV

In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the fulness {H4390}{H4390} of his sufficiency {H5607} he shall be in straits {H3334}: every hand {H3027} of the wicked {H6001} shall come {H935} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

With all needs satisfied, he will be in distress; the full force of misery will come over him.

Berean Standard Bible

In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him.

American Standard Version

In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: The hand of every one that is in misery shall come upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 20:22, part of Zophar the Naamathite's second discourse, vividly articulates his rigid conviction that the prosperity of the wicked is inherently fleeting and will inevitably culminate in a dramatic and ironic reversal of fortune. This verse posits that even at the peak of their perceived abundance and security, the ungodly will suddenly find themselves plunged into dire distress and overwhelming trouble, facing the full force of the consequences of their unrighteous actions. It serves as a stark declaration of divine retribution from Zophar's perspective, emphasizing the precariousness of ill-gotten gain and the inescapable nature of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 20:22 is situated within Zophar's second and final speech (Job 20). Following Eliphaz's and Bildad's arguments, Zophar enters the debate with an even more aggressive and less nuanced stance. His discourse is a passionate defense of the traditional retribution theology, asserting that the wicked are destined for swift and utter destruction, regardless of their temporary prosperity. He describes in detail the brief triumph of the ungodly, only to follow it with a graphic portrayal of their inevitable downfall. This particular verse, [Job 20:22](/job/20-22 "Job 20:22 - The Wicked's Reversal of Fortune"), serves as a climactic statement of this reversal, reinforcing his belief that Job's intense suffering must be a direct consequence of unconfessed sin, a conclusion Job vehemently denies throughout the book. Zophar's speech is characterized by its harshness and lack of empathy, focusing solely on the mechanical application of divine justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely during the patriarchal period, given the long lifespans, the form of wealth (livestock), and the direct interaction with God. The prevailing cultural belief among Job's friends, and indeed a common understanding in the ancient Near East, was the doctrine of divine retribution: righteousness leads to prosperity and blessing, while wickedness leads to suffering and curse. This was often seen as a direct, immediate, and observable cause-and-effect relationship. Job's friends, including Zophar, operate entirely within this framework, struggling to reconcile Job's undeniable righteousness with his unprecedented suffering. Their arguments, though well-intentioned, reflect a limited understanding of God's sovereignty, the complexities of suffering, and the nature of true faith. The cultural pressure to conform to this theological paradigm explains their persistent accusations against Job, as his suffering directly challenged their worldview.
* **Key Themes:** Zophar's speech, and [Job 20:22](/job/20-22 "Job 20:22 - The Wicked's Reversal of Fortune") in particular, contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job, albeit from a perspective that the book ultimately critiques. One central theme is **the transience of wicked prosperity**. Zophar argues that any apparent success of the ungodly is superficial and short-lived, a mere prelude to their inevitable ruin. This contrasts sharply with the enduring nature of true righteousness, even in suffering, as exemplified by Job. Another significant theme is **divine retribution**, viewed through Zophar's rigid lens. He insists that God's justice is swift and absolute, ensuring that no wicked person escapes punishment. While the Bible affirms God's ultimate justice, Zophar's error lies in his simplistic application of it to individual suffering, failing to account for God's sovereign purposes beyond human comprehension, as later revealed in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job"). Finally, the verse touches on **overwhelming affliction**, portraying the wicked person's downfall as complete and inescapable, suggesting that even their former associates or the very systems that supported their wickedness will turn against them, leading to a comprehensive collapse. This theme highlights the devastating consequences of living apart from God's righteous ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sufficiency (Hebrew, _śāḇaʿ_):** This root conveys the idea of being full, satisfied, satiated, or having an abundance of possessions and resources. In the context of "fulness of his sufficiency," it paints a picture of a wicked person who has seemingly achieved complete material prosperity and security, lacking nothing. It emphasizes a state of overflowing abundance, where all desires are met, and resources are plentiful. This word choice heightens the dramatic irony when contrasted with the sudden onset of "straits."
* **Straits (Hebrew, _ṣar_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be narrow," this word denotes narrowness, distress, trouble, affliction, or a constricted situation. It can also refer to an enemy or adversary. The juxtaposition of "sufficiency" with "straits" powerfully underscores the sudden and severe reversal of fortune. From a state of expansive abundance, the wicked individual is suddenly compressed into a suffocating, inescapable condition of trouble and distress, highlighting the complete and utter collapse of their perceived security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits:"** This clause presents the core ironic reversal. "The fulness of his sufficiency" describes the wicked person at the zenith of their perceived success, having amassed great wealth, power, or comfort. This is a state of complete satisfaction and abundance. However, the phrase immediately pivots to "he shall be in straits," indicating an abrupt and total shift from prosperity to severe distress. This suggests that the very abundance they accumulated, or the means by which they acquired it, will become the source of their downfall, leading to a constricted, troubled, and inescapable situation. The irony lies in the idea that at the peak of their perceived security, their vulnerability is revealed, and their world collapses.
* **"every hand of the wicked shall come upon him."** This second clause describes the mechanism or manifestation of the "straits." The phrase "every hand of the wicked" can be interpreted in several ways. It could mean that other wicked individuals, perhaps former associates or those they exploited, will turn against them, becoming instruments of their downfall. Alternatively, "the wicked" could refer to the consequences of their own wickedness, implying that the very actions and systems they employed to gain their "sufficiency" will boomerang back to afflict them. It signifies a comprehensive and inescapable judgment, where there is no quarter or escape, and the forces that once seemed to serve them now conspire against them, leading to complete ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Job 20:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify Zophar's message. The most prominent is **Irony**, where the expected outcome (continued prosperity for the seemingly successful wicked) is dramatically reversed by the actual outcome (sudden and severe distress). This is achieved through stark **Juxtaposition**, placing "fulness of his sufficiency" directly against "in straits," creating a powerful contrast between abundance and affliction. The phrase "every hand of the wicked shall come upon him" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the judgment, suggesting a universal turning of forces against the individual. Additionally, "hand" functions as a **Metonymy** for power, agency, or instrument, indicating that the very means or people associated with wickedness will become the tools of the wicked person's undoing. These devices collectively underscore the certainty and severity of the downfall Zophar envisions for the ungodly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 20:22, though spoken from a flawed theological premise regarding Job's suffering, nonetheless echoes a broader biblical truth about the ultimate futility and precariousness of wealth and power gained through unrighteousness. It points to the principle that true security does not reside in material abundance or worldly influence, but in a right relationship with God. While God's judgment is not always immediate or simplistic as Zophar suggests, the Scriptures consistently affirm that a day of reckoning awaits those who persist in wickedness, and their fleeting gains will ultimately prove worthless. This verse serves as a sober reminder that what appears to be a source of strength can quickly become a source of profound weakness and distress when not grounded in divine truth and righteousness.

* [Psalm 73:1-20](/psalm/73-1 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Zophar's application of this theology to Job was incomplete and ultimately challenged by God's own revelation, Job 20:22 still offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent caution against placing ultimate trust in fleeting material wealth or ill-gotten gains. In a world that often measures success by accumulation and power, this verse reminds us that such "sufficiency" is built on a precarious foundation if it lacks spiritual integrity. True security and lasting peace are not found in earthly possessions or worldly influence, but in a steadfast relationship with God and adherence to His eternal principles. It compels us to examine the source of our perceived sufficiency and to consider whether our pursuits are aligned with God's will. The verse also implicitly warns against the dangers of judging others based solely on their outward circumstances, as God's ways and purposes are often deeper and more complex than human understanding, as illuminated in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Higher Than Ours"). Ultimately, Job 20:22 encourages introspection on where one's true sufficiency and security truly lie, urging us to invest in what is eternal rather than what is transient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fulness of sufficiency" mean in my own life, and where do I tend to place my ultimate trust for security and well-being?**
* **How might the pursuit of worldly "sufficiency" lead to "straits" or distress in unexpected ways?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to judge others' spiritual state based on their outward circumstances, and how does the Book of Job challenge this tendency?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to re-evaluate my priorities and seek lasting security in God rather than in temporary gains?**

### FAQ
**What is Zophar's main point in Job 20:22?**

Answer: Zophar's main point in [Job 20:22](/job/20-22 "Job 20:22 - The Wicked's Reversal of Fortune") is to emphasize the inevitable and dramatic downfall of the wicked, regardless of their apparent prosperity. He asserts that even at the peak of their abundance, they will suddenly face overwhelming distress and judgment, often at the hands of those they once exploited or through the consequences of their own unrighteous actions. It's a statement of absolute divine retribution, intended to reinforce his argument that Job's suffering must be a result of his sin.

**How does this verse relate to Job's suffering?**

Answer: Zophar, like Job's other friends, believes in a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sin and suffering. He applies the principle articulated in [Job 20:22](/job/20-22 "Job 20:22 - The Wicked's Reversal of Fortune") directly to Job's situation, implying that Job's immense suffering is proof that he is one of the "wicked" who is now experiencing the "straits" after a period of "sufficiency." The entire Book of Job, however, serves to refute this simplistic and rigid application of retribution theology, demonstrating that suffering can have purposes beyond direct punishment for sin.

**Is Zophar's theology entirely wrong?**

Answer: Zophar's theology is not entirely wrong in its core assertion that God is just and that wickedness will ultimately face judgment. The Bible indeed affirms that the wicked will not escape divine retribution (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), [Romans 2:6-9](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6-9 - God Will Render to Each One According to His Deeds")). However, Zophar's error lies in his rigid, simplistic, and immediate application of this principle to all suffering, particularly to Job's case. He fails to acknowledge the complexities of God's sovereignty, the role of testing, or the fact that God's timing and methods of justice are often beyond human comprehension. His theology lacks nuance and compassion, making it an inadequate framework for understanding the full scope of God's ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 20:22 speaks from Zophar's limited perspective on divine retribution, its themes of fleeting worldly sufficiency and inevitable judgment find their ultimate resolution and redefinition in Christ. Humanity's "sufficiency" apart from God, often characterized by self-reliance, material accumulation, and sinful pursuits, ultimately leads to the "straits" of spiritual death and eternal separation, as described in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death"). Jesus, however, is presented as our true and eternal "sufficiency." In Him, we find not a temporary abundance that leads to distress, but an inexhaustible supply of grace, peace, and righteousness ([2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is From God")). He took upon Himself the "straits" of human sin and the judgment it deserved, enduring the ultimate affliction on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). Through His sacrifice, He triumphed over the "every hand of the wicked" – over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). For those who are in Christ, the judgment described by Zophar is transformed into a promise of eternal life and true, lasting sufficiency, while for those who reject Him, the "straits" of divine judgment will indeed be a reality ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Punishment")). Thus, Christ fulfills the need for a true and enduring sufficiency, and He is the one who ultimately executes perfect justice.

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

Psalms 39:5

Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

Job 1:17

While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Ecclesiastes 2:18

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

Ecclesiastes 2:20

Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

Job 1:15

And the Sabeans fell [upon them], and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Job 15:29

He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.