Job 20:24

KJV

He shall flee from the iron weapon, [and] the bow of steel shall strike him through.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall flee {H1272} from the iron {H1270} weapon {H5402}, and the bow {H7198} of steel {H5154} shall strike him through {H2498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If he flees from the weapon of iron, the bow of bronze will pierce him through

Berean Standard Bible

Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him.

American Standard Version

He shall flee from the iron weapon, And the bow of brass shall strike him through.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 20:24 forms a pivotal part of Zophar the Naamathite’s second discourse, vividly portraying the inescapable and intensifying judgment awaiting the wicked. Zophar asserts that any attempt to evade an initial, lesser threat will inevitably lead to confrontation with a more powerful and ultimately fatal form of divine retribution, symbolizing the absolute certainty and futility of escaping God's justice for those who persist in unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Zophar's second and final speech, found in [Job chapter 20](/job/20 "Job 20 - Zophar's Second Speech"). Following Job's lament in [Job chapter 19](/job/19 "Job 19 - Job's Plea for Pity"), Zophar responds with a harsh condemnation of the wicked, asserting that their prosperity is short-lived and their end is destruction. His argument, like those of Eliphaz and Bildad, is rooted in the traditional retribution theology prevalent in the ancient Near East: suffering is always a direct consequence of sin, and the wicked will inevitably face swift and severe judgment. Job 20:24 serves as a powerful image within Zophar's broader argument that the wicked cannot escape their deserved fate, emphasizing the futility of their schemes and the certainty of their downfall, a perspective that stands in stark contrast to Job's own experience and his desperate plea for a hearing before God, as expressed in [Job 23:3](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3 - Job's Desire to Find God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of divine justice was deeply ingrained, often understood through a direct cause-and-effect relationship between human actions and divine response. Retribution theology, which Job's friends vehemently uphold, posited that God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked, often within their lifetime. The imagery of "iron weapon" and "bow of steel" (more accurately, "bronze") reflects the military technology of the era. Iron was a common metal for tools and weapons, while bronze, especially for a bow, signified a weapon of superior strength, durability, and lethality. A "bow of bronze" would be exceptionally powerful, capable of delivering a devastating blow, underscoring the severity and inescapable nature of the judgment Zophar describes. This cultural understanding of weapon superiority reinforces the idea of an escalating and unavoidable doom.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme conveyed by Zophar in this verse is the **Inevitable Judgment** of the wicked. He firmly believes that no human scheme or attempt at escape can ultimately avert God's justice. This leads directly to the theme of the **Futility of Escape**, as the imagery vividly illustrates that fleeing one form of punishment will only lead to another, more potent, and decisive one. It paints a picture of a trap from which there is no exit, highlighting the inescapable retribution for unrighteousness. From Zophar's perspective, the verse also speaks to **Divine Retribution**, portraying God as the ultimate enforcer of justice, actively involved in ensuring that the wicked receive their due. This aligns with broader wisdom literature that warns against the path of the wicked, such as the warnings found in [Proverbs 11:5-6](/proverbs/11-5 "Proverbs 11:5-6 - The Righteous and the Wicked"). While Zophar's application of this theology to Job is later rebuked by God in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends"), the underlying principle of divine accountability for sin remains a significant biblical truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iron weapon (Hebrew, _keli barzel'_):** This phrase refers to a tool or implement made of iron. In the context of warfare or danger, it signifies a common, yet dangerous, threat. Iron was a widely used metal, and a weapon made of it would be formidable, representing a clear and present danger that one might attempt to flee.
* **Bow of steel (Hebrew, _qesheth nechushat'_):** The King James Version's "bow of steel" is a translation of the Hebrew "קשת נחושת" (_qesheth nechushat_), which more accurately means "bow of **bronze**." This is a critical distinction. While "steel" conveys strength to modern readers, bronze was a highly valued and extremely strong metal in the ancient world, often superior to iron for crafting a powerful, durable, and precise bow. A "bow of bronze" would signify a weapon of immense power, signifying an inescapable and devastating blow, far more potent than a mere "iron weapon." This linguistic nuance reinforces the idea of overwhelming and unavoidable judgment.
* **Strike him through (Hebrew, _chalaf'_):** The verb "חלף" (_chalaf_) means to pass through, pierce, or transfix. It conveys the idea of a fatal, penetrating blow that leaves no room for escape or survival. It emphasizes the finality and deadliness of the judgment, indicating that the individual is not merely wounded but utterly undone by the impact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall flee from the iron weapon,"**: This clause sets the scene, depicting the wicked individual attempting to escape a perceived danger or consequence. The "iron weapon" represents a tangible, immediate threat, suggesting that the wicked person is aware of impending doom and actively seeks to avoid it. It highlights their futile efforts to outrun justice.
* **"[and] the bow of steel shall strike him through."**: This second clause delivers the crushing blow, revealing the utter futility of the attempted escape. The "bow of steel" (bronze) symbolizes a superior, more powerful, and ultimately inescapable force of judgment. The phrase "strike him through" emphasizes the fatal and decisive nature of this retribution, implying that the wicked individual is not just injured but completely undone, their escape definitively thwarted by a more formidable and unavoidable fate.

#### Literary Devices
Zophar employs several powerful literary devices in Job 20:24 to underscore his point about the inescapable nature of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the wicked person attempts to flee one danger only to run directly into a more formidable and fatal one. This creates a sense of tragic inevitability. **Symbolism** is also heavily utilized, with the "iron weapon" representing a common, initial threat or consequence, and the "bow of steel" (bronze) symbolizing a superior, ultimate, and unavoidable divine judgment. These weapons are not just physical objects but stand for the instruments of God's justice. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in Zophar's description, exaggerating the absolute certainty and overwhelming power of the judgment to emphasize the futility of any resistance or escape from God's decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Zophar's theology, like that of Job's other friends, is ultimately revealed as flawed in its direct application to Job's suffering, this verse nonetheless carries a profound theological truth about the consequences of persistent wickedness and the ultimate accountability before God. Zophar's assertion, though misapplied to Job, reflects a biblical principle that actions have consequences and that a path of unrighteousness inevitably leads to destruction. It highlights God's sovereign justice, which, though patient, will ultimately bring every deed into judgment. The imagery of inescapable doom serves as a stark reminder that attempts to evade divine reckoning are futile, and true security is found not in clever escape but in seeking righteousness and trusting in God's mercy. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that while God's grace is vast, His justice is also certain.

* [Proverbs 11:5-6](/proverbs/11-5 "Proverbs 11:5-6 - The Integrity of the Upright")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 20:24, despite its origin in Zophar's flawed theology, offers a potent warning about the consequences of persistently choosing a path contrary to God's ways. It serves as a stark reminder that while God's patience is immense, there is an ultimate point of accountability for all humanity. The imagery of fleeing one danger only to encounter a greater, inescapable one compels us to reflect on the futility of attempting to outrun the consequences of our actions or to live outside of God's moral order. True security and peace are not found in clever schemes of evasion or self-justification, but in humbly acknowledging our need for God's grace, embracing righteousness, and trusting in His sovereign justice and mercy. This verse encourages a deep introspection into our own choices, prompting us to consider the long-term implications of living in rebellion against divine principles and to turn towards a life aligned with God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "fleeing one weapon only to be struck by another" challenge my understanding of consequences in life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "flee" from difficult truths or responsibilities instead of facing them with integrity?**
* **How does the certainty of divine accountability, even when misapplied by Zophar, motivate me to live a life pleasing to God?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the ultimate futility of human efforts to escape God's justice without repentance and faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the KJV's "bow of steel" versus the more accurate "bow of bronze"?**

Answer: The KJV's translation of "bow of steel" for the Hebrew "קשת נחושת" (_qesheth nechushat_) is an interpretive choice that reflects a later understanding of metal strength. In the ancient world, especially during the time of Job, bronze was a highly prized and exceptionally strong metal, far superior to iron for crafting a powerful and durable bow. Iron was more common for tools and basic weapons, but a bronze bow would have been a rare and formidable weapon, signifying immense power and precision. Therefore, "bow of bronze" more accurately conveys the intended meaning of an overwhelmingly powerful and inescapable force of judgment, emphasizing that the second threat is far more potent and deadly than the first. The nuance highlights the escalating and unavoidable nature of the retribution Zophar describes.

**Does this verse mean that all suffering is a direct result of sin, as Zophar believed?**

Answer: No, the book of Job as a whole ultimately refutes Zophar's simplistic retribution theology. While Job 20:24 reflects Zophar's firm belief that the wicked inevitably suffer due to their sin, the broader narrative of Job demonstrates that suffering is complex and not always a direct punitive consequence of personal wrongdoing. God Himself rebukes Job's friends in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends") for not speaking what was right about Him. However, the verse does contain a general truth acknowledged throughout Scripture: there are indeed consequences for unrighteous living, and ultimately, all will face divine accountability. The verse speaks to the certainty of judgment for those who persistently choose a path of wickedness, even if it doesn't explain all forms of suffering.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice?**

Answer: This verse, from Zophar's perspective, underscores the certainty of God's justice and His active involvement in the world. It portrays God as the ultimate enforcer of moral order, ensuring that the wicked do not escape their deserved consequences. While Zophar's application of this justice to Job was flawed, the underlying principle of divine accountability is foundational to biblical theology. God is righteous and just, and He will ultimately judge all humanity according to their deeds. The imagery of inescapable judgment highlights God's sovereignty and the futility of human attempts to evade His righteous decrees, reminding us that no one can ultimately escape the reach of His perfect justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 20:24, though spoken from a flawed human perspective, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate reality of divine judgment and the utter futility of human attempts to escape it. The "iron weapon" and "bow of bronze" symbolize the inescapable consequences of sin, culminating in death, as [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin") declares, "For the wages of sin is death." Humanity, in its fallen state, constantly tries to flee from the consequences of its rebellion against God, seeking escape in various forms of self-justification or worldly pursuits. However, the New Testament reveals that all such attempts are futile, for "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" ([Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die and Be Judged")). Yet, in Christ, the seemingly inescapable "bow of bronze" of divine judgment is uniquely addressed. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly allowed Himself to be "struck through" by the full force of God's wrath against sin on the cross. He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). For those who are "in Christ," the judgment that would have "struck them through" has already been borne by their substitute. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ disarmed the spiritual forces of evil and cancelled the record of debt that stood against us ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory")). Thus, while Job 20:24 speaks to the terrifying certainty of judgment for the wicked, it ultimately points to the glorious truth that in Jesus, there is a true and eternal escape from that judgment, not by fleeing, but by being found in Him who bore the strike for us. He is our ultimate refuge and the fulfillment of God's perfect justice and mercy.

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

Amos 5:19

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

Isaiah 24:18

And it shall come to pass, [that] he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

2 Samuel 22:35

He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

Jeremiah 48:43

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [shall be] upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

1 Kings 20:30

But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and [there] a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men [that were] left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

Amos 9:1

¶ I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.