Job 21:25

KJV

And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.

KJV (with Strong's)

And another dieth {H4191} in the bitterness {H4751} of his soul {H5315}, and never eateth {H398} with pleasure {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Another dies with embittered heart, never having tasted happiness.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, having never tasted prosperity.

American Standard Version

And another dieth in bitterness of soul, And never tasteth of good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 21:25 stands as a profound counterpoint to the simplistic retribution theology espoused by Job's friends, asserting that divine justice is far more complex and inscrutable than their rigid formulas suggest. This verse vividly portrays an individual whose life, regardless of outward circumstances, culminates in a death consumed by profound internal anguish and a complete absence of genuine contentment, thereby highlighting that true misery can be an invisible, soul-deep affliction rather than merely an external misfortune.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 21:25 is strategically placed within Job's third and most impassioned response to his friends (Job 21), where he systematically dismantles their unwavering belief that the wicked always suffer overtly and the righteous are invariably blessed. Job begins this chapter by presenting compelling counter-evidence, illustrating that, contrary to their expectations, the wicked often prosper, live long, and die peacefully, enjoying worldly success (e.g., [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7-13 "Job 21:7-13 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). Specifically, [Job 21:23-24](/job/21-23-24 "Job 21:23-24 - Death in Full Prosperity") describe those who die "in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet," their bodies robust and well-nourished, painting a picture of comfortable and serene demise. Verse 25 then introduces a stark and deliberate contrast, presenting an equally valid, yet profoundly different, end for another type of individual: a death marked by internal bitterness and a complete lack of pleasure. This powerful juxtaposition underscores Job's central argument that God's dealings with humanity are multifaceted and cannot be reduced to predictable, formulaic outcomes of immediate reward or punishment, thereby challenging the very foundation of his friends' conventional wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is a profound theological exploration that directly challenges the prevailing "retribution theology" common in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. This dominant worldview posited a direct and observable correlation between one's moral actions and one's material fate: righteousness was expected to yield prosperity and long life, while wickedness was presumed to result in suffering, poverty, and an early, ignominious death. Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—are staunch proponents of this traditional view, relentlessly urging Job to confess a hidden sin as the cause of his inexplicable suffering. Job 21:25, along with the entire chapter, directly confronts this cultural assumption by demonstrating that reality often defies such simplistic theological constructs. It highlights that the human experience, even for those deemed "wicked" by societal standards, encompasses a wide spectrum of internal and external conditions, thereby challenging the prevailing notion that outward circumstances are always a clear indicator of divine favor or disfavor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Foremost is the **Complexity of Divine Justice**, demonstrating that God's ways are often inscrutable and not confined to human expectations of immediate, observable retribution. It challenges the simplistic cause-and-effect understanding of suffering and prosperity, suggesting that the wicked do not always suffer externally, nor do the righteous always prosper outwardly. Another crucial theme is the **Varied Fates of Humanity**, particularly among the wicked, illustrating that not all experience the same end; some die in outward prosperity ([Job 21:23-24](/job/21-23-24 "Job 21:23-24 - Varied Deaths")), while others, as described in this verse, die in profound internal distress. This highlights the **Internal Nature of Suffering and Well-being**, suggesting that true "bitterness" or "pleasure" can be a state of the soul, largely independent of external circumstances. Ultimately, the verse underscores the **Limitations of Human Wisdom** in fully comprehending God's intricate governance of the world, a central message woven throughout the entire book of [Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dieth (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** from H4191, a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. In this context, it refers to the physical cessation of life, but the surrounding clauses imbue it with a specific quality: a death marked by internal anguish rather than peace.
* **bitterness (Hebrew, _mar'_):** from H4751, or (feminine) מָרָה; from מָרַר; bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly; [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. This word denotes a profound, unpleasant emotional state. When combined with "soul," it describes a deep, pervasive internal pain, anguish, or resentment that consumes the individual's inner being.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** from H5315, from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. In Hebrew thought, _nephesh_ encompasses the entire person—their life force, emotions, desires, and inner being. Thus, "bitterness of his soul" signifies a comprehensive state where the very core of a person's existence is steeped in sorrow, affecting their entire outlook and experience of life.
* **eateth (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** from H398, a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. Here, "eateth" refers to the act of consuming food, but in the context of "with pleasure," it becomes a metaphor for experiencing genuine satisfaction and enjoyment in life's basic provisions and experiences.
* **pleasure (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** from H2896, from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). This word signifies that which is good, pleasant, or desirable. To "never eateth with pleasure" implies a life devoid of true delight or the capacity to genuinely enjoy even the most fundamental aspects of existence, indicating a profound internal deprivation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul":** This clause introduces a contrasting scenario to the previous verses ([Job 21:23-24](/job/21-23-24 "Job 21:23-24 - Death in Full Prosperity")), which depicted individuals dying in prosperity and ease. Here, the focus shifts to an individual whose end is marked by profound internal suffering. "Bitterness of his soul" vividly portrays a life consumed by deep-seated anguish, sorrow, or resentment that has permeated their very being. This suggests that regardless of any external circumstances, the person's inner world is one of torment, leading to a death that is not peaceful but fraught with internal distress.
* **"and never eateth with pleasure":** This phrase serves as a powerful metaphor for a life perpetually devoid of true joy, contentment, or satisfaction. "Eating with pleasure" represents the ability to find enjoyment in the basic provisions and experiences of life, to savor moments of blessing and peace. The negation, "never eateth with pleasure," signifies that this individual, throughout their life, was unable to experience genuine delight or inner peace, even in moments that might outwardly appear pleasurable. Their inner bitterness prevented them from finding satisfaction in anything, leading to a life of spiritual and emotional emptiness.

#### Literary Devices
Job 21:25 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as this verse stands in stark opposition to the preceding verses ([Job 21:23-24](/job/21-23-24 "Job 21:23-24 - Varied Fates")), which depict a death of ease and prosperity. This juxtaposition highlights Job's central argument that the fates of individuals, even the wicked, are diverse and unpredictable, defying simplistic theological formulas. The phrase "never eateth with pleasure" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for a life utterly devoid of genuine contentment or satisfaction. Eating, a fundamental human experience, here symbolizes the broader capacity for joy and enjoyment in life's provisions. Its absence signifies a deep spiritual and emotional void. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in Job's overall argument: while his friends assume external suffering for the wicked, Job shows that even those who escape outward calamity can be consumed by an internal "bitterness of soul," demonstrating that true misery can be an invisible, internal state rather than just an external affliction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:25 offers profound theological insights into the nature of human suffering, divine justice, and the condition of the soul. It challenges the simplistic notion that external circumstances are always a direct reflection of one's spiritual state or God's favor. Instead, it highlights that true well-being or misery can be an internal experience, a "bitterness of soul" that no amount of worldly success can alleviate, or a "pleasure" that is independent of material possessions. This verse reminds us that God's ways are often inscrutable, transcending human categories of immediate cause and effect, and that a person's inner state before God is ultimately more significant than their outward fortune. It encourages a deeper introspection into the heart's condition rather than a superficial judgment based on appearances, emphasizing that true peace and contentment are spiritual realities.

* [Proverbs 14:10](/proverbs/14-10 "Proverbs 14:10 - The Heart's Own Bitterness")
* [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Finding Joy in Labor")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:25 serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection and a caution against superficial judgment. It reminds us that true well-being is not solely determined by external circumstances—wealth, health, or social standing—but profoundly by the condition of our inner being. A person can possess abundant material blessings yet be consumed by a "bitterness of soul," unable to experience genuine pleasure or contentment in anything. This calls us to examine our own hearts: are we harboring unaddressed grief, resentment, unforgiveness, or unfulfilled desires that are poisoning our inner peace? The verse also profoundly challenges our tendency to judge others based on their outward fortunes or misfortunes. We are reminded that God's dealings are complex and often beyond our full comprehension, urging us to cultivate humility and compassion rather than quick, simplistic assessments of others' spiritual standing. Ultimately, it invites us to seek a deeper, internal peace that transcends the ebb and flow of worldly circumstances, recognizing that true satisfaction is a matter of the soul.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "bitterness of soul" that prevents me from finding true pleasure, even in blessings?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about what constitutes a "good" or "bad" life, particularly when judging others based on their outward circumstances?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of contentment and joy, regardless of my external circumstances, seeking satisfaction from within?**
* **How does the concept of internal bitterness compare to external suffering, and which do I tend to prioritize in my understanding of human experience and divine justice?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 21:25 mean that all wicked people suffer internally?**

Answer: No, Job 21:25 does not suggest that *all* wicked people suffer internally. Instead, it is a crucial part of Job's broader argument in [Job 21](/job/21 "Job 21 - Job's Rebuttal to Zophar") that the fates of the wicked are varied and unpredictable, defying simplistic theological formulas. In verses [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7-13 "Job 21:7-13 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), Job describes wicked individuals who live long, prosper, and die peacefully. Verses [Job 21:23-24](/job/21-23-24 "Job 21:23-24 - Death in Full Strength") specifically mention those who die "in full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet." Job 21:25 then introduces *another* possibility: that some die in "bitterness of soul." The point is the *diversity* of outcomes, challenging the rigid retribution theology of his friends who believed all wicked people would suffer overtly and uniformly.

**What is the significance of "never eateth with pleasure"?**

Answer: The phrase "never eateth with pleasure" is a powerful and poignant metaphor for a life utterly devoid of genuine contentment, satisfaction, or joy. Eating is a fundamental human activity and a source of basic pleasure and sustenance. To be unable to "eat with pleasure" signifies that even in the most basic and potentially enjoyable aspects of life, this person finds no true delight. It speaks to a profound internal emptiness or bitterness that overshadows all experiences, preventing them from savoring blessings or finding peace. It highlights that external provisions do not guarantee internal satisfaction, and that true enjoyment comes from the state of the soul, not just the circumstances of the body. It underscores that spiritual and emotional well-being are distinct from material prosperity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 21:25, with its poignant portrayal of a life consumed by "bitterness of soul" and devoid of true "pleasure," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. The "bitterness of soul" described here speaks to the deep internal anguish, spiritual emptiness, and unfulfilled longing that is ultimately a consequence of humanity's fallen state and separation from God. While the world promises satisfaction through material gain or transient pleasures, these often leave the soul parched and unfulfilled, as the one who "never eateth with pleasure" illustrates. Jesus, however, offers the true antidote to this spiritual famine. He declares Himself the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "John 4:13-14 - The Living Water")), promising that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again, finding ultimate satisfaction and spiritual nourishment. He invites the weary and burdened to find rest for their souls in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), replacing bitterness with His peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ addresses the root cause of our internal brokenness, offering not just external prosperity but a profound, enduring joy and contentment that the world cannot give or take away, transforming the "bitterness of soul" into a wellspring of eternal life and true spiritual pleasure.

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

Ezekiel 4:16

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Ezekiel 4:17

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

Job 7:11

Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

2 Samuel 17:8

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they [be] mighty men, and they [be] chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father [is] a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

Job 20:23

¶ [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.

1 Kings 17:12

And she said, [As] the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I [am] gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

Job 10:1

¶ My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.