Job 24:20

KJV

The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

KJV (with Strong's)

The womb {H7358} shall forget {H7911} him; the worm {H7415} shall feed sweetly {H4988} on him; he shall be no more remembered {H2142}; and wickedness {H5766} shall be broken {H7665} as a tree {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May the womb forget them, may worms find them sweet, may they no longer be remembered -thus may iniquity be snapped like a stick.

Berean Standard Bible

The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is like a broken tree.

American Standard Version

The womb shall forget him; The worm shall feed sweetly on him; He shall be no more remembered; And unrighteousness shall be broken as a tree.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:20 is a profound and somber declaration from Job concerning the ultimate, inescapable fate of the wicked, contrasting sharply with his earlier observations about their apparent earthly prosperity. This verse encapsulates themes of absolute mortality, complete oblivion, and the decisive destruction of evil, asserting that despite temporary success, divine justice will ultimately prevail, erasing the wicked from memory and dismantling their influence. It stands as a powerful counterpoint to the rigid theological framework of Job's friends, who insisted on immediate and visible retribution for sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24 falls within the third cycle of dialogue between Job and his friends, though Zophar's speech is notably absent or truncated. Throughout the preceding chapters, Job has passionately argued against his friends' simplistic theology, which posits a direct, immediate correlation between suffering and sin. He has repeatedly pointed to the perplexing reality that the wicked often prosper, commit injustice with impunity, and live out their days in peace (e.g., [Job 21:7-15](/job/21-7-15 "Job 21:7-15 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). However, in Job 24, particularly from verse 18 onward, Job shifts his focus. While still lamenting the prevalence of unpunished evil (as seen in [Job 24:1-12](/job/24-1-12 "Job 24:1-12 - Job's Lament on Unpunished Wickedness")), he begins to articulate the *eventual* and certain demise of the wicked. This shift suggests either a concession to the ultimate triumph of divine justice, a prophetic declaration of their certain doom, or a recognition that their prosperity, though real, is fleeting and ultimately leads to a desolate end. Verse 20 serves as a stark affirmation of this ultimate judgment, underscoring the physical decay, the erasure from human memory, and the decisive breaking of wickedness itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a "good name" and a lasting legacy was paramount. To be remembered, especially by one's family and descendants, was a form of immortality and honor. Conversely, to be forgotten, to have one's name "blotted out," was considered a profound curse and the ultimate indignity. Burial practices were meticulously observed, as they were believed to secure a place in the afterlife or at least a respectful remembrance on earth. The imagery of the "womb" forgetting speaks to the deepest familial bond, emphasizing that even those who brought one into the world will cease to remember them, signifying total erasure. The "worm" feeding sweetly on the body underscores the common understanding of physical decay after death, a universal equalizer. This cultural emphasis on legacy and remembrance makes the pronouncements of oblivion in Job 24:20 particularly potent and terrifying for an ancient audience.

* **Key Themes:** Job 24:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Mortality and Decay**, asserting the inescapable reality of physical death and decomposition for all humanity, regardless of their earthly status. The vivid imagery of the worm highlights the fragility and impermanence of human life. Secondly, the verse delves into the theme of **Oblivion and Forgetfulness**, emphasizing the ultimate loss of human legacy and memory for the wicked. This concept of being "no more remembered" was a profound curse in ancient cultures, echoing sentiments found in [Ecclesiastes 9:5](/ecclesiastes/9-5 "Ecclesiastes 9:5 - The Dead Know Nothing") which states, "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing; neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten." Finally, and perhaps most crucially, the verse speaks to the **Certainty of Divine Judgment**. The powerful metaphor "wickedness shall be broken as a tree" signifies a complete, irreversible, and decisive destruction of the wicked and their schemes. Even if divine justice seems delayed from a human perspective, this phrase asserts that God's judgment will eventually come, decisively ending their influence and power, a truth echoed by the psalmist in [Psalm 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "Psalm 37:10 - The Wicked Will Perish").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Womb (Hebrew, _rechem_):** This word, literally referring to the uterus or mother's womb, is used here to signify the deepest, most intimate familial connection. The statement "The womb shall forget him" is a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the absolute and profound nature of the oblivion awaiting the wicked. It suggests that even the most fundamental and enduring bond—that between a mother and her child—will be severed in memory, signifying a complete erasure from human consciousness and legacy.
* **Feed sweetly (Hebrew, _māthaq_):** The verb _māthaq_ means "to be sweet, pleasant, agreeable." Its application to the worm feeding on a decaying corpse creates a jarring and deeply ironic image. This grotesque sweetness highlights the natural, inevitable process of decomposition, presenting it as a "pleasant" feast for the worms, while simultaneously underscoring the utter degradation and insignificance of the once-powerful wicked person in death. It's a stark reminder of the body's return to dust.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _shāvar_):** This verb means "to break, shatter, crush, destroy." When applied to "wickedness" being "broken as a tree," it conveys a sense of violent, decisive, and irreversible destruction. Just as a tree, once felled, loses its life and stands no more, so too will the power, influence, and very essence of wickedness be utterly demolished. It signifies a final and comprehensive end to their oppressive reign and corrupt schemes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The womb shall forget him":** This clause speaks to the complete and utter erasure of the wicked from human memory and legacy. It implies that even the most intimate and foundational relationships—those of family, particularly the mother who bore them—will cease to recall their existence. This is a profound statement of oblivion, signifying the ultimate loss of identity and remembrance in the human sphere, a fate considered deeply ignominious in ancient cultures.
* **"the worm shall feed sweetly on him":** This vivid and unsettling image underscores the inescapable reality of physical death and decomposition. Regardless of earthly power, wealth, or status, all return to dust. The "sweetness" attributed to the worm's feeding is a stark and bitter irony, highlighting the body's inevitable decay and its reduction to mere sustenance for the lowest of creatures, stripping away all former dignity and pride.
* **"he shall be no more remembered":** This reiterates and reinforces the theme of oblivion introduced by the first clause. It emphasizes the complete cessation of any lasting human legacy or memorial for the wicked. Their deeds, their name, and their very existence will vanish from the collective memory of humanity, a fate that was culturally equivalent to a curse or a total annihilation of one's earthly significance.
* **"and wickedness shall be broken as a tree":** This powerful metaphor serves as the culmination of the verse's message of judgment. It signifies the decisive and irreversible destruction of the wicked's power, influence, and their very being. Just as a tree, once broken or felled, is utterly destroyed and loses its life, so too will the wicked and their schemes be decisively shattered by divine justice, bringing their reign of oppression to a definitive end.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:20 is rich in **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of decay and destruction. The phrase "the worm shall feed sweetly on him" is a prime example, evoking a visceral sense of physical dissolution and the ultimate indignity of death. This specific image also employs **Irony**, as the "sweetness" of the feeding is grotesque and paradoxical when applied to a decaying corpse, highlighting the bitter reality of the wicked's end. Furthermore, the verse concludes with a powerful **Metaphor**: "wickedness shall be broken as a tree." This comparison likens the decisive and irreversible judgment upon the wicked to the felling or shattering of a tree, conveying the finality and totality of their destruction and the end of their influence. These devices collectively amplify the verse's somber message of inevitable judgment and oblivion for those who persist in evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 24:20 stands as a profound theological statement on divine justice, mortality, and the ultimate futility of a life lived in wickedness. While Job grapples with the apparent prosperity of the wicked in the world, this verse serves as his declaration that such prosperity is ephemeral and that a just God will, in due time, bring about a decisive end to evil. It challenges the human tendency to focus solely on immediate, visible consequences, pointing instead to a deeper, ultimate reckoning where earthly distinctions vanish in the face of death and divine judgment. The verse underscores that true legacy is not found in fleeting power or wealth, but in alignment with God's righteousness, for even the memory of the wicked perishes.

* [Ecclesiastes 9:5](/ecclesiastes/9-5 "Ecclesiastes 9:5 - The Dead Are Forgotten"): "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."
* [Psalm 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "Psalm 37:10 - The Wicked Will Vanish"): "For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be."
* [Psalm 90:3](/psalms/90-3 "Psalm 90:3 - Return to Dust"): "Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:20 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the universal realities of mortality, the transient nature of earthly power, and the ultimate certainty of divine justice. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to flourish, this verse offers a vital perspective: no earthly success, wealth, or influence can ultimately escape the grave, nor can it circumvent God's final judgment. It challenges us to examine our own lives and priorities, asking what kind of legacy we are building—one that is fleeting and forgotten, or one that is rooted in eternal values and righteousness. It compels us to live with an awareness of our mortality, not in despair, but with a renewed urgency to align our lives with God's will, knowing that true remembrance and lasting significance are found only in Him. The verse also provides a measure of comfort for those who suffer under the hands of the wicked, assuring them that ultimate justice will indeed be served, even if it is not immediately apparent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of being "forgotten" by the womb challenge our modern understanding of legacy and influence?**
* **In what ways does the "sweetness" of the worm feeding on the body serve as a powerful, ironic commentary on earthly pride and power?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when we observe the wicked prospering in the present?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives are built on eternal values rather than fleeting earthly achievements or recognition?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 24:20 contradict Job's earlier arguments about the wicked prospering without immediate punishment?**

Answer: Not necessarily a contradiction, but rather a crucial development or a shift in emphasis within Job's complex argument. Earlier, Job vehemently challenged his friends' simplistic theology by pointing out the *observable* reality that the wicked often live long, prosperous lives, and die in peace, seemingly unpunished ([Job 21:7-15](/job/21-7-15 "Job 21:7-15 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). Job 24:20, especially within the context of [Job 24:18-24](/job/24-18-24 "Job 24:18-24 - The Swift End of the Wicked"), shifts to the *ultimate* and *inevitable* fate of the wicked. It's as if Job is saying, "While they may escape immediate earthly retribution, their end is certain: oblivion, physical decay, and the decisive breaking of their wickedness by divine decree." This demonstrates Job's nuanced understanding of divine justice, which may not always operate on a human timetable but is nonetheless absolute and sure.

**What is the significance of "the womb shall forget him" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the womb shall forget him" is a profound and culturally significant expression of absolute oblivion. In ancient Near Eastern societies, remembrance, particularly by one's family and descendants, was a vital aspect of one's legacy and a form of continued existence beyond death. To be forgotten, especially by the very source of one's life (the mother's womb), signified the most complete and humiliating erasure from human memory and significance. It implies that the wicked person's life was so devoid of lasting positive impact, or so steeped in evil, that even the deepest, most enduring human bonds would be severed in memory, leaving no trace or legacy behind. It's a stark contrast to the hope of a good name enduring for the righteous (e.g., [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Just")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 24:20, with its stark pronouncements of mortality, oblivion, and the breaking of wickedness, finds its ultimate and transformative fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The verse highlights humanity's inescapable return to dust and the futility of a life lived apart from God, where even the "womb shall forget" the wicked. However, in Christ, the curse of oblivion is reversed. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, conquered the power of death and the grave, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" are not forgotten but are eternally remembered in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life"). While the worm may feed on all human bodies, Christ's resurrection is the promise of a glorious, incorruptible body for believers ([1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "1 Corinthians 15:53-54 - The Imperishable Body")). Furthermore, the "breaking of wickedness as a tree" foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin and evil. On the cross, where He was "hanged on a tree" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), Jesus bore the full weight of human wickedness, breaking its power and rendering it ultimately impotent for those who trust in Him. He is the ultimate judge who will finally and perfectly execute justice, not merely breaking wickedness, but utterly destroying it and establishing His eternal kingdom where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, Job's lament about the wicked's end points forward to the definitive work of Christ, who transforms the despair of oblivion into the hope of eternal life and 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

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Daniel 4:14

He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

Job 18:16

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

Job 18:17

His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.

Job 19:26

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Isaiah 26:14

[They are] dead, they shall not live; [they are] deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.

Ecclesiastes 8:10

And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this [is] also vanity.