Job 27:20

KJV

Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.

KJV (with Strong's)

Terrors {H1091} take hold {H5381} on him as waters {H4325}, a tempest {H5492} stealeth him away {H1589} in the night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Terrors overtake him like a flood; at night a whirlwind steals him away.

Berean Standard Bible

Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest sweeps him away in the night.

American Standard Version

Terrors overtake him like waters; A tempest stealeth him away in the night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:20 powerfully articulates the terrifying and inescapable judgment awaiting the wicked, employing vivid natural metaphors to convey its sudden, overwhelming, and destructive nature. This verse, situated within Job's final discourse, underscores his unwavering conviction in God's ultimate justice, asserting that despite any temporary prosperity, those who live in wickedness will face a divinely ordained and terrifying end, contrasting sharply with the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:20 is situated within Job's concluding monologue, spanning chapters 27 through 31. After enduring profound suffering and engaging in extensive debates with his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who insisted his calamities were a direct consequence of hidden sin, Job steadfastly maintains his innocence. In chapter 27, Job shifts from a direct defense of his integrity to a declaration concerning the fate of the wicked. This strategic move serves to demonstrate his understanding of divine justice and retribution, thereby subtly refuting his friends' simplistic theology by implying that his own suffering does not fit the pattern of the wicked's demise. The entire chapter functions as a strong affirmation of God's righteous governance, even when its workings are mysterious to human understanding, setting the stage for God's eventual intervention in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Palestine, though its precise location is debated. The patriarchal setting is evident in the long lifespans, the form of worship, and the societal structures depicted. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering, was a prevalent belief, often referred to as the "retribution principle." Job's friends vehemently uphold this traditional view, struggling to reconcile Job's blameless character with his immense suffering. Job 27:20, by describing the dramatic end of the wicked, acknowledges this principle but, in the broader context of the book, challenges its simplistic application to all suffering, particularly that of the righteous. The imagery of "waters" and "tempest" would have resonated deeply in a region where sudden, destructive natural phenomena like flash floods and violent storms were real and terrifying threats, often interpreted as divine judgments.
* **Key Themes:** Job 27:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**. Despite appearances, God's justice is certain, and the wicked will not ultimately escape their deserved punishment, as also seen in [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalm/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Path and Terrifying End of the Wicked"). This verse also highlights the theme of the **Transience of Wicked Prosperity**. Any success or peace enjoyed by the wicked is temporary and illusory, destined to be swept away suddenly and completely. The phrase "stealeth him away in the night" emphasizes the **Sudden and Inescapable Nature of Judgment**, a motif found throughout Scripture (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction")). Furthermore, the "terrors" suggest an internal dimension of dread and fear that accompanies a life lived apart from God, even before external calamity strikes, echoing the internal turmoil described in [Proverbs 1:27](/proverbs/1-27 "Proverbs 1:27 - The Dread of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Terrors (Hebrew, _ballâhâh'_):** While the word appears in its plural form in the verse, the root `ballâhâh` denotes alarm, destruction, terror, or trouble. Its use here in the plural intensifies the concept, suggesting an overwhelming, multi-faceted experience of fear and horror that seizes the individual. It implies both an internal psychological state of extreme anxiety and the external calamities that induce such a state, often associated with divine judgment.
* **Tempest (Hebrew, _çûwphâh'_):** Referring to a violent storm, whirlwind, or hurricane, `çûwphâh` vividly portrays a natural force that is uncontrollable, overwhelming, and utterly destructive. It signifies a cataclysmic event that sweeps away everything in its path, leaving desolation. The use of this word emphasizes the irresistible power of the judgment that befalls the wicked.
* **Stealeth him away (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** Derived from the primitive root `gânab`, meaning "to thieve" or "to carry away by stealth," this word conveys the idea of a stealthy, unexpected, and irreversible removal. It implies that the wicked are taken by surprise, without warning, and their removal is complete, leaving no trace or possibility of return. This imagery underscores the suddenness and finality of their destruction, akin to a thief in the night.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Terrors take hold on him as waters":** This clause describes the initial impact of judgment. "Terrors" are not merely external threats but an internal, overwhelming dread that seizes the wicked person. The comparison "as waters" evokes the imagery of a sudden, uncontrollable flood or torrent that engulfs and drowns. Just as a person caught in a flash flood is helpless against its force, so too are the wicked overwhelmed by the fear and consequences of their actions, a fear that is both psychological and a precursor to their physical demise.
* **"a tempest stealeth him away in the night":** This second clause amplifies the destructive power and unexpected nature of the judgment. "A tempest" signifies a violent, destructive storm, an irresistible force. The verb "stealeth him away" emphasizes the stealthy, unannounced, and irreversible nature of this removal. Like a thief operating under the cover of "night," the judgment comes suddenly, without warning, and completely dispossesses the wicked of their life and any perceived security. The night further symbolizes vulnerability, darkness, and the absence of light or escape.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:20 is rich in **Imagery**, drawing heavily on natural phenomena to depict divine judgment. The comparison of "terrors" to "waters" (a **Simile**) creates a powerful visual of an overwhelming, engulfing force, much like a destructive flood. The subsequent mention of a "tempest" (a **Metaphor** for judgment) further intensifies this natural disaster imagery, portraying judgment as a violent, uncontrollable storm. The phrase "stealeth him away" employs **Personification**, attributing the action of "stealing" to the tempest, thereby emphasizing its active, cunning, and decisive removal of the wicked. The inclusion of "in the night" uses **Symbolism** to convey suddenness, vulnerability, and the absence of warning or escape. Together, these devices create a vivid and terrifying picture of the wicked's inevitable and inescapable doom, emphasizing God's sovereign control over justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:20 profoundly reinforces the biblical principle of divine retribution, asserting that God's justice is not only righteous but also ultimately inescapable for those who persist in wickedness. It challenges the human tendency to question God's fairness when the wicked appear to prosper, reaffirming that their temporary success is merely a prelude to a terrifying and sudden end. This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation, including the destinies of humanity, and His unwavering commitment to upholding moral order, even if its full manifestation is delayed from a human perspective. It underscores the contrast between the fleeting security of the wicked and the enduring hope of the righteous.

* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalm/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Path and Terrifying End of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 1:27](/proverbs/1-27 "Proverbs 1:27 - The Dread and Despair of the Wicked")
* [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Lord's Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:20 offers a sobering yet ultimately comforting message for believers today. In a world often characterized by apparent injustice, where the wicked seem to flourish and the righteous suffer, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that God's justice is not only real but also inevitable. It calls us to trust in His perfect timing and sovereign plan, even when His ways are beyond our immediate comprehension. For those who might be tempted by the allure of worldly gain through unrighteous means, it stands as a stark warning: temporary prosperity gained through wickedness is a fleeting illusion, leading only to ultimate terror and destruction. Conversely, for the righteous enduring hardship, it offers profound encouragement, assuring them that their steadfastness in faith is not in vain. It prompts us to examine our own lives, ensuring that our foundations are built on God's enduring truth, not on the shifting sands of worldly success, so that when the storms of life and judgment come, we may stand secure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 27:20 challenge your perception of justice in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper?**
* **What "terrors" might a life lived apart from God's ways entail, even before ultimate judgment?**
* **How does the imagery of "waters" and "tempest" inform your understanding of God's power and the certainty of His judgment?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage perseverance in righteousness, even in the face of suffering or perceived injustice?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 27:20 imply that all suffering is a direct result of wickedness?**

Answer: No, the Book of Job as a whole, and Job's discourse in particular, challenges the simplistic notion that all suffering is a direct consequence of personal sin. While Job 27:20 describes the ultimate fate of the wicked, Job's own experience throughout the book clearly demonstrates that righteous individuals can also suffer immensely without having committed hidden sins. Job's friends repeatedly assert this direct correlation, but Job himself, and ultimately God in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Response to Job"), refute this narrow view. This verse specifically addresses the *end* of the *wicked*, affirming that their apparent prosperity is temporary and their judgment is certain, but it does not negate the reality of righteous suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 27:20, with its chilling depiction of the wicked's terrifying and inescapable end, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the fate of those outside of Christ and the secure hope offered through Him. The "terrors" that "take hold" of the wicked are ultimately the terrors of divine wrath and eternal separation from God, a judgment that every human being deserves due to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly absorbed this divine wrath on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Those who trust in Him are delivered from the "tempest" of judgment, for there is now "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). While the wicked are "stolen away in the night" to destruction, Christ promises His followers eternal life and security, assuring them that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). He is the light that overcomes the "night" of sin and death ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), offering not terror, but peace and everlasting life to all who believe.

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

Job 15:21

A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

Job 18:11

¶ Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

Psalms 69:14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

Psalms 69:15

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

Daniel 5:30

¶ In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.

Job 21:18

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.