Job 34:20

KJV

In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

In a moment {H7281} shall they die {H4191}, and the people {H5971} shall be troubled {H1607} at midnight {H2676}{H3915}, and pass away {H5674}: and the mighty {H47} shall be taken away {H5493} without hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They may die in a moment, in the middle of the night -the people are shaken and pass away, the mighty are removed without human hands.

Berean Standard Bible

They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

American Standard Version

In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:20, delivered by Elihu, powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty and swift, impartial justice over all humanity, particularly those who hold positions of power. It vividly portrays the sudden and unexpected nature of divine judgment, emphasizing that neither status nor strength can exempt anyone from God's immediate and irresistible decree to bring about death or downfall. The verse underscores that God acts independently, without needing human agency, to execute His will, ensuring that even the most formidable individuals are subject to His ultimate, unchallengeable authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:20 is situated within Elihu's first major discourse, which spans from [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Concluding Speech"). Elihu, a younger man who has patiently observed the preceding arguments, intervenes with a passionate desire to articulate God's justice more accurately than either Job's self-justification or the friends' rigid, accusatory theology. He positions himself as a mediator, claiming to speak for God with true wisdom and understanding, albeit from a human perspective ([Job 33:6-7](/job/33-6-7 "Job 33:6-7 - Elihu's Claim to Speak for God")). Specifically, verse 20 serves as a dramatic illustration of the principle Elihu declares in the preceding verse, [Job 34:19](/job/34-19 "Job 34:19 - God Shows No Partiality"), where he asserts that God "accepts not the persons of princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor." This foundational statement of divine impartiality sets the stage for verse 20, which then vividly demonstrates how this impartiality manifests in swift, decisive, and often unexpected divine judgment, particularly against those who might presume their power or wealth grants them immunity. It highlights the practical outworking of God's non-discriminatory justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings, rulers, and powerful elites often held absolute authority, frequently perceived as divinely appointed or even possessing divine attributes themselves. Their power was rarely challenged by human means, and their downfall typically resulted from warfare, conspiracy, or rebellion. The concept of a ruler being "taken away without hand" would have been particularly striking and unsettling in this context, challenging the prevailing human-centric view of power dynamics by asserting a higher, divine authority that transcends all earthly might. The imagery of "midnight" also carries significant cultural weight, representing a time of deep sleep, vulnerability, and unexpected events. It was a period when defenses were down, and ambushes, assassinations, or natural disasters often occurred, making any sudden event particularly shocking and disorienting. This imagery reinforces the theme of the suddenness of divine judgment, reflecting the precariousness of life and the ever-present reality of God's intervention in human affairs, often without human predictability or explanation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **absolute sovereignty of God** over all creation, including human life and death. Elihu's argument is that God's power is not limited by human strength or status; He can remove anyone, even "the mighty," without effort or external assistance. Secondly, it highlights **divine impartiality and justice**, reinforcing the idea that God judges all people equitably, regardless of their social standing, wealth, or power. This directly challenges the friends' assumption that Job's suffering must be due to specific sin, and Job's own perception that God is unfairly targeting him. Elihu asserts that God's justice is universal and applies to all, from the common person to the most powerful ruler. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **suddenness and unpredictability of divine judgment and death**. The phrases "in a moment" and "at midnight" vividly convey that God's actions are not bound by human timelines or expectations, serving as a stark reminder of human mortality and the urgency of living righteously, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow") and [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Brevity of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moment (Hebrew, _rega'_):** This term (H7281) denotes an instant, a sudden flash, or a very brief period of time. Its use here powerfully emphasizes the instantaneous and unexpected nature of divine action. It conveys that when God decides to act, there is no delay, no warning, and no opportunity for resistance or escape. This highlights the immediate, overwhelming, and irresistible power of God's decree over human life and destiny.
* **Midnight (Hebrew, _châtsôwth layil'_):** This phrase combines _châtsôwth_ (H2676), meaning "the middle," and _layil_ (H3915), meaning "night." Together, they form "the middle of the night" or "midnight." This is a potent image symbolizing the deepest, darkest, and most unexpected hour. It represents a time of profound vulnerability when people are typically asleep and unaware, making any sudden event particularly shocking and disorienting. Spiritually, it underscores the idea that divine judgment can come when least expected, catching individuals off guard and unprepared, emphasizing God's timing over human anticipation.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** In the phrase "without hand" (_b'lo-yad_), the word _yâd_ (H3027) refers to the physical hand, but idiomatically signifies human agency, effort, or means. The full expression "without hand" emphatically means "not by human means," "without human intervention," or "without the aid of a human hand." It points to a direct, supernatural, and purely divine agency. This underscores God's absolute self-sufficiency and irresistible authority, signifying that He requires no external tool, weapon, or human agent to execute His will, especially in judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In a moment shall they die":** This opening clause immediately establishes the theme of suddenness and immediacy concerning death. The pronoun "they" refers broadly to humanity, indicating the universal susceptibility to this abrupt end. It highlights the fleeting nature of life and the unpredictable timing of its cessation, which is solely under divine prerogative, emphasizing God's unilateral control over life and death.
* **"and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away":** This expands upon the initial statement, illustrating the chaos and distress that accompany such sudden divine action. "The people" refers to the general populace, who are "troubled" or violently agitated by the unexpectedness of events occurring "at midnight"—a time of presumed security and rest. This vivid imagery conveys a sense of disarray, panic, and the swift removal of individuals from the earthly scene, often without explanation or warning, underscoring the disorienting effect of God's sudden intervention.
* **"and the mighty shall be taken away without hand."**: This final clause serves as the climactic statement, specifically focusing on those in positions of power and influence ("the mighty"). It asserts that even the most formidable individuals, who might believe themselves immune due to their status or strength, are equally subject to God's immediate and irresistible judgment. The crucial phrase "without hand" underscores that their downfall is not due to human conspiracy, war, or rebellion, but solely to the direct, effortless, and undeniable power of God, demonstrating His supreme and unchallengeable authority over all earthly might.

#### Literary Devices
Job 34:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Imagery** is central, particularly with "at midnight," which evokes a vivid picture of darkness, vulnerability, and sudden, unexpected calamity. This image is powerfully contrasted with "without hand," creating a striking juxtaposition between human weakness and divine omnipotence, where God acts effortlessly and directly. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** in "in a moment" to emphasize the extreme suddenness and swiftness of divine judgment, making it feel immediate and inescapable. There is a clear instance of **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of synonymous and antithetical elements, where "the people" and "the mighty" are presented as equally subject to the same sudden fate, thereby highlighting God's impartiality. While "the people" are "troubled" and "pass away," "the mighty" are "taken away," suggesting different yet equally decisive manifestations of the same divine action. Finally, **Symbolism** is present, with "midnight" representing not just a specific time of day but a symbolic moment of divine intervention, often associated with judgment, the unexpected, and the sudden revelation of God's overwhelming power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:20 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, His unyielding justice, and the transient nature of human power. Elihu's declaration reinforces the biblical truth that no human being, regardless of their status, wealth, or strength, stands outside the purview of God's ultimate authority. It challenges any notion of human autonomy or invulnerability, asserting that life and death, prosperity and downfall, are ultimately in God's hands and can be dispensed with startling swiftness and without human agency. This perspective is crucial for understanding the broader narrative of Job, as it refutes both Job's self-righteousness and his friends' simplistic theology, pointing instead to a God whose ways are inscrutable yet always just, operating on a scale far beyond human comprehension or control. It is a reminder that earthly power is fleeting and true security lies only in acknowledging and submitting to the divine will, fostering a deep reverence for the God who holds all things in His sovereign hand.

* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18-19 "The Sudden Downfall of the Wicked")
* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "God's Impartiality in Judgment")
* [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Learning to Number Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 34:20 calls all people, especially those who wield influence or power, to profound humility and a sober recognition of their mortality. In a world often obsessed with status, wealth, and control, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly achievements and positions are ultimately transient and fragile. It prompts us to consider the brevity of life and the unpredictable nature of our departure from it, urging us to live with an eternal perspective rather than clinging to temporal securities. For believers, it fosters a deeper trust in God's perfect justice, even when circumstances seem unfair or the wicked appear to prosper. It assures us that God sees all and acts decisively in His perfect timing, often in ways that defy human expectation or intervention. This should cultivate both reverence for God's immense power and a profound sense of urgency to live righteously, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to Him alone, and that the moment of reckoning can come "at midnight," without warning, demanding that we are found ready.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "in a moment" and "at midnight" challenge my assumptions about control and predictability in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on my own "might" or status rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign hand?**
* **How does the assurance of God's impartial justice, as highlighted in this verse, impact my perspective on suffering and injustice in the world, particularly when the wicked seem to prosper?**

### FAQ

**Is Elihu's speech in Job 34:20 considered fully inspired or flawed?**

Answer: Elihu's speeches in the book of Job are generally considered part of the inspired Word of God, as the entire book is canonical Scripture. However, interpreting Elihu's specific theological claims requires nuance. While he correctly asserts fundamental truths about God's sovereignty, justice, and impartiality (as seen in [Job 34:19-20](/job/34-19-20 "Job 34:19-20 - God's Impartial Justice")), his application of these truths to Job's situation is still limited. He shares some of the friends' flawed assumption that suffering is always a direct result of sin, failing to grasp the deeper, mysterious purposes of God in Job's trials. Nevertheless, his words often elevate the discourse above the friends' rigid dogma, offering a more profound understanding of God's majesty and the need for humility before Him, even if he doesn't fully comprehend the unique nature of Job's blameless suffering. The ultimate divine perspective is revealed in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind") onwards, where God Himself speaks, providing the definitive word.

**Who are "the mighty" referred to in this verse, and why are they singled out?**

Answer: "The mighty" (אדירים, _'addirim'_) refers to those who are powerful, influential, and prominent in society – kings, rulers, wealthy individuals, or anyone holding significant authority or strength. They are singled out not because they are uniquely targeted by God, but precisely because they might mistakenly believe their status or power grants them immunity from divine judgment. Elihu's point, building on [Job 34:19](/job/34-19 "Job 34:19 - God Shows No Partiality"), is to emphatically demonstrate God's impartiality. The same sudden, divinely orchestrated end that can come to "the people" can also come to "the mighty," and indeed, the removal of the powerful "without hand" serves as an even more dramatic illustration of God's irresistible authority. It underscores that no human strength or position can withstand God's will, and all are equally accountable to Him, regardless of their earthly standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 34:20, with its stark portrayal of God's sudden, irresistible power over life and death, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mighty" who are "taken away without hand" foreshadows the ultimate demonstration of God's power over all earthly authority and even death itself, not merely in judgment but in redemption. Jesus, the true "mighty" one, willingly laid down His life, yet was raised from the dead by the "great power of God" ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Christ's Resurrection")), truly "without hand" of human intervention, demonstrating God's supreme authority over the grave. His resurrection is the ultimate proof that God's power transcends all human and cosmic forces, fulfilling the promise of life even in the face of death. Furthermore, the "midnight" aspect of suddenness and unexpectedness points to Christ's second coming. Just as judgment can come in a moment, so too will the return of the Son of Man be unexpected, like "a thief in the night" ([1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")). This future event will definitively establish Christ's universal sovereignty, when "every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow")), fulfilling the promise that all "mighty" ones, earthly or spiritual, will ultimately be subject to Him. Thus, Job 34:20, while speaking of judgment, ultimately points to the Christ who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), and whose final triumph will be the ultimate display of God's power acting "without hand."

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 36:20

Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.

1 Samuel 26:10

David said furthermore, [As] the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.

1 Samuel 25:37

But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became [as] a stone.

1 Samuel 25:39

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.

Daniel 2:34

Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.