Job 4:20

Job 4:20 is a somber statement made by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's three friends, during his first discourse. This verse describes the fleeting and often unnoticed end of human life, particularly from Eliphaz's perspective, which links such destruction to unrighteousness.

Context

This verse falls within Eliphaz's initial speech to Job, where he attempts to console Job by suggesting that suffering is a direct consequence of sin. He presents a worldview where the righteous prosper and the wicked inevitably perish. In verses prior, Eliphaz describes humans as dwelling in "houses of clay" (Job 4:19), implying their inherent fragility. Verse 20 serves as a stark illustration of this fragility and the sudden, unnoticed demise of those whom Eliphaz considers foolish or wicked.

Key Themes

• Human Frailty and Mortality: The phrase "destroyed from morning to evening" vividly portrays the swiftness and unexpectedness of death. Life is depicted as incredibly fragile, capable of being extinguished within a single day.
• Sudden and Complete Destruction: "Perish for ever" emphasizes the finality of this earthly demise. It's not a temporary setback but a complete undoing, particularly in terms of their earthly existence and legacy.
• Insignificance and Lack of Regard: The poignant phrase "without any regarding [it]" highlights that their end often goes unnoticed, unmourned, or unremembered by others. This suggests a life lived without true impact or lasting value in the eyes of the world.
• Consequences of Unrighteousness (Eliphaz's View): While not explicitly stated as divine judgment in this verse, Eliphaz's underlying argument throughout his speech is that such a tragic end is the natural outcome for those who have strayed from God's path.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "destroyed" (*yukkattu*) can be translated as "crushed," "beaten down," or "broken in pieces," emphasizing a violent and complete undoing. The phrase "perish for ever" (*'ovdim lanetsach*) conveys a sense of being utterly lost or undone, with "for ever" implying a finality concerning their earthly existence and memory. The KJV's "without any regarding [it]" interprets the Hebrew phrase which literally means "without anyone setting a heart [on it]" or "without anyone paying attention." This powerfully underscores the idea of an unlamented or unnoticed end, further emphasizing the perceived insignificance of the departed.

Practical Application

While Eliphaz's theology was flawed in its application to Job, this verse still carries timeless truths about the human condition:

• A Reminder of Life's Brevity: This verse serves as a sober reminder of the transient nature of human life. It encourages reflection on how we live our days, knowing that our time on earth is finite. James 4:14 reminds us that our life is "even a vapour."
• The Source of True Significance: The idea of perishing "without any regarding [it]" prompts us to consider where we find our true significance. Human recognition is fleeting, but a life lived in reverence for God holds eternal value and is always "regarded" by Him (Psalm 139:2).
• Legacy Beyond Earthly Recognition: For believers, our ultimate hope and legacy are not found in earthly remembrance but in our relationship with God and the promise of eternal life. This contrasts with the desolate end described by Eliphaz, offering comfort and perspective on the ultimate destiny of those who trust in the Lord.