Job 21:20 - Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

Generated Verse: Job 21:20

What does "Job 21:20" mean?


Job 21:20 states, "Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty." This verse is part of Job's response to his friends' arguments that the wicked are always punished in this life. Job, observing reality, sees that this isn't always the case.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"Let his own eyes see his destruction": This speaks to a desire for the wicked person to be aware of their impending doom before it happens. It's not just about punishment, but about the agonizing realization of the consequences of their actions. The idea is that the punishment is made more severe by the offender knowing that it's coming. Seeing it with one's own eyes is a visceral and personal experience, amplifying the pain and regret.
"Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty": This uses the metaphor of drinking to represent experiencing the full force of God's anger or judgment. "Drinking" implies a thorough and complete consumption. The "wrath of the Almighty" is the severe displeasure and punishment from God. It isn't just a sip, but an entire cup filled with the bitterest liquid. This phrase signifies a profound and overwhelming experience of God's judgment.

Overall Meaning:

Job is expressing a desire for justice. He wants the wicked to face the consequences of their actions not just after death, but in their lifetime so that they can experience the full weight of their wrongdoing. He wants them to understand the pain and suffering they have caused and to be confronted with the ruin they have created. He desires a tangible sign of God's justice.

Context is Important:

It's essential to remember that Job is wrestling with the problem of suffering and the apparent injustice in the world. He's grappling with the question of why good people suffer while the wicked prosper. This verse isn't necessarily an endorsement of hatred or vengeance. Rather, it's an expression of the deep frustration and longing for a fair and just world where actions have consequences. Job's friends are using a simplistic cause-and-effect idea that Job believes is not true. This passage is meant to show that Job wants the wicked to understand the true cost of their actions.

In summary, Job 21:20 is a powerful statement expressing the wish that the wicked would be made fully aware of their impending doom and experience the full force of divine justice in their lifetimes.

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