Job 24:20
Job 24:20 in Multiple Translations
The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is like a broken tree.
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.
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.
The public place of his town has no more knowledge of him, and his name has gone from the memory of men: he is rooted up like a dead tree.
Even their mothers forget them, maggots feast on them, they are no longer remembered, and their wickedness becomes like a tree that is broken into pieces.
The pitifull man shall forget him: the worme shall feele his sweetenes: he shalbe no more remembered, and the wicked shalbe broke like a tree.
Forget him doth the womb, Sweeten [on] him doth the worm, No more is he remembered, And broken as a tree is wickedness.
The womb will forget him. The worm will feed sweetly on him. He will be no more remembered. Unrighteousness will be broken as a tree.
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.
Let mercy forget him: may worms be his sweetness: let him be remembered no more, but be broken in pieces as an unfruitful tree.
Not even their mothers remember them now; wicked people are destroyed like trees that are cut down, and maggots eat their corpses.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 24:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 24:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤/הוּ
רֶ֨חֶם
מְתָ֘ק֤/וֹ
רִמָּ֗ה
ע֥וֹד
לֹֽא
יִזָּכֵ֑ר
וַ/תִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר
כָּ/עֵ֣ץ
עַוְלָֽה
יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤/הוּ
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
רֶ֨חֶם
rechem
H7358
womb
N-ms
מְתָ֘ק֤/וֹ
mâthâq
H4988
to sweeten
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
רִמָּ֗ה
rimmâh
H7415
worm
N-fs
ע֥וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִזָּכֵ֑ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/תִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
כָּ/עֵ֣ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Prep | N-ms
עַוְלָֽה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 24:20
יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤/הוּ
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
רֶ֨חֶם
rechem
H7358
"womb"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.
Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.
מְתָ֘ק֤/וֹ
mâthâq
H4988
"to sweeten"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To sweeten means to make something pleasant or enjoyable, like feeding someone sweet food or making a difficult situation more bearable. It is related to the word for 'sweet' and appears in Psalm 119:103, describing the sweetness of God's words.
Definition: (Qal) to feed sweetly Another spelling of ma.taq (מָתֹק "be sweet" H4985)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: feed sweetly. See also: Job 24:20.
רִמָּ֗ה
rimmâh
H7415
"worm"
N-fs
A worm or maggot, symbolizing decay, is described in the Bible as a sign of corruption.
Definition: maggot, worm (as cause and sign of decay)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: worm. See also: Exodus 16:24; Job 21:26; Isaiah 14:11.
ע֥וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִזָּכֵ֑ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
וַ/תִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
כָּ/עֵ֣ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
עַוְלָֽה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — Job 24:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 24:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 24:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 24:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 24:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 24:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 24:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:20
- Sermons on Job 24:20
Context — Job: Judgment for the Wicked
18They are but foam on the surface of the water; their portion of the land is cursed, so that no one turns toward their vineyards.
19As drought and heat consume the melting snow, so Sheol steals those who have sinned.
20The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is broken like a tree.
21They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow. 22Yet by His power, God drags away the mighty; though rising up, they have no assurance of life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:7 | The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
| 2 | Daniel 4:14 | He called out in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches. |
| 3 | Job 18:16–17 | The roots beneath him dry up, and the branches above him wither away. The memory of him perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the land. |
| 4 | Isaiah 26:14 | The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them. |
| 5 | Job 14:7–10 | For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling. But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? |
| 6 | Job 17:14 | and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ |
| 7 | Job 19:26 | Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 8:10 | Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile. |
| 9 | Matthew 3:10 | The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. |
Job 24:20 Summary
This verse is saying that people who do bad things and are not fair will be forgotten, even by their own families, and will eventually die and be gone, like a broken tree that can't be fixed, as seen in Job 24:20. It's a warning to us to always try to do what is right and fair, because God sees everything we do, as stated in Proverbs 15:3 and Jeremiah 32:19. We should strive to be like the tree in Psalm 1:3, which is planted by streams of water and bears fruit, rather than the broken tree described in this verse. By following God's laws and being guided by His love, we can live a life that is just and fair, and that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'the womb forgets them' in Job 24:20?
This phrase suggests that even the most basic human connection, the bond between a mother and her child, is broken for those who have lived in injustice, as referenced in Job 24:20, and is a consequence of their actions, much like what is described in Deuteronomy 28:32 and Isaiah 49:15.
How does the image of the worm feeding on them relate to the rest of the verse?
The image of the worm feeding on them is a graphic reminder of the ultimate fate of those who practice injustice, which is to be consumed by death and decay, as also seen in Ecclesiastes 12:7 and Psalm 49:14.
What is the meaning of 'injustice is like a broken tree'?
This phrase suggests that injustice, like a broken tree, is something that is damaged beyond repair and will not be able to fulfill its intended purpose, much like what is described in Jeremiah 17:5-6 and Psalm 52:5.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the book of Job?
This verse fits into the book of Job's exploration of the nature of justice and the fate of the wicked, as seen in Job 8:13 and Job 31:3, and serves as a warning to those who would pursue injustice and disregard God's laws.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen injustice in my own life or in the world around me, and how can I respond to it in a way that honors God?
- How can I ensure that my own actions and decisions are guided by a commitment to justice and righteousness, as described in Micah 6:8?
- What does it mean for me to 'remember' those who have been affected by injustice, and how can I work to bring hope and healing to them?
- In what ways can I be an agent of justice and compassion in my own community, as encouraged in Isaiah 1:17 and Proverbs 31:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Job 24:20
The womb shall forget him,.... His mother that bore him; or his wife, by whom he had many children; or his friend, as Gersom, who had a tender and affectionate respect for him; these all, and each of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:20
He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards. In these verses Job quotes the opinion of his adversaries, ironically: he quoted them so before (Job 21:17-21).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:20
His mother that bare him in her womb, and much more the rest of his friends, shall seldom or never remember or mention him, to wit, with honour and comfort, but shall rather be afraid and ashamed to own their relation to one that lived such a vile and wretched life, and died such an accursed death. This he shall have instead of all that honour and renown which he thirsted and laboured for, and expected should perfume his name and memory. This proud and insolent tyrant that preyed upon all his neighbours, ,3, &c., shall himself become a prey and a sweet morsel to the contemptible worms. He shall be no more remembered, to wit, with honour, or so as he desired and hoped; but his name shall rot, and scarce ever be mentioned but with infamy and execration. Wickedness, i.e. the wicked man, of whom he is here treating; the abstract being put for the concrete, of which many instances have been formerly given; shall be broken to pieces, or violently broken down, as the word signifies. He shall be utterly and irrecoverably destroyed. And this expression plainly showeth first the former clauses are not to be understood of the sinner’ s happiness in an easy and comfortable death, but of his cursed and miserable end. As a tree; which being once broken, either by its own weight, or by some violent wind, or by the hand of man, never groweth again.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:20
Job 24:20 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.Ver. 20. The womb shall forget him] Some read it, The merciful man forgetteth him; sc. because he himself was merciless. Or because he was a trouble to the world, and a common pest, therefore good men are glad to be so rid of him; and instead of sighing over him, say, Let the worm feed sweetly on him, it is well he is gone; as he lived wickedly so he died wickedly; let him be no more remembered or honourably mentioned, but moulder away, and fall as a rotten tree. Others interpret the words of the sudden and easy death of the wicked, thus, The womb shall forget him; that is, saith Beza, being once dead, neither his mother nor his wife do bewail and lament his death, because without that pain and torment that many suffer when they depart the world. The worm shall feed sweetly on him] Morifur impunitus, be maketh the worms a feast with his fat corpse (as Dr Taylor, martyr, made account to have done, if buried in Hadleigh churchyard), and feels no pain. He shall be no more remembered] And this is reckoned up as a piece of his happiness. See Ecclesiastes 8:10. And wickedness] That is, the wicked person, that crooked piece, that can hardly ever be set straight again. Shall be broken as a tree] As a rotten tree blown down by the wind.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 24:20
(20) The womb shall forget him.—Some understand this verse as expressing what ought rather to be the doom of the wicked. “His own mother should forget him; the worm should feed sweetly on him; he should be no more remembered; and then unrighteousness would be broken as a tree.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 24:20
Verse 20. The womb shall forget him] The mother that bare him shall have no affection for him, nor be afflicted at his death. But the word רחם rechem signifies compassion, mercy. Mercy shall be unmindful of him. How dreadful such a state! When mercy itself forgets the sinner, his perdition slumbereth not. The worm shall feed sweetly on him] The Chaldee has, "The cruel, who have neglected to commiserate the poor, shall be sweet to the worms." He shall be brought into a state of the greatest degradation, and shall be no more remembered. And wickedness shall be broken as a tree.] He shall be as a rotten or decayed tree, easily broken to pieces. If it were clear that עולה avlah, here rendered wickedness, has the same sense as עלה aleh, a leaf, sucker, or shoot, then we might translate according to the ingenious version of Mr. Good; viz., But the shoot shall be broken off as a tree; which might, in this case, be supposed to refer to illicit commerce, the fruit of the womb becoming abortive.
Cambridge Bible on Job 24:20
20. Even she whose womb bore the sinner shall forget him; none shall find pleasure in him but the worm, to whose taste he shall be sweet.
Barnes' Notes on Job 24:20
The womb shall forget him - His mother who bare him shall forget him. The idea here seems to be, that he shall fade out of the memory, just as other persons do.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:20
20. No more remembered — Nothing he recks, though a mother forget, and his name be blotted out from among men. Sweet to him shall be the worm, that is, the grave.
Sermons on Job 24:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jonathan Edwards by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the life and impact of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting him as a profound preacher and theologian whose passionate sermons ignited spiritual awakenings. |
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The Future Life - Personal Recognition in Heaven by W.B. Dunkum | W.B. Dunkum preaches about the composition of individuality symbolizing two worlds, with the body representing the present world and the soul representing the spiritual world. He d |
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Death-Beds by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the blessed memory of the righteous, especially in their peaceful and triumphant death-beds, which serve as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and |
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Enduring Monuments by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot speaks about the desire for enduring monuments that outlast death, highlighting how individuals seek to be remembered even after they pass away. He contrasts physical |
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The Glorious Restoration of Israel by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches about the remarkable event of the partial restoration of the nation Israel to their ancient land in the twentieth century, signaling the fulfillment of Go |
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Books Which Will Never Die by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot discusses the enduring impact of certain books that contain the seeds of self-renewing life, contrasting them with the vast majority that fade into obscurity. He highl |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 4 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of money and the potential loss that can occur if we don't take breaks. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and not consta |