Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Study Note
Study Note
Zophar's observation — 'that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment' — is the friends' most morally straightforward claim, drawing on the wisdom tradition's empirical observation of the short-lived prosperity of the wicked. The retributive theology that Zophar elaborates (20:1-29) is not entirely wrong as a general observation but becomes theologically destructive when applied absolutely to Job's specific situation. The verse belongs to the broader theodicy debate in Job: Zophar's position is that observable moral order vindicates divine justice, while Job contests that observable moral order is insufficient to explain his particular suffering. The book's divine speeches (chapters 38-41) will ultimately reframe the question without providing the moral calculus Zophar assumes, making this verse a representation of a theology that is partially true but insufficient for the depths of innocent suffering.
Other Translations
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless but for a moment?
That the singing of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> short, And the joy of the profane for a moment,
That the pride of the sinner is short, and the joy of the evil-doer but for a minute?
Cross References
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon …
Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with …
And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house …
And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things …
Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that …
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: