Old Testament
Job 11:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.
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But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.
What Job 11:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 11:20, the speaker emphasizes the fate of the wicked, suggesting that their vision and understanding will ultimately fail them. The phrase 'eyes of the wicked shall fail' indicates a loss of insight and clarity, leading to despair. The verse asserts that the wicked will not find a way to escape their consequences, implying that their actions will lead to inevitable judgment. The comparison of their hope to 'the giving up of the ghost' suggests that their expectations will die, much like a person’s last breath. This stark imagery serves to highlight the futility of placing hope in wickedness, as it leads to a dead end. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of living a life contrary to righteousness, reinforcing the idea that true hope and life come from a relationship with God, rather than from sinful pursuits.
How to apply Job 11:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our choices and the paths we pursue. It serves as a reminder that living a life aligned with righteousness leads to true hope, while wickedness ultimately results in despair. We should seek to cultivate a life that honors God and avoids the pitfalls of sin.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Keep studying Job 11:20
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 11:20 mean?
Job 11:20 describes the fate of the wicked, indicating that they will lose their insight and understanding, leading to despair. It emphasizes that they cannot escape the consequences of their actions and that their hope will ultimately die, similar to a person's last breath.
What is the meaning of 'the eyes of the wicked shall fail' in Job 11:20?
The phrase 'the eyes of the wicked shall fail' signifies a loss of clarity and understanding for those who act unjustly. It suggests that their inability to see the truth will lead them to despair and inevitable judgment.
What does 'hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost' mean in Job 11:20?
This phrase compares the hope of the wicked to death, indicating that their expectations will ultimately perish. It highlights the futility of placing hope in wickedness, as it leads to a dead end.
How can Job 11:20 be applied to daily life?
This verse encourages individuals to reflect on their choices and the paths they pursue. It reminds us that aligning our lives with righteousness leads to true hope, while wickedness results in despair.
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