Old Testament

Job 20:8

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Job 20:8, the speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable fate of the wicked.

Author
Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
Written
Date debated
Genre
Wisdom literature
Original Audience
All who suffer or question God
CBTClear Bible Translation

He shall fly away like a dream and shall not be found; yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night.

KJVKing James Version

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Job 20:8, the speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable fate of the wicked. The imagery of flying away like a dream suggests that just as dreams vanish upon waking, so too will the wicked's prosperity and existence. The comparison to a vision of the night reinforces this idea, indicating that their time of power is temporary and illusory. This verse serves as a reminder that earthly success and power are transient, and ultimately, those who act unjustly will face consequences. The use of dreams and visions highlights the contrast between reality and illusion, suggesting that what may seem substantial in life can quickly dissipate, leaving no trace behind. This reflects a broader theme in the Book of Job regarding the justice of God and the fate of the unrighteous, encouraging readers to consider the lasting impact of their actions and the ultimate accountability they will face.

Key themes

Related topics

justice, strength, direction

How to apply Job 20:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their long-term consequences. It reminds us that earthly achievements are temporary and that we should strive for righteousness and integrity, knowing that true fulfillment comes from living a life aligned with moral values rather than seeking fleeting success.

Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Job 20:8 mean about the fate of the wicked?

Job 20:8 illustrates the transient nature of the wicked's prosperity, comparing it to a dream that disappears upon waking. This suggests that their power and success are temporary and will ultimately vanish, reinforcing the idea that those who act unjustly will face consequences for their actions.

How does Job 20:8 relate to the theme of divine justice?

In Job 20:8, the imagery of dreams and visions highlights the contrast between illusion and reality, emphasizing that earthly success is fleeting. This verse serves as a reminder of God's justice, indicating that the wicked may seem powerful for a time, but they will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.

What practical lessons can we learn from Job 20:8?

Job 20:8 encourages us to focus on living a life of integrity and righteousness rather than chasing temporary success. It reminds us that our actions have lasting consequences and that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with moral values, rather than seeking fleeting achievements.

Why does Job 20:8 use the imagery of dreams and visions?

The use of dreams and visions in Job 20:8 emphasizes the illusory nature of the wicked's power. Just as dreams and visions are ephemeral and often forgotten, so too will the prosperity of the wicked fade away, highlighting the theme of the transience of life and the ultimate accountability of one's actions.

The Book of Job
Book Summary

The Book of Job

Job 1: Job's Integrity and First Test

Job lives in the land of Uz and is known for fearing God and turning away from evil. He has seven sons, three daughters, and great wealth. His sons hold feasts in their homes, and Job regularly sends for them and offers burnt offerings in case any of them sins in their hearts.

Premium

Unlock the full Job summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Job — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 42 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Job summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.