Old Testament

Job 21:20

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

What Job 21:20 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Job 21:20, Job expresses a profound truth about the consequences of one's actions. He suggests that those who oppose God will ultimately face destruction and experience the full force of God's wrath. This verse highlights the inevitability of divine justice, where the wicked cannot escape the repercussions of their choices. Job is emphasizing that the sight of their downfall will be a reality, and they will have to confront the consequences of their rebellion against God. This serves as a reminder that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their end will be marked by suffering and judgment. Job's assertion reflects his struggle to understand the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, pointing to a deeper theological question about justice and divine retribution.

How to apply Job 21:20 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. It serves as a reminder that living in opposition to God's ways leads to destruction. We should strive to align our lives with God's principles, seeking righteousness and understanding that our choices have lasting effects.

Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Job 21:20

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Job 21:20

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 21:20 mean?

Job 21:20 means that those who oppose God will ultimately face destruction and experience God's wrath. It emphasizes that divine justice is inevitable and that the wicked will confront the consequences of their actions.

What is the significance of 'wrath of the Almighty' in Job 21:20?

The 'wrath of the Almighty' in Job 21:20 signifies the severe consequences that come from opposing God. It highlights the seriousness of divine judgment against those who choose to rebel against God's ways.

What does Job 21:20 say about the fate of the wicked?

Job 21:20 indicates that the wicked will see their own destruction and will suffer the consequences of their choices. This verse serves as a reminder that their apparent prosperity is temporary and will lead to suffering.

How does Job 21:20 relate to human suffering?

Job 21:20 relates to human suffering by illustrating that those who act against God will ultimately face judgment, which can lead to their downfall. It raises questions about why the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.