Old Testament
Job 30:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I cry to you, and you do not hear me; I stand up, and you do not regard me.
Compare translations
I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.
What Job 30:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 30:20, Job expresses his deep anguish and feeling of abandonment by God. He cries out for help, but feels that God is not listening to his pleas. Job's standing up symbolizes his desperation and hope for a response, yet he feels ignored. This verse captures the essence of Job's suffering and his struggle with faith during his trials. It highlights the emotional turmoil of feeling distant from God, especially in times of distress. Job's lament reflects a common human experience of seeking divine intervention and feeling unheard. His raw honesty in expressing these feelings serves as a reminder that it is okay to voice our struggles and doubts to God, even when we feel He is silent. This moment in Job's journey illustrates the tension between faith and despair, showcasing the complexity of human emotions in relation to divine presence.
How to apply Job 30:20 to your life
When facing difficult times, it is natural to feel abandoned or unheard by God. This verse encourages us to express our feelings honestly in prayer, reminding us that God is aware of our struggles, even when we feel distant from Him. Trusting in His presence is essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 PlansAsk AI about Job 30:20
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 30:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 30:20 mean?
Job 30:20 expresses Job's feelings of abandonment and despair. He cries out to God for help but feels ignored, highlighting his emotional pain during his suffering.
What is the meaning of 'I cry to you' in Job 30:20?
In Job 30:20, 'I cry to you' signifies Job's desperate plea for God's attention and assistance in his time of distress, reflecting his deep anguish.
How does Job 30:20 relate to feelings of abandonment?
Job 30:20 relates to feelings of abandonment by showing Job's emotional turmoil when he feels that God is not listening to his cries for help.
What themes are present in Job 30:20?
Job 30:20 presents themes of suffering, divine silence, desperation, and emotional turmoil, reflecting the complexity of human feelings in relation to faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.