the triumph of the wicked has been briefThis phrase reflects the biblical theme that the success of the wicked is temporary. Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent message that while the wicked may prosper for a time, their ultimate end is destruction (
Psalm 37:35-36,
Proverbs 24:19-20). The brevity of their triumph is a reminder of God's justice and the eventual downfall of those who oppose His ways. Historically, this can be seen in the rise and fall of empires and leaders who acted wickedly, such as the Assyrians and Babylonians, who were used by God for a time but ultimately faced judgment. This concept is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the temporary nature of worldly success (
Matthew 6:19-21).
and the joy of the godless momentary?
The joy of the godless being momentary highlights the fleeting nature of pleasures that are not rooted in God. This is a common theme in wisdom literature, such as Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher reflects on the vanity of life without God (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). The cultural context of the ancient Near East often associated prosperity and joy with divine favor, yet the Bible challenges this notion by emphasizing that true and lasting joy comes from a relationship with God. The temporary joy of the godless serves as a warning to seek eternal joy found in God alone. This is further illustrated in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of the joy that comes from abiding in Him (John 15:11).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Zophar the NaamathiteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Zophar is known for his blunt and often harsh speeches, emphasizing God's justice and the fate of the wicked.
2.
JobThe central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and loss. His account explores themes of suffering, justice, and faith.
3.
The WickedIn this context, refers to those who live in opposition to God's ways, often experiencing temporary success or joy.
4.
The GodlessThose who live without regard for God, often equated with the wicked in biblical literature.
5.
The Book of JobA poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that addresses the nature of suffering and the justice of God.
Teaching Points
The Fleeting Nature of WickednessThe success and joy of those who live apart from God are temporary. This should remind believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains.
God's JusticeZophar's assertion reflects a belief in divine justice, where the wicked will ultimately face consequences. Believers can trust in God's timing and justice.
Endurance in SufferingLike Job, believers may face trials and see the wicked prosper temporarily. Faithfulness and patience are crucial during such times.
Eternal PerspectiveChristians are encouraged to maintain an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual riches over worldly success.
Avoiding EnvyBelievers should guard against envying the temporary success of the wicked, focusing instead on their relationship with God and His promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 20:5?
2.How does Job 20:5 describe the fate of the wicked's joy and triumph?
3.What does Job 20:5 teach about the temporary nature of wickedness?
4.How can we apply Job 20:5 to resist envy of the wicked?
5.Connect Job 20:5 with Psalm 37:1-2 on the fate of evildoers.
6.How does understanding Job 20:5 impact our view of earthly success?
7.How does Job 20:5 address the prosperity of the wicked?
8.Why does Job 20:5 emphasize the fleeting joy of the godless?
9.What historical context influences the message of Job 20:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 20?
11.How do we reconcile Zophar’s rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?
12.Where is the location of hell?
13.Job 20:4-5 implies universal knowledge of the brevity of the wicked's joy; where is the empirical or historical evidence supporting this absolute claim?
14.In Job 9:24, the statement that the earth is handed over to the wicked seems to contradict God's sovereignty--why would an omnipotent God permit evil to reign?What Does Job 20:5 Mean
The triumph of the wickedZophar’s sentence sounds harsh, yet Scripture repeatedly affirms it. The “triumph” of those who shake their fists at God may look impressive—wealth, applause, influence—but it rests on shaky ground. RememberPsalm 37:35–36: “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away, and was no more.” The psalmist Asaph wrestled with the same tension inPsalm 73:3–12 before admitting God “set them on slippery ground” (Psalm 73:18-19). God allows a season that tests hearts, but the success of the wicked never overturns His rule.
Helpful snapshots:
• Political dominance (Daniel 4:30-33) ends in humiliation.
• Economic power (Luke 12:16-20) evaporates overnight.
• Cultural applause (Acts 12:21-23) can turn to horror in a breath.
Has been briefZophar highlights time. “Brief” reminds us that human life itself is “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Even the flowers that look radiant today “fall, and their beauty perishes” (James 1:11).Psalm 37:2 echoes, “They wither quickly like grass.” In God’s clock, a century is a second. What seems long to us is already fading in His sight.
Quick contrasts:
• Eternal God (Psalm 90:2) versus temporary thrones.
• Lasting Word (Isaiah 40:8) versus fleeting headlines.
• Everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:14) versus crumbling empires.
And the joySin offers delight—but always on a leash.Hebrews 11:25 notes that Moses rejected “the fleeting pleasure of sin.”Proverbs 14:13 warns, “Even in laughter the heart may ache.” The party lights of rebellion never stay on through the night; they burn out or expose emptiness. Any moral victory that excludes God carries an expiration date.
Consider the pattern:
• Initial thrill (Genesis 3:6)
• Sudden shame (Genesis 3:7-10)
• Lingering regret (Psalm 32:3-4)
Of the godless“Godless” describes people who live as though the Creator does not matter (Psalm 14:1).Romans 1:21-23 says they “became futile in their thinking,” trading glory for shadows. Without reference to God, morality, purpose, and hope all shrink. Their joy depends on circumstance, so when circumstances shift, so does their happiness.Psalm 1:4 pictures them “like chaff blown away by the wind.”
Traits that mark the godless life:
• Pride that resists repentance (Proverbs 16:18).
• Values anchored in self, not Scripture (Judges 21:25).
• Ends that justify any means (Micah 2:1-2).
MomentaryZophar’s last word pulls the rug out entirely. “Momentary” shouts, “Don’t be fooled by the scoreboard at halftime!” FirstJohn 2:17 reminds us, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Jesus paints the contrast inMatthew 7:24-27: a sand-castle house collapses, a rock-built house endures. Second Corinthians 4:18 urges us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary.” Eternity dwarfs every earthly timeline.
Perspective checklist:
• Measure success by eternity, not headlines.
• Remember that ultimate justice is certain (Acts 17:31).
• Keep short-term allurements in long-term light (Philippians 3:18-20).
summaryJob 20:5 declares that any apparent victory disconnected from God is short-lived. The wicked may parade, but their parade route ends quickly; their laughter fades, their trophies tarnish. Only what is rooted in the fear of the Lord stands the test of time.
(5)
The triumphing of the wicked is short.--He affirms that the destruction of the wicked is not only certain, but speedy. (Comp.
Psalm 103:16 and
Job 7:8;
Job 7:10.)
Verse 5. -
That the triumphing of the wicked is short (comp.
Psalm 37:35, 36;
Psalm 51:1-5;
Psalm 73:17-19, etc.). This is one of the main points of dispute between Job and his opponents. It has been previously maintained by Eliphaz (
Job 4:8-11;
Job 5:3-5;
Job 15:21, 29) and by Bildad (
Job 8:11-19), as it is now by Zophar, and may be regarded as the traditional belief of the time, which scarcely any ventured to question. His own observation, however, has convinced Job that the fact is otherwise. He has seen the wicked "live, become old, and remain mighty in power" (
Job 21:7); he has seen them "spend their days in wealth," and die quietly, as "in a moment" (
Job 21:13). In
Job 24:2-24 he seems to argue that this is the general, if not universal, lot of such persons. Later on, however, in
Job 27:13-23, he retracts this view, or, at any rate, greatly modifies it, admitting that usually retribution does even in this life overtake the wicked. And this seems to be the general sentiment of mankind.
"Raro antecedentem scelestum,
Deseruit pede poena claudlo."
(Horace, 'Od.,' 3:2, ll. 31, 32.) There remains, however, the question whether the triumphing of the wicked can fairly be considered "short," and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment. When we consider the lives of Dionysius the elder, Sylla, Marius, Tiberius, Louis XIV., Napoleon, it is difficult to answer this question in the affirmative.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
the triumphרִנְנַ֣ת(rin·naṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7445:A ringing cryof the wickedרְ֭שָׁעִים(rə·šā·‘îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personhas been briefמִקָּר֑וֹב(miq·qā·rō·wḇ)Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138:Nearand the joyוְשִׂמְחַ֖ת(wə·śim·ḥaṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8057:Blithesomeness, gleeof the godlessחָנֵ֣ף(ḥā·nêp̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2611:Profane, irreligiousmomentary?רָֽגַע׃(rā·ḡa‘)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7281:A wink, a very short space of time
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OT Poetry: Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked (Jb) 
