Job 20:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Zophar appeals to ancient, settled knowledge stretching back to the beginning of human life.
What Does Job 20:4 Mean?
Zophar opens his argument by appealing to long-established wisdom, a truth he says has held “of old, since man was placed upon earth.” He grounds his case in the weight of generations, claiming that what he is about to say is simply how things have always been.
The appeal to ancient knowledge is reverent in tone, and there is something good in honoring the wisdom handed down through the ages. Yet Zophar will use this venerable frame to support a rule that does not fit Job’s case. Old truths are precious, but they must be applied with care; a true principle, pressed onto the wrong situation, can become a false accusation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job 20:4
What does Job 20:4 mean?
Zophar appeals to ancient, settled knowledge stretching back to the beginning of human life.