Job 20:29

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 20:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “This is the portion of a wicked man from God, And the heritage appointed unto him by God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

This is the portion of a wicked man from God, And the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Job 20:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29This is the portion of a wicked man from God, And the heritage appointed unto him by God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, etc.] All before related, and which is very different from the portion of a good man, which is God himself, both here and hereafter; the wicked man has indeed his portion from God, which he has assigned him, but his portion is not himself; nor is it with him, nor with his people, but it is at most and best in this life, and but a worldly one, and hereafter will be with devils and damned spirits; and a dreadful portion it is to be banished from the presence of God to all eternity, and take up an everlasting abode with such company: and the heritage appointed unto him by God; it is not only a portion allotted to him, but an inheritance to abide…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“appointed--not as a matter of chance, but by the divine "decree" (Margin) and settled principle. Next: Job Chapter 21”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This is the portion of a wicked man - This conclusion is similar to that which Bildad drew at the close of his speech, Job 18:21. Zophar intended, undoubtedly, that Job should apply it to himself, and that he should draw the inference, that one who had been treated in this manner, must be a wicked man. And the heritage appointed - Margin, “of his decree from.” The Hebrew is,” Of his word” (אמרוּ 'êmerô ) - that is, of his “purpose.” The idea is, that this is the divine rule, or arrangement. It is not a matter of chance. It is the result of appointment, and when people are afflicted in this manner, we are to conclude that “God” regards them as guilty. The whole object of the discussion was…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Heritage - Heb. the heritage; so called, to denote the stability and assurance of it, that it is as firm as an inheritance to the right heir; and in opposition to that inheritance which he had gotten by fraud and violence. Next: Job Chapter 21”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the portion: Job 18:21, Job 27:13, Job 31:2, Job 31:3; Deu 29:20-28; Psa 11:5, Psa 11:6; Mat 24:51 appointed unto him by God: Heb. of his decree from God, Lam 3:38 Next: Job Chapter 21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification