Job 4:20 “Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces; unnoticed, they perish forever.”
In Job 4:20, Eliphaz is continuing his speech to Job, emphasizing the fleeting and fragile nature of human life. He describes how people are easily broken and disappear quickly, comparing their lives to something that can be destroyed between the short span of dawn and dusk. His point is that human life is brief and fragile, and in the grand scheme of things, people can vanish without much notice, highlighting the frailty of humanity in contrast to God’s eternal power.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Eliphaz is pointing out the brevity and fragility of human existence. The phrase “between dawn and dusk” refers to the shortness of human life, comparing it to the span of a single day. He is emphasizing how quickly life can end and how unnoticed it can be when a person perishes. This imagery suggests that, from Eliphaz’s perspective, humans are insignificant compared to God and that their lives can be shattered easily by suffering or death.
Eliphaz is trying to make the point that humans, being so fragile and temporary, should not expect to fully understand or stand against the will of God. He implies that Job, in his suffering, should accept his situation because human life is inherently weak and fragile. However, Eliphaz’s reasoning is somewhat fatalistic, and it overlooks the deeper reasons behind Job’s suffering, which are not tied to Job’s personal sin or failure.
Historical Context
In ancient times, life was often viewed as short and full of hardship, especially in a world where people dealt with constant threats of disease, famine, and warfare. Mortality was a very real and present concern, and it wasn’t uncommon to view life as fragile and temporary. Eliphaz’s words reflect this worldview, where human life is seen as fleeting and easily snuffed out.
This perspective was common in wisdom literature like the book of Job, where people pondered the nature of suffering, mortality, and the relationship between humanity and God. Eliphaz’s comments reflect the belief that suffering and death were inevitable parts of life, often tied to human weakness and imperfection. But the story of Job goes beyond this simple view to explore the deeper purposes of God, even in suffering.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reminds us of the reality of human mortality. No matter how strong or successful we may be, life is temporary, and we are all subject to death. Eliphaz’s statement highlights the fact that humans are fragile and that our lives are in God’s hands. This should lead us to a sense of humility before God, recognizing that our time on earth is short and that we are not in control of our destiny.
However, Eliphaz’s fatalistic view does not take into account the larger biblical teaching that, although life is brief, it has meaning and value in God’s eyes. While we are fragile, we are also made in God’s image and loved by Him. The Bible teaches that God has a purpose for each of our lives, and that even in our weakness, we are precious to Him.
Literary Analysis
In Job 4:20, Eliphaz uses powerful imagery to convey the fleeting nature of life. The comparison between a single day—from dawn to dusk—and the entirety of human life creates a vivid picture of how brief our time on earth is. The phrase “broken to pieces” emphasizes the suddenness with which life can be shattered, while “unnoticed” suggests that death can come without fanfare or recognition.
This literary style is typical of wisdom literature, where poetic language is used to explore deep philosophical and theological questions. Eliphaz’s words are meant to make Job reflect on the brevity and fragility of life, but his perspective lacks the full understanding of God’s care and purpose for human beings.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
Other biblical passages also reflect on the brevity of human life and our dependence on God:
- Psalm 90:10: “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” This verse speaks to the shortness of life and the challenges it holds.
- James 4:14: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This emphasizes the fleeting nature of life, much like Eliphaz’s point.
- Psalm 39:5: “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” This psalm also reflects on the temporary nature of human life and our need to trust in God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 4:20 reminds us that life is fragile and brief, and we should not take it for granted. Eliphaz’s words can encourage us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our time on earth is limited and that we should focus on things that matter most, such as our relationship with God and loving others.
However, this verse also challenges us not to view life with a fatalistic attitude. While life is short, God gives it meaning and purpose. We are called to live faithfully, trusting that God has a plan for each of us and that our lives, though temporary, can have lasting impact through His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Eliphaz’s perspective in this verse focuses on human fragility and mortality, but the broader message of the Bible reveals that God’s love is constant, even in our weakness. While life may be short, God’s love for us is eternal, and He cares deeply for each person. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that God knows the number of our days and has a purpose for our lives from the very beginning.
God’s love is not diminished by the brevity of our lives. In fact, the Bible teaches that God’s care for us continues beyond this life, offering us the hope of eternal life through faith in Him. While our earthly lives may be fragile, God’s love endures forever, and He desires to be with us for all eternity.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in a profound way. While Eliphaz focuses on the frailty of human life, Jesus came to offer us eternal life beyond the brief years we have on earth. Jesus experienced human frailty and mortality by becoming one of us, but He conquered death through His resurrection. In Christ, we have the promise that death is not the end.
John 11:25: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” This promise assures us that while our lives may be short, Jesus offers us the hope of eternal life with God. Through faith in Christ, we are not merely “crushed” and forgotten, as Eliphaz suggests, but we are given the hope of everlasting life with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse remind you of the brevity of life, and how does that affect how you live each day?
- In what ways can we avoid a fatalistic view of life while still acknowledging its temporary nature?
- How does Jesus’ promise of eternal life change your perspective on the frailty and shortness of human life?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting God with your life, knowing that He has a purpose for you even in the midst of life’s fragility?
- How can you find comfort in God’s love, knowing that He cares for you, even though life is brief?
This reflection on Job 4:20 encourages Christians to acknowledge the fragile nature of life but to live with hope, knowing that God’s love and purpose extend beyond our earthly years. Through Jesus Christ, we are given the promise of eternal life, reminding us that while life is brief, it is precious and full of meaning in God’s hands.