Job Chapter 27 — Job Maintains His Integrity
Job declares his commitment to truth and righteousness while describing the eventual loss and judgment that awaits those who turn from God.
1Job again took up his parable, and said,
2“As God lives, who has taken away my right,
3(for the length of my life is still in me,
4surely my lips will not speak unrighteousness,
5Far be it from me that I should justify you.
6I hold fast to my righteousness, and will not let it go.
7“Let my enemy be as the wicked.
8For what is the hope of the godless, when he is cut off,
9Will God hear his cry when trouble comes on him?
10Will he delight himself in the Almighty,
11I will teach you about the hand of God.
12Behold, all of you have seen it yourselves;
13“This is the portion of a wicked man with God,
14If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword.
15Those who remain of him will be buried in death.
16Though he heap up silver as the dust,
17he may prepare it, but the just will put it on,
18He builds his house as the moth,
19He lies down rich, but he will not do so again.
20Terrors overtake him like waters.
21The east wind carries him away, and he departs.
22For it hurls at him, and does not spare,
23Men will clap their hands at him,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Job 27:5-6
“Far be it from me that I should justify you. I will not put away my integrity from me until I die. I hold fast to my righteousness, and will not let it go.”
These verses highlight Job's unwavering commitment to his own innocence despite the pressure from his friends to confess to wrongdoing.
Job 27:8
“For what is the hope of the godless, when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?”
Job questions the long-term security and purpose of those who live without regard for God's laws.
Chapter Summary
In Job Chapter 27, Job continues his final discourse by swearing an oath to maintain his integrity. Despite his immense suffering, he refuses to admit to unrighteousness or justify his friends' accusations. He asserts that as long as he lives, he will speak truthfully and hold fast to his righteousness. Job then shifts his focus to the destiny of the wicked. He explains that while the godless may temporarily prosper or accumulate wealth, their hope is ultimately hollow because God will not hear their cry in times of trouble. Job describes the portion of the wicked man as one of inevitable loss: his children may face the sword, his wealth will be inherited by the just, and his home will be as fragile as a moth's cocoon. Finally, he depicts the wicked being swept away by terrors and the east wind, departing the world amidst the scorn of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Job is refusing to agree with his friends' claims that his suffering is a result of hidden sin. He maintains that to agree with them would be a lie and a betrayal of his own integrity.
Job explains that even if a wicked person heaps up silver like dust, they will not keep it. Instead, the just will eventually wear the clothes they prepared, and their wealth will be redistributed.
Job describes the portion of the wicked as a life of instability where their children face disaster, their possessions are lost, and they are eventually overtaken by terrors and swept away by a storm.
Study Note
Job begins this chapter with a parable (mashal), a term often used in Hebrew literature for a taunt, proverb, or a profound discourse.
Related Chapters
Job 2
In this early chapter, Job is first tested with physical ailments but remains faithful.
Psalm 73
This Psalm explores similar themes regarding the temporary prosperity of the wicked versus their ultimate end.
Job 31
Job continues his final defense by listing the specific sins he has avoided throughout his life.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.