Job 15 26

Job 15:26 kjv

He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:

Job 15:26 nkjv

Running stubbornly against Him With his strong, embossed shield.

Job 15:26 niv

defiantly charging against him with a thick, strong shield.

Job 15:26 esv

running stubbornly against him with a thickly bossed shield;

Job 15:26 nlt

Holding their strong shields,
they defiantly charge against him.

Job 15 verses

Job 15 26 Meaning

Job 15:26 describes the wicked man, as perceived by Eliphaz, engaging in ultimate defiance against the Creator. It paints a picture of audacious rebellion where the wicked not only rejects God but actively confronts Him, attempting to assert their own power and will in direct opposition to God's supreme authority. This act is depicted as a self-assured, confrontational challenge to the divine omnipotence, which Eliphaz asserts inevitably leads to destruction.

Job 15 26 Context

Job 15:26 is part of Eliphaz the Temanite's second discourse (Job 15:1-35) in the extended dialogue between Job and his three friends. This verse is central to Eliphaz's description of the typical wicked man's character and fate. Eliphaz, drawing from traditional wisdom, portrays the wicked as suffering intense fear, turmoil, and eventual ruin. He attributes this outcome to the wicked man's insolent pride and open defiance of God. In the broader context of the Book of Job, Eliphaz and the friends are attempting to explain Job's suffering through the retribution principle – that suffering is directly proportional to sin. Thus, by describing the "wicked man" in such terms, Eliphaz is implicitly accusing Job of harboring such defiance against God, despite Job's assertions of his innocence and faithfulness. This sets up a profound theological tension concerning divine justice and human understanding. Historically, such defiance against a supreme deity was seen as an act of cosmic rebellion, ensuring ultimate defeat and catastrophic consequences, a concept shared across various ancient Near Eastern belief systems where gods were considered powerful and vindictive towards challenges to their authority.

Job 15 26 Word analysis

• For he: Introduces Eliphaz's reason or explanation for the wicked's described misery in the preceding verses. "He" refers back to "the wicked man" mentioned throughout Job 15, particularly from verse 20 onward. It establishes a causal link: the wicked's suffering is a direct result of their actions against God.
• stretcheth out (יִשְׁלַח - yishlach): From the Hebrew verb שׁלח (shalach), meaning "to send," "stretch forth," or "reach out." The active and aggressive connotation of "stretching out" a hand signifies a deliberate, volitional act. It implies reaching forth in an attack, an offer of a challenge, or an assertion of control. This is not passive resistance, but an offensive posture.
• his hand (יָדוֹ - yādô): The "hand" is a pervasive biblical symbol of power, authority, strength, will, and action. To "stretch out one's hand" is often to exercise power, whether in blessing, judgment, or in this case, rebellion. Here, it denotes an active use of personal power in confrontation.
• against God (אֶל־אֵל - 'el 'Êl): The preposition "against" (אֶל - 'el) clearly indicates opposition and direct confrontation. "God" (אֵל - 'Êl) is a common, generic Semitic term for a deity or God, used throughout the Bible to refer to the one true God. This phrasing underscores that the defiance is specifically aimed at the divine. It implies a direct, personal challenge to God Himself.
• and strengtheneth himself (יִתְחַזֵּק - yit·ḥazzêq): From the Hebrew verb חזק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong," "firm," "courageous." The Hithpael conjugation (intensive, reflexive) suggests a deliberate, self-willed exertion of effort to make oneself strong, to take courage, or to be defiant. It describes an intentional resolve and building up of one's own power or resolve in anticipation of a struggle, an act of defiance, or firm resistance. It highlights self-reliance in opposition to God.
• against the Almighty (אֶל־שַׁדַּי - 'el Shaddai): The continued "against" (אֶל - 'el) emphasizes persistent opposition. "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי - Shaddai) is a profound divine title, commonly translated "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One." It emphasizes God's omnipotence, unchallengeable power, and self-sufficiency. For someone to "strengthen themselves" against Shaddai underscores the profound hubris and futility of such an action. It accentuates the absolute disparity in power between the created and the Creator, making the defiance particularly absurd and blasphemous.

• "stretcheth out his hand against God": This phrase encapsulates an aggressive posture of direct confrontation. It signifies an open declaration of war or defiance. Biblically, God stretching out His hand denotes power and judgment (Ex 7:5), while man stretching out his hand against God implies usurpation of authority or direct rebellion, a profoundly insolent act.
• "strengtheneth himself against the Almighty": This further emphasizes the defiant and deliberate nature of the wicked's opposition. It suggests a futile attempt to marshal one's own resources and will to contend with God's supreme and absolute power. The use of "Almighty" (Shaddai) here is key, contrasting the limited, contingent power of humanity with the infinite, all-sufficient power of God. It's an act of monumental foolishness and pride, challenging the very source of all strength.

Job 15 26 Bonus section

• The Irony: The irony of this verse lies in Eliphaz's application. While he correctly identifies a form of profound rebellion against God, he uses it to falsely accuse Job, whose actual struggle is a deep longing for God's understanding amid suffering. This highlights the dangers of simplistic theological frameworks.
• Ultimate Futility: The image powerfully conveys the utter futility of human beings attempting to contend with their Maker. Any human strength or defiance is negligible in the face of the Almighty's absolute power and authority, emphasizing the profound imbalance inherent in such a confrontation.
• Spiritual Blindness: The wicked described here are often depicted in Scripture as spiritually blind, failing to perceive the true nature and power of God, thus leading them to audacious acts of rebellion. This self-deception contributes to their downfall.
• A Recurring Theme: This concept of humanity attempting to defy God's will is a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative, from Adam and Eve's first disobedience, through the Tower of Babel, Pharaoh's challenge, and various rebellious kings, all serving as object lessons for God's ultimate triumph.

Job 15 26 Commentary

Job 15:26 delivers Eliphaz's conviction regarding the nature of the wicked: they are defined by a presumptuous and direct antagonism towards God. His assertion is that such individuals do not merely disobey, but actively raise their will and perceived power in defiant opposition to the divine. The imagery of "stretching out his hand" implies an aggressive, initiating challenge, a reaching forth in a gesture of contention. This act is further amplified by "strengtheneth himself against the Almighty," illustrating a self-reliant exertion to build up personal resolve and power for conflict, seemingly unafraid or dismissive of God's limitless sovereignty. The use of "Almighty" (Shaddai) underscores the cosmic absurdity of finite man attempting to contend with the Infinite and All-Sufficient One. While Eliphaz misapplies this severe judgment to Job, the theological truth embedded is profound: humanity’s defiance against God is a futile act born of pride, guaranteeing divine opposition and eventual ruin. This serves as a warning against self-exaltation and rejection of divine authority, highlighting that true wisdom lies in humble submission to the Sovereign Lord.