Job 27 10

Job 27:10 kjv

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

Job 27:10 nkjv

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call on God?

Job 27:10 niv

Will they find delight in the Almighty? Will they call on God at all times?

Job 27:10 esv

Will he take delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times?

Job 27:10 nlt

Can they take delight in the Almighty?
Can they call to God at any time?

Job 27 verses

Job 27 10 Meaning

Job 27:10 presents a rhetorical question from Job, asserting that the wicked or hypocrite cannot genuinely delight in God (the Almighty) nor consistently call upon Him. It implies that true delight in God and unwavering prayer are marks of a sincere heart, something the unrighteous lack, especially when they face affliction or when things are not going their way. Their appeals to God are usually out of desperation or convenience, not true reverence or consistent relationship.

Job 27 10 Context

Job 27 is part of Job's final and conclusive defense against his three friends (and later Elihu). Having heard their repetitive accusations that his suffering must be due to hidden sin, Job vehemently asserts his integrity (Job 27:1-6). He reiterates his stance that he has not committed acts warranting such divine judgment, and he curses the notion that he would acknowledge their arguments (Job 27:7). Job 27:8-10 marks a shift where Job describes the true nature and eventual fate of the wicked and the hypocrite, paradoxically mirroring some of his friends' arguments but placing them in their proper context and showing that he is not this person. In doing so, Job argues that the wicked, even if they temporarily prosper, ultimately have no hope because they lack genuine delight in God and true, consistent prayer. This passage functions as Job distinguishing himself from such individuals and explaining why his situation is different.

Culturally, Job’s world operated on a general understanding of divine retribution: good actions were rewarded, and bad actions punished. The polemic here is against the prevailing "retribution theology" when applied inflexibly. Job refines it, arguing that superficial adherence to God, driven by selfish motives or momentary crisis, does not constitute genuine faith or ensure protection. His friends believed suffering was proof of wickedness; Job acknowledges the wicked suffer, but points out their specific lack of genuine relationship with God as the reason for their ultimate demise, implying that his own persistent delight and calling (despite suffering) differentiate him.

Job 27 10 Word analysis

• Will he: In Hebrew, the particle הַ (ha) preceding the verb יִתְרַצֶּה (yitratzeh, "he delights") or יִקְרָא (yiqra', "he calls") forms a rhetorical question. It expects a negative answer, emphatically implying "No, he will not." This sets the tone for Job's definitive declaration about the wicked.
• delight himself: Hebrew: יִתְרַצֶּה (yitratzeh), from the root רָצָה (ratsah), meaning "to be pleased with," "to accept," "to find favor," or "to delight in." This word suggests a deep, inner contentment and acceptance, not a fleeting emotion or outward performance. It speaks of the very essence of a relationship where one finds genuine joy and satisfaction in the other, rather than from what the other provides. This is a foundational aspect of worship and devotion.
• in the Almighty: Hebrew: בְּשַׁדַּי (be-Shaddai). "Shaddai" is one of the oldest and most frequently used divine names in the book of Job, appearing over 30 times. El Shaddai means "God Almighty," or "God the Sufficient One." This name emphasizes God's omnipotence, His power, sovereignty, and His ability to provide and sustain, but also to judge. By using "Almighty," Job points to the comprehensive, absolute power of the God who is worthy of genuine delight, which the hypocrite cannot genuinely offer.
• Will he always call: Hebrew: הֲיִקְרָא אֶל־אֱלוֹהַּ בְכָל־עֵת (ha-yiqra' 'el 'Eloah be-khol-'et). This is again a rhetorical question implying "No, he will not always call."
• always: Hebrew: בְכָל־עֵת (be-khol-'et), literally "in all time" or "at every time." This adverbial phrase is crucial. It stresses consistency, persistence, and regularity. The wicked may cry out to God in crisis, but their call is sporadic and motivated by immediate self-preservation or gain. True believers, however, consistently lean on God, whether in good times or bad.
• call upon: Hebrew: יִקְרָא (yiqra'), from the root קָרָא (qara'), "to call," "to summon," "to proclaim." Here, it specifically means "to call upon" or "to invoke." It implies prayer, seeking help, or making an appeal.
• God: Hebrew: אֱלוֹהַּ ('Eloah). This is another common name for God in Job, a singular form of 'Elohim, emphasizing God's unique and solitary divinity. It highlights God's transcendence and His role as the sovereign Ruler to whom one would address a plea.

Words-group analysis:

• Will he delight himself in the Almighty?: This phrase addresses the heart's disposition. Can a wicked person genuinely find their joy and deepest satisfaction in God, rather than in worldly pursuits or self-gain? Job argues no, because their affections are misdirected. Their worship would be superficial, a means to an end.
• Will he always call upon God?: This addresses the outward practice and its consistency. A hypocrite might turn to God in desperate moments of adversity (e.g., when death is near or calamity strikes), but they lack the sustained, unceasing habit of seeking God in every circumstance. Their "calling" is transactional and self-serving, not an overflow of a trusting relationship.

Job 27 10 Bonus section

The repeated rhetorical questions in Job 27:8 and 27:10 form a significant literary device. They reveal Job’s deep theological insight: the true measure of a person's relationship with God is not merely external actions or temporary pronouncements of faith, but an internal, enduring disposition towards God. The phrase "delight himself in the Almighty" hints at an intimate and joyous relationship, which contrasts with the fear-based or transaction-based approach the wicked might adopt. Job uses "Shaddai" (Almighty) and "Eloah" (God), both of which are prominent divine names in the book of Job, highlighting different facets of God's character relevant to his discourse – God's power and sufficiency, and His unique divinity. This verse essentially describes a "fair-weather" spirituality – present only when convenient or necessary, but absent when commitment is truly required.

Job 27 10 Commentary

Job 27:10 serves as Job's incisive observation of the wicked and the hypocrite. It underscores that true godliness is not marked by superficial piety or cries of distress under pressure, but by a genuine, inward delight in God and consistent, heartfelt reliance upon Him. The rhetorical questions powerfully convey a definite "No." The ungodly do not find their deepest satisfaction in God’s character or presence (delight themselves in the Almighty); their pleasure is in other things. Nor do they maintain a steady, faithful prayer life across all circumstances (always call upon God); their prayers are often desperate pleas in crises or ritualistic performances. This distinction affirms that true faith is relational and persevering, contrasting sharply with a mere "form of godliness" that crumbles under test or evaporates when convenience fades. Job, in asserting this truth, further differentiates himself from the category of people his friends wrongly accuse him of being, subtly affirming his own genuine, though afflicted, faith.