Job 27 16

Job 27:16 kjv

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:16 nkjv

Though he heaps up silver like dust, And piles up clothing like clay?

Job 27:16 niv

Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like piles of clay,

Job 27:16 esv

Though he heap up silver like dust, and pile up clothing like clay,

Job 27:16 nlt

"Evil people may have piles of money
and may store away mounds of clothing.

Job 27 verses

Job 27 16 Meaning

This verse vividly describes the immense but ultimately futile accumulation of wealth by the wicked. It suggests that they amass silver in quantities as common as dust and prepare an abundance of fine clothing as readily available as common clay. The verse underscores the vastness of their possessions while subtly hinting at their eventual worthlessness or transience in God's judgment, as their wealth lacks true security and permanence.

Job 27 16 Context

Job 27 marks a pivotal point in Job's final defense against his friends, where he reaffirms his integrity and belief in God's justice. While previously arguing that suffering does not always signify sin, here Job eloquently articulates the ultimate fate of the wicked, affirming God's retribution against them. This section, particularly verses 7-23, serves as Job's conclusive declaration on the matter. Verse 16 specifically introduces the vivid imagery of the wicked's immense but insecure prosperity, setting the stage for the detailed description of their downfall in subsequent verses, thus reconciling his theological understanding with observable realities of temporary prosperity while maintaining faith in divine judgment.

Job 27 16 Word analysis

• Though he heap up: The Hebrew word for "heap up" (וַיִּצְבֹּר֙, waiyiṣbōr) comes from the root צבר (tsabar), meaning "to collect, to accumulate, to pile up." It conveys an active, intentional, and often excessive gathering, suggesting a relentless pursuit and massive quantity.
• silver: (כֶּסֶף, kesef). This was a primary form of wealth and currency in the ancient Near East, symbolizing status, security, and purchasing power.
• as the dust: (כֶּעָפָר֙, keʻāpār). The word ʻāpār means "dust," "dry earth," or "dirt." The simile is hyperbolic, emphasizing an unimaginable abundance of silver, making it seem as common and plentiful as dirt on the ground. However, dust also carries connotations of worthlessness when in such vast quantity, fragility, and humanity's mortal state (Gen 3:19), foreshadowing the transient nature of this wealth.
• and prepare: (וְיָכִ֥ין, wəyāḵîn). From the root כון (kun), meaning "to establish, to set up, to make firm, to make ready." This verb implies an effort to secure or make permanent these possessions, suggesting foresight and an attempt to create lasting security.
• raiment: (מַלְבּ֗וּשׁ, malbûš). Refers to clothing or garments, particularly fine apparel. In ancient cultures, abundant or elaborate clothing was a strong indicator of wealth, status, and luxury.
• as the clay: (כַּחֹ֑מֶר, kaḥōmer). The word ḥōmer means "clay," "mire," or "mud." Similar to dust, it conveys extreme commonness, availability, and low intrinsic value. While clay can be shaped and molded, it is also brittle when fired and easily turns to mud when wet, further implying lack of permanence and vulnerability, despite the wicked's attempts to "prepare" their goods.

Words-group analysis:

• heap up silver as the dust: This phrase employs powerful hyperbole to convey a colossal quantity of wealth, portraying silver (a valuable commodity) as utterly common, akin to dust. This stark contrast subtly foreshadows the true worthlessness of such immense material gain when divinely judged, stripping it of its perceived value.
• prepare raiment as the clay: This parallel phrase reinforces the same concept. The "preparing" implies an attempt to secure or consolidate this wealth, yet the comparison to "clay"—a cheap, abundant, and fragile material—undermines any illusion of lasting security or intrinsic worth for their luxurious garments. It highlights both the ease with which such items are acquired by the wicked and their ultimate lack of true substance or permanence.

Job 27 16 Bonus section

• Figurative Language and Hebrew Poetics: Job's language is highly poetic, utilizing similes (כְּ/ke - "as," "like") to create striking visual images. The choice of "dust" and "clay" is not arbitrary; these elements are foundational in the creation narratives of humanity (Gen 2:7, Is 64:8), suggesting a return to common origins or worthlessness despite outward grandeur.
• Theological Precision in Job: This verse demonstrates Job's nuanced theological position. Unlike his friends, who rigidly linked wealth to righteousness and poverty to wickedness, Job acknowledges that the wicked can amass great wealth. However, he then differentiates himself by proclaiming that this prosperity is transient and ultimately counts for nothing in the face of divine justice. He upholds God's ultimate sovereignty and just governance of the world, even when immediate observations seem contradictory.
• Contrast with Righteous Treasures: The description of the wicked's physical treasures ("silver," "raiment") can be implicitly contrasted with the righteous's "treasure" which is found in their relationship with God and obedience to His Word (Ps 19:10, Prov 2:4), treasures that moth and rust cannot corrupt (Matt 6:19-20).

Job 27 16 Commentary

Job 27:16 forms part of Job's assertion regarding the eventual fate of the wicked. He describes their wealth as being acquired in staggering amounts, so vast that their silver is like dust and their clothes like clay. This hyperbole illustrates a deceptive reality: while the wicked may enjoy outward prosperity and amass great material riches, even attempting to "prepare" or secure them, their prosperity lacks true permanence and intrinsic value. For Job, this immense accumulation is ultimately futile, as such possessions will not safeguard them from divine judgment. The emphasis is not on the impossibility of the wicked's prosperity, but on its impermanence and the lack of eternal security it offers, underscoring that God's justice ultimately prevails, stripping ill-gotten wealth of its temporal glory and exposing its worthlessness in the divine economy. For instance, like a man who stockpiles mountains of play money, it looks impressive but holds no true value when the true currency is counted.