Bible Glide

Job 27

Job 27 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Job continues his reply by refusing to admit guilt he does not believe is his. He vows to hold to honesty and righteousness while also describing the fate of the wicked. The chapter joins personal integrity with a sober view of divine judgment.

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What happens in Job 27?

Job begins with a strong defense of his character, saying he will not speak falsely or concede to his friends' claims. He insists on holding to his righteousness and a clear conscience while he still lives. He then turns to the fate of the godless, asking what hope they have when God cuts them off. Job describes their end in sharp terms: their households fail, their wealth does not protect them, and sudden disaster removes their security. His point is that outward prosperity cannot stand against God's judgment, while empty accusations do not prove a person guilty.

This chapter comes near the end of the speeches in Job, after Job has answered his friends at length. He is still wrestling with his suffering, but he will not accept their argument that pain always means hidden sin. Chapter 27 continues the debate before the book moves toward wisdom in chapter 28 and later God's direct answer.

Themes to notice

  • IntegrityJob refuses to lie about himself or abandon the righteousness he believes he has kept.
  • JudgmentThe passage describes the collapse of the wicked under God's action rather than human strength.
  • False securityWealth, family status, and outward success cannot guarantee lasting safety.

Questions for Job 27

  • Why is Job so determined not to confess guilt he does not believe he has?
  • What picture does Job give of the life and end of the wicked?
  • How does this chapter challenge the idea that prosperity always means approval from God?

Read the full text of Job 27 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Job 27

Job Affirms His Integrity

1Job continued his discourse:

2“As surely as God lives, who has deprived me of justice—

the Almighty, who has embittered my soul—

3as long as my breath is still within me

and the breath of God remains in my nostrils,

4my lips will not speak wickedness,

and my tongue will not utter deceit.

5I will never say that you are right;

I will maintain my integrity until I die.

6I will cling to my righteousness and never let go.

As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.

The Wicked Man’s Portion

7May my enemy be like the wicked

and my opponent like the unjust.

8For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off,

when God takes away his life?

9Will God hear his cry

when distress comes upon him?

10Will he delight in the Almighty?

Will he call upon God at all times?

11I will instruct you in the power of God.

I will not conceal the ways of the Almighty.

12Surely all of you have seen it for yourselves.

Why then do you keep up this empty talk?

13This is the wicked man’s portion from God—

the heritage the ruthless receive from the Almighty.

14Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword;

and his offspring will never have enough food.

15His survivors will be buried by the plague,

and their widows will not weep for them.

16Though he heaps up silver like dust

and piles up a wardrobe like clay,

17what he lays up, the righteous will wear,

and his silver will be divided by the innocent.

18The house he built is like a moth’s cocoon,

like a hut set up by a watchman.

19He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more;

when he opens his eyes, all is gone.

20Terrors overtake him like a flood;

a tempest sweeps him away in the night.

21The east wind carries him away, and he is gone;

it sweeps him out of his place.

22It hurls itself against him without mercy

as he flees headlong from its power.

23It claps its hands at him

and hisses him out of his place.

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