Job 21

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 21 of 42

¹ ¶ And Job answered and said:

² Listening, listen to my speech, and let this be your comfort;

³ Rise with me and I shall speak; then after I have spoken, you may mock.

⁴ As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should not my spirit be short?

Chapter Summary

1 Job shows that even in the judgment of man he has reason to be grieved. 7 Sometimes the wicked prosper, as they despise Jehovah. 27 The judgment of the wicked is in another world.

Key Hebrew Words

רָשָׁע wicked one H7563 · TWOT 2222b

שַׁדַּי the Almighty H7706 · TWOT 2333

אֵיד calamity H343 · TWOT 38c

שְׁאוֹל Sheol, the grave H7585 · TWOT 2303c

נֵר lamp H5216 · TWOT 1333a

חֵמָה wrath H2534 · TWOT 860a

People & Context

Job

Replies to his friends, arguing the wicked often live, prosper, and defy God, yet are reserved for the day of wrath

Timeline

Job Refutes the Friends: The Wicked Prosper

Job challenges their theology by pointing out that the wicked often live long, become mighty, see their children established, and live safely without the rod of God striking them.

Job 21:1-16

Job Questions God's Justice Regarding the Wicked

Job asks how often the lamp of the wicked is actually put out. He notes that while some die in bitterness, others die in full strength and ease, leaving his friends' comforting answers empty and treacherous.

Job 21:17-34

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