Job 21:23

KJV

One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

KJV (with Strong's)

One dieth {H4191} in his full {H8537} strength {H6106}, being wholly at ease {H7946} and quiet {H7961}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One person dies in his full strength, completely at ease and content;

Berean Standard Bible

One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease.

American Standard Version

One dieth in his full strength, Being wholly at ease and quiet:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 21:23 stands as a profound challenge to the conventional retribution theology prevalent in Job's time, asserting that divine justice is not always immediately or visibly dispensed in this life. This verse highlights the unsettling reality that some individuals, particularly the wicked, appear to live out their lives in robust health, tranquility, and peace, dying without experiencing the suffering or calamity that Job's friends insisted was the inevitable consequence of sin. It serves as a direct counter-example to their simplistic worldview, compelling a deeper consideration of God's inscrutable sovereignty and the complex, often perplexing, realities of human experience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 21 forms a pivotal part of Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically his forceful response to Zophar's previous assertion in [Job 20](/job/20 "Job 20 - Zophar's Second Speech") that the wicked are swiftly punished and their prosperity is fleeting. Throughout chapter 21, Job systematically dismantles his friends' arguments by appealing not to abstract theological dogma, but to observable reality. He directly confronts their claim that God always punishes the wicked in this life, presenting a series of compelling counter-examples where the wicked prosper, live long lives, and die peacefully. Job 21:23 is a key component of this empirical argument, serving as a stark illustration that the expected divine judgment often does not manifest in the manner or timeframe his friends predict. This challenges the very foundation of their theology, which rigidly equates suffering with sin and prosperity with righteousness, forcing a re-evaluation of divine justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job grapples profoundly with the ancient Near Eastern concept of divine retribution, a pervasive belief system where prosperity and well-being were understood as direct blessings for righteousness, and suffering and misfortune as direct punishments for sin. This "cause-and-effect" theology was deeply ingrained in Israelite wisdom literature, as seen in parts of Proverbs and the Deuteronomic covenant, notably outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Job's friends represent this traditional, orthodox view, convinced that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin. However, Job's personal experience, coupled with his keen observation of the world around him, forces a confrontation with this simplistic paradigm. The cultural expectation was that God's justice would be evident and immediate, making Job's observation of the wicked dying "in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet" a deeply unsettling and provocative statement within his cultural milieu, challenging the very fabric of their understanding of divine order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it directly addresses **The Prosperity of the Wicked**, a central tension throughout the narrative, by providing a concrete example that contradicts the friends' theology. Job's observation resonates with the struggle articulated by the psalmist in [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), who likewise grappled with the apparent injustice of the wicked flourishing while the righteous suffer. Secondly, Job 21:23 is a direct **Challenge to Retribution Theology**, asserting that God's ways are far more complex and inscrutable than human understanding can grasp. It highlights that suffering is not always punitive, nor is prosperity always a sign of divine favor. Thirdly, the verse underscores **Mortality's Impartiality**, emphasizing that death is the universal fate for all, regardless of their earthly circumstances or perceived spiritual standing. This theme is echoed in [Ecclesiastes 9:2](/ecclesiastes/9-2 "Ecclesiastes 9:2 - The Common Fate of All"), which states that "all things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked." Finally, it implicitly raises the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Inscrutability**, suggesting that divine justice operates on a timeline and according to principles beyond human comprehension, ultimately pointing to a need for trust in God's character even when His actions are perplexing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ʻetsem'_):** From H6106, this word literally means "a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame; body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very." In the phrase "full strength," `ʻetsem` conveys the idea of robust physical vigor and vitality. It emphasizes that the individual dies not from a wasting illness or a decline in health, but while still possessing their physical power and bodily integrity, at the very peak of their physical being.
* **Full (Hebrew, _tôm'_):** From H8537, this word means "completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence; full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture." When combined with "strength," `tôm` reinforces the idea of completeness and perfection in their physical state. It suggests a life lived to its natural, unhindered conclusion, without any premature or violent interruption, and perhaps even implies a life that was "full" in terms of prosperity or lack of moral consequence, contrary to what Job's friends would expect for the wicked.
* **At ease (Hebrew, _shalʼănân'_):** From H7946, this word means "tranquil; being at ease." This term describes a state of profound security, tranquility, and undisturbed peace. It implies a life free from anxiety, distress, or external threats, suggesting that the wicked individual experiences no inner turmoil or outward disturbance. This directly contradicts the friends' expectation that the wicked would live a troubled and anxious existence, constantly fearing divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One dieth":** This opening clause immediately establishes the grim reality of mortality as the universal backdrop. The "one" is an unspecified individual, representing a general observation rather than a specific case, which lends universal weight to Job's argument. It highlights that death is the ultimate equalizer, but the *manner* of death is what Job focuses on, setting the stage for his challenge to conventional wisdom.
* **"in his full strength":** This phrase describes the physical condition of the dying individual. It emphasizes that this person does not waste away from disease, suffer a debilitating injury, or experience a premature, violent end. Instead, they die at the zenith of their vitality, with their physical faculties intact, directly challenging the idea that the wicked are always struck down in their weakness or prime as a sign of divine displeasure.
* **"being wholly at ease":** This clause describes the internal and external circumstances of the individual's life leading up to death. "Wholly at ease" signifies a state of complete peace, security, and freedom from trouble or anxiety. It implies a life unburdened by the worries or afflictions that typically plague those who are considered to be under divine judgment, suggesting a profound lack of divine intervention or punishment in their earthly existence.
* **"and quiet":** This final phrase reinforces the tranquility and undisturbed nature of the individual's life and death. It suggests a peaceful passing, devoid of the turmoil, fear, or public disgrace that Job's friends would associate with the end of a wicked person's life. The combined imagery of "at ease and quiet" paints a picture of a serene, untroubled existence that concludes without apparent divine intervention or retribution, making Job's observation all the more unsettling.

#### Literary Devices
Job 21:23 employs several potent literary devices to underscore its unsettling message. The primary device is **Contrast**, as Job directly juxtaposes the serene, untroubled death of the wicked with the intense suffering and turmoil he himself is experiencing. This stark contrast highlights the perceived injustice of the world and directly refutes the simplistic theology of his friends. There is also a strong element of **Empirical Argument**, as Job bases his assertion not on received tradition or theological dogma, but on his own observations of how life actually unfolds in the world around him. This reliance on observable reality rather than abstract principles is a hallmark of Job's speeches, giving his argument a compelling, grounded authority. Furthermore, the verse uses **Irony**, as the "full strength," "at ease," and "quiet" death of the wicked stands in ironic opposition to the expected divine judgment and the suffering of the righteous, including Job himself. This ironic portrayal serves to challenge the audience's preconceived notions of justice and divine action, forcing a deeper reflection on God's mysterious ways.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:23 is a pivotal verse in the biblical exploration of the problem of evil and the nature of divine justice. It forces a confrontation with the uncomfortable truth that God's justice is not always immediately or visibly dispensed in this life, challenging simplistic cause-and-effect theology that posits a direct, temporal correlation between righteousness and prosperity, or wickedness and suffering. This verse prompts a deeper theological reflection on God's sovereignty, His timing, and the ultimate nature of His righteousness, which transcends human comprehension. It reminds us that while God is just, His ways are often inscrutable, and His final judgment may await an appointed time beyond our present experience. This perspective encourages believers to cultivate a mature faith that trusts in God's character and His ultimate plan, even when earthly circumstances seem to contradict our expectations of divine order and immediate retribution.

* [Psalm 73:3-12](/psalm/73-3-12 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Psalmist's Struggle with the Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Ecclesiastes 8:14](/ecclesiastes/8-14 "Ecclesiastes 8:14 - The Enigma of Justice")
* [Habakkuk 1:1-4](/habakkuk/1-1-4 "Habakkuk 1:1-4 - Habakkuk's Lament Over Injustice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:23 serves as a profound reminder that our understanding of divine justice is often limited by our human perspective and temporal expectations. It challenges us to move beyond a simplistic, transactional view of God, where righteousness is always immediately rewarded and wickedness instantly punished. For believers today, this verse calls for a mature faith that can trust God's character and His ultimate justice even when life seems unfair, when the wicked prosper, and when the righteous suffer. It encourages us not to judge a person's standing with God solely by their outward circumstances, nor to fall into the trap of a "prosperity gospel" that equates material wealth or an "easy" life with spiritual favor. Instead, it directs our focus towards the eternal perspective, reminding us that true peace and ultimate justice are found in God's sovereign plan, which will be fully revealed in His perfect timing. Our call is to faithfulness, obedience, and patient endurance, regardless of our earthly lot, trusting that God sees all, knows all, and will ultimately set all things right in His perfect wisdom and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 21:23 challenge your own assumptions about how God operates in the world and dispenses justice?**
* **In what ways might a simplistic "retribution theology" be harmful to one's faith, particularly when experiencing suffering or observing the prosperity of others?**
* **How can we maintain unwavering trust in God's justice and goodness when we observe the wicked flourishing and the righteous enduring hardship?**
* **What does this verse teach us about judging others based on their external circumstances or perceived blessings/curses?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 21:23 imply that God does not punish the wicked?**

Answer: No, Job 21:23 does not imply that God does not punish the wicked. Rather, it highlights Job's observation that divine judgment is not always immediate or visibly dispensed within the span of a person's earthly life. Job is directly refuting his friends' simplistic theology, which insisted on immediate, temporal retribution for all sin. He argues that the wicked often prosper and die peacefully, which means that God's justice operates on a different timeline and by different means than humans often expect. The Bible consistently affirms God's ultimate justice and His promise to judge all people, both righteous and wicked, in His appointed time (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Deed Into Judgment") and [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6-8 "Romans 2:6-8 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")). Job's point is that this judgment is not always evident in the present life, compelling a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan.

**How does this verse relate to the "prosperity gospel" or the idea that God always blesses the righteous with wealth and health?**

Answer: Job 21:23 directly challenges the foundational premise of the "prosperity gospel" and similar teachings. The prosperity gospel often asserts that material wealth, physical health, and an "easy" life are direct indicators of God's favor and a result of one's faith or righteousness. Conversely, suffering or lack is often attributed to a lack of faith or an unconfessed sin. Job's observation that the wicked can die "in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet" fundamentally contradicts this notion. It demonstrates that outward circumstances, whether prosperity or suffering, are not always reliable indicators of a person's spiritual standing with God. The book of Job, including this verse, teaches that God's ways are more complex and inscrutable than such simplistic formulas allow, urging believers to trust in God's character and sovereignty rather than relying on external signs of blessing or curse. True biblical prosperity is often spiritual and eternal, not merely material and temporal (e.g., [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances") and [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6-10 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Godliness with Contentment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 21:23, in its stark portrayal of the wicked prospering and dying peacefully, highlights the profound problem of injustice in a fallen world and the apparent delay of divine retribution. This tension finds its ultimate resolution and Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job grappled with the seemingly unfair reality of the wicked's ease, Christ himself, the perfectly righteous one, endured the ultimate unjust suffering and death. He did not die "in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet," but rather in agony, publicly humiliated, and bearing the sins of the world (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His crucifixion, the most profound act of injustice in history, paradoxically became the means by which God's perfect justice and boundless mercy were fully revealed. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the problem of evil is not merely explained but overcome; sin is dealt with, and the promise of ultimate justice and restoration is secured. Furthermore, Christ's resurrection guarantees that while the wicked may prosper for a time, a final judgment awaits (cf. [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Set a Day for Judgment")), and those who trust in Him will find true, eternal ease and quietude, not in this fleeting life, but in His everlasting kingdom (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Thus, Job's lament foreshadows the cross, where the righteous one suffers for the unrighteous, and points to the eschatological hope where all injustices will be rectified by the returning King, bringing about a justice far beyond human comprehension or temporal observation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Psalms 73:4

For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.

Psalms 73:5

They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.

Job 20:22

In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.

Job 20:23

¶ [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.

Psalms 49:17

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.