Job 24:24

KJV

They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all [other], and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are exalted {H7426} for a little while {H4592}, but are gone and brought low {H4355}; they are taken out {H7092} of the way {H1870} as all other, and cut off {H5243} as the tops {H7218} of the ears of corn {H7641}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are exalted for a little while; and then they are gone, brought low, gathered in like all others, shriveled up like ears of grain.

Berean Standard Bible

They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.

American Standard Version

They are exalted; yet a little while, and they are gone; Yea, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others, And are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:24 offers a profound theological insight into the transient nature of the wicked's apparent prosperity and their certain, inevitable downfall. Amidst Job's intense struggle with the perplexing reality of injustice, where the ungodly often seem to flourish without immediate consequence, this verse serves as his resolute declaration that their temporary elevation will culminate in a swift and decisive judgment, thereby affirming God's ultimate and unwavering justice, even if its manifestation is delayed from a human perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24 continues Job's impassioned and deeply personal discourse, directly confronting the simplistic, retributive theology advocated by his friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Throughout the preceding chapters, Job, despite his profound suffering, steadfastly maintains his innocence, leading him to question the apparent paradox of why the wicked frequently prosper and escape immediate divine judgment. In [Job 24](/job/24 "Job 24 - Job's Lament on Injustice"), he vividly portrays the pervasive acts of oppression, violence, and injustice perpetrated by the ungodly, who seem to operate with impunity, often "not knowing the light" ([Job 24:13](/job/24-13 "Job 24:13 - The Wicked Shun the Light")). Verse 24, however, introduces Job's own theological resolution to this perplexing observation. It acknowledges the reality of the wicked's temporary "exaltation" but immediately qualifies it as fleeting, asserting that their end is certain and swift. This verse is pivotal in demonstrating Job's unwavering, albeit challenged, faith in God's ultimate justice, even when its timing and methods remain inscrutable to human understanding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set within a patriarchal society, likely in the land of Uz, a region commonly associated with Edom or northern Arabia, reflecting the wisdom traditions prevalent in the ancient Near East (ANE). In this cultural milieu, societal prosperity, longevity, and abundant offspring were widely interpreted as tangible signs of divine favor, while suffering was often seen as a direct consequence of sin. Job's profound challenge directly confronts this prevailing worldview, as he, a demonstrably righteous man, endures immense suffering, while the wicked frequently thrive. The vivid agricultural imagery employed in [Job 24:24](/job/24-24 "Job 24:24 - The Fleeting Prosperity of the Wicked"), specifically the reference to "ears of corn" (grain), is deeply rooted in an agrarian society where the annual harvest cycle was a fundamental aspect of life and a powerful metaphor. This imagery would have resonated profoundly with Job's audience, signifying a decisive, unavoidable, and final act of cutting down or removal, much like the conclusion of a growing season. It speaks to a shared understanding of life's cycles and ultimate accountability within their cultural framework.
* **Key Themes:** Job 24:24 encapsulates several pivotal themes central not only to the book of Job but also to broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is the **problem of divine justice** and the **transience of wicked prosperity**. Job grapples with the apparent contradiction of a just God allowing the wicked to flourish, yet this verse firmly asserts that their "exaltation" is merely "for a little while." This highlights the overarching theme of **God's ultimate sovereignty and judgment**, emphasizing that His justice operates on a timeline that often differs from human expectation. The verse underscores the **certainty of the wicked's downfall**, affirming that their seemingly unassailable position will inevitably be reversed. Furthermore, the phrase "taken out of the way as all [other]" speaks to the **universal mortality** that applies to all humanity, righteous and wicked alike, serving as the great equalizer. The **vivid agricultural imagery** of being "cut off as the tops of the ears of corn" powerfully conveys the sudden, decisive, and irreversible nature of this divine reckoning. This theme resonates deeply with other wisdom literature, such as [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), which similarly wrestles with the prosperity of the wicked before concluding on their ultimate destruction, and [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - Trust in the Lord"), which advises against fretting over evildoers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _râmam'_):** This primitive root signifies "to rise (literally or figuratively); exalt, get (oneself) up, lift up (self), mount up." In this context, it describes the wicked achieving positions of power, prominence, or material success. The use of "for a little while" immediately qualifies this elevation, underscoring its fleeting and impermanent nature.
* **Brought low (Hebrew, _mâkak'_):** This primitive root means "to tumble (in ruins); figuratively, to perish; be brought low, decay." It stands in stark antithesis to "exalted," depicting a complete and devastating reversal of fortune. It implies a divine act of humiliation and degradation, stripping the wicked of their temporary power and status and leading to their ultimate demise.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _nâmal'_):** This primitive root means "to become clipped or (specifically) circumcised; (branch to) be cut down (off), circumcise." In the context of plants, it specifically refers to being harvested or decisively removed. This vivid agricultural term emphasizes the sudden, decisive, and irreversible removal or destruction of the wicked, much like a farmer harvesting grain. It conveys finality and completeness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are exalted for a little while":** This opening clause refers to the wicked, whose apparent success, power, and prosperity are explicitly stated to be temporary and short-lived. It acknowledges the perplexing reality of their flourishing, which Job observes, but immediately qualifies it as transient, setting the stage for their inevitable reversal. This temporary nature highlights the futility of their earthly gains.
* **"but are gone and brought low":** This phrase describes the certain and complete reversal of the wicked's fortunes. "Gone" signifies their disappearance or removal from their position of power and influence, while "brought low" emphasizes their humiliation, abasement, and loss of status. It speaks to a divine judgment that will humble them from their elevated state.
* **"they are taken out of the way as all [other]":** This clause underscores the universality of death and divine accountability. It means that even the most powerful or seemingly untouchable wicked individuals are subject to the same human mortality and ultimate judgment as every other person. Death is presented as the great equalizer, from which no one, regardless of their earthly status, is exempt.
* **"and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn":** This powerful simile provides a vivid agricultural metaphor for the wicked's demise. Just as a farmer decisively and completely harvests the mature heads of grain, so too are the wicked swiftly, summarily, and utterly removed from their position of power and influence. It conveys a sudden, decisive, and irreversible end, a finality that cannot be undone.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:24 is rich in literary artistry, employing several devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Simile**, particularly in the phrase "cut off as the tops of the ears of corn." This comparison draws a direct parallel between the sudden, decisive harvesting of grain and the swift, complete removal of the wicked from their position of power and life. This agricultural imagery is highly effective in an agrarian society, making the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and relatable. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** and **Antithesis** by contrasting "exalted for a little while" with "gone and brought low." This stark opposition highlights the dramatic reversal of fortune that awaits the wicked, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their earthly success against the certainty of their ultimate humiliation. Furthermore, there is a subtle layer of **Irony** in the wicked's temporary exaltation; despite their perceived power and impunity, their end is as certain and undignified as a harvested crop, highlighting the futility of their earthly gains in the face of divine reckoning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Job 24:24 stands as a profound theological statement within the larger biblical narrative concerning divine justice. It challenges the simplistic, immediate retribution theology often presented by Job's friends, acknowledging the perplexing reality of the wicked's temporary prosperity while firmly asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His delayed, yet inevitable, judgment. This verse teaches that God's justice operates on a timeline often beyond human comprehension, but it is never absent or forgotten. It underscores the transient nature of all earthly power, wealth, and status not rooted in God, contrasting it with the eternal and unshakeable nature of divine truth and righteousness. For believers, it offers solace and a call to patience, reminding them not to be dismayed by apparent injustices, but to trust in the Lord who sees all and will ultimately set all things right, bringing every hidden thing into the light.

* [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18-20 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Wicked Set in Slippery Places and Destroyed")
* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1-2 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Fret Not Over Evildoers, For They Shall Wither")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Job 24:24 offers a vital perspective for navigating a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper. It encourages believers not to be disheartened or envious of the temporary success of those who disregard God's ways. Instead, it calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that earthly power and prosperity, when not aligned with God's will, are fleeting and ultimately meaningless. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate what constitutes true "exaltation" and lasting significance, reminding us that genuine security and lasting reward are found only in God's unwavering character and His eternal kingdom. It fosters patience and unwavering faith in God's perfect timing and His righteous judgment, urging us to trust that He will, in His appointed time, bring all things to account. Our call is to live righteously, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is not temporary earthly gain but an eternal standing with our just God, whose justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 24:24 challenge your perception of immediate justice in the world, and how might this influence your prayers for justice?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to envy the temporary prosperity or apparent impunity of the wicked, and how does this verse reframe that temptation?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the true nature of lasting success and significance, and how does that impact your personal pursuits and priorities?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that all suffering is a result of sin?**

Answer: No, the book of Job as a whole, and [Job 24:24](/job/24-24 "Job 24:24 - The Fleeting Prosperity of the Wicked") specifically, does not imply that all suffering is a direct result of sin. The central message of Job is a profound refutation of the simplistic retribution theology held by Job's friends, who insisted that Job's immense suffering must be due to some hidden sin. Job himself is presented as a righteous man who suffers unjustly. This verse specifically addresses the *wicked* and their temporary exaltation, affirming that their ultimate downfall is certain due to their unrighteousness. The broader narrative of the book teaches that God's ways are often beyond human comprehension, and suffering can serve various purposes beyond punitive judgment, including testing faith or revealing God's glory.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of delayed justice?**

Answer: [Job 24:24](/job/24-24 "Job 24:24 - The Fleeting Prosperity of the Wicked") is a powerful statement on the concept of delayed justice. Job observes that the wicked often prosper "for a little while," indicating a period where divine judgment is not immediately visible or executed. This delay can be perplexing to human observers, leading to questions about God's active involvement or fairness. However, the phrases "gone and brought low" and "cut off" convey the absolute certainty and eventual swiftness of their demise. It reinforces the biblical principle that while God's justice may not always be immediate, it is always inevitable and perfectly timed. This truth is echoed in other scriptures, such as [Ecclesiastes 8:11](/ecclesiastes/8-11 "Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Because Sentence Against an Evil Work Is Not Executed Speedily"), which notes that "because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Job 24:24 serves as a divine assurance that the delay does not negate the certainty of ultimate judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Job 24:24, with its stark contrast between the fleeting exaltation of the wicked and their inevitable downfall, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the wicked's "exaltation" is temporary and leads to being "cut off" in judgment, Christ, though truly "cut off" from the land of the living through His crucifixion ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Christ Cut Off from the Land of the Living")), was not brought low permanently. Instead, His voluntary humiliation and suffering, culminating in His death and resurrection, led to His ultimate and eternal exaltation. [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation") powerfully declares that because He humbled Himself, God "highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." Unlike the transient power of the wicked, Christ's kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and is eternal, never to be "brought low" or "cut off." Furthermore, the agricultural imagery of being "cut off as the tops of the ears of corn" foreshadows the ultimate harvest and judgment that Christ, as the Son of Man, will execute. He is the one who will separate the wheat from the weeds ([Matthew 13:30](/matthew/13-30 "Matthew 13:30 - The Parable of the Weeds")) and preside over the final judgment where all, both righteous and wicked, will stand before Him ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Job's observation points forward to the definitive triumph of God's justice through Christ, where all temporary earthly power will yield to His eternal, righteous reign.

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

Psalms 37:10

For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].

Job 8:22

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Psalms 92:7

¶ When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; [it is] that they shall be destroyed for ever:

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Revelation 14:14

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

Revelation 14:20

And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs.