Job 27:1

KJV

¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover Job {H347} continued {H3254}{H5375} his parable {H4912}, and said {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Iyov continued his speech:

Berean Standard Bible

Job continued his discourse:

American Standard Version

And Job again took up his parable, and said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, marking the commencement of Job's final and most extensive soliloquy within the dialogue section of the book. This verse signals a significant shift in the narrative, as Job, having endured the arguments and accusations of his three friends, now takes the floor to deliver a profound, authoritative declaration, reaffirming his unwavering integrity and delving into complex theological truths concerning the fate of the wicked and the ultimate vindication of the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:1 immediately follows the conclusion of the third cycle of speeches between Job and his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Notably, Zophar's third speech is conspicuously absent from the Masoretic Text, leading scholars to debate whether it was lost or if the current arrangement implies a breakdown in the friends' ability to respond. This verse, therefore, marks a dramatic shift from direct disputation to Job's sustained monologue, which extends through chapter 31. It functions as a formal heading, preparing the reader for a weighty and comprehensive statement from Job, distinct from his previous responses to his friends. His discourse here is not a rebuttal but a self-contained, solemn declaration of his continued righteousness and a profound reflection on divine justice, paving the way for the later appearance of Elihu in [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Intervention") and ultimately God's direct intervention in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Response to Job").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wisdom literature often featured disputation speeches and profound pronouncements on life's mysteries. The term "parable" (Hebrew: *mashal*) used in this verse is crucial. Unlike the New Testament parables, an Old Testament *mashal* is a broad genre encompassing proverbs, taunts, laments, allegories, oracular sayings, and weighty, often poetic, discourses. It signifies an authoritative utterance, a profound statement that carries significant moral or theological weight, often delivered by a wise person. Job's "parable" is thus not a simple story but a solemn, perhaps even cryptic or challenging, declaration of truth as he perceives it. This context underscores the gravity and intended impact of Job's ensuing speech, positioning him as a sage delivering a final, comprehensive word on his situation and the nature of justice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several critical themes that permeate Job's subsequent discourse. Firstly, it highlights **Job's unwavering resolve and integrity**. Despite immense suffering and the relentless accusations of his friends, Job refuses to recant his claim of innocence, asserting his righteousness before God and humanity. Secondly, the use of "parable" emphasizes the **authoritative and profound nature of Job's wisdom**. His speech is not merely a complaint but a deep theological reflection on the paradox of suffering and divine justice, challenging conventional wisdom that directly links suffering to sin. Thirdly, the verse signifies a **transition from dialogue to monologue**, underscoring Job's final, independent declaration of faith and his understanding of God's ways, setting the stage for the book's climax where God himself will speak from the whirlwind in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job"). This transition also implicitly concludes the friends' capacity to offer meaningful counsel, as their arguments have proven insufficient to explain Job's suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Continued (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** This verb, often translated as "lifted up" or "took up," in this context signifies the beginning or resumption of a speech, often one of importance or solemnity. It implies a deliberate and weighty act of speaking, suggesting that Job is not merely continuing an ongoing conversation but initiating a new, significant discourse. It emphasizes the intentionality and gravity of his upcoming words.
* **Parable (Hebrew, _mashal'_):** As discussed in the context, *mashal* is far more than a simple story. It denotes a profound, weighty utterance, a proverb, an oracle, a taunt, or a solemn discourse. When applied to Job's speech, it indicates that his words are not casual but are a deep, authoritative reflection on truth, perhaps containing elements of wisdom, lament, and even a challenge to conventional understanding. It elevates his discourse from mere argument to a profound theological statement.
* **Said (Hebrew, _'amar'_):** While a common verb for speaking, its conjunction with *nasa'* and *mashal* here reinforces the formal and deliberate nature of Job's address. It marks the commencement of a formal speech, underscoring that what follows is a carefully considered and articulated declaration, rather than an informal remark.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Moreover Job continued his parable":** This clause signifies a formal opening to a new section. The KJV's "Moreover" (often represented by the paragraph marker ¶) indicates a new division or thought. "Continued his parable" (Hebrew: *nasa' mashalo*) means Job "took up his *mashal*," or "began his solemn discourse." This is not a continuation of a previous *mashal* but the commencement of a new, weighty pronouncement. It highlights Job's agency and determination to speak definitively after the friends' arguments have run their course.
* **"and said,":** This simple phrase formally introduces the content of Job's ensuing speech. It serves as a direct transition from the introductory statement to the actual words of Job, signaling to the reader that the following chapters contain his profound and final declaration before the appearance of Elihu and God.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:1 employs several key literary devices. The verse acts as a **Transitional Marker**, signaling a clear shift from the cyclical dialogues between Job and his friends to Job's extended monologue. This structural transition emphasizes the finality of the friends' arguments and the enduring nature of Job's integrity. The use of the term **Mashal** (translated as "parable") is a significant literary choice, functioning as a **Genre Indicator**. It elevates Job's speech from a mere response or complaint to a profound, authoritative, and often poetic discourse, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. This choice imbues Job's words with greater weight and solemnity, suggesting they contain deep truths or insights. Furthermore, the phrasing "Job continued his parable" can be seen as an instance of **Prose Introduction** to a poetic discourse, a common feature in biblical narrative, setting the stage for the profound and often lyrical content that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:1 introduces Job's final, sustained declaration of his integrity and his wrestling with the paradox of righteous suffering and divine justice. Theologically, it underscores the theme of **unwavering faith in the face of incomprehensible adversity**. Despite the relentless pressure from his friends to confess sin and the apparent silence of God, Job refuses to compromise his conviction of innocence. His "parable" becomes a testament to the human spirit's capacity to seek truth and maintain integrity even when conventional theological frameworks fail. This persistence in seeking an audience with God and articulating his case prefigures the ultimate vindication of the righteous, a theme central to the biblical narrative.

* [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Righteous Are Bold as a Lion")
* [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:1 is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and speaking truth, even when doing so is difficult or unpopular. In a world that often pressures us to conform, compromise, or silence our convictions, Job's resolute continuation of his "parable" encourages us to stand firm in what we know to be true, especially concerning our faith and character before God. His example teaches us that profound wisdom and spiritual insight often emerge from deep personal suffering and reflection, not just from conventional teachings. We are called to articulate our deepest convictions with clarity and courage, even when misunderstood or accused. This verse challenges us to consider what "parable"—what weighty truth or testimony—we are called to "continue" in our own lives, bearing witness to God's faithfulness and our own journey of faith, even when the path is arduous and the answers are not immediately clear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to "continue your parable," speaking truth or maintaining integrity despite opposition?**
* **How does Job's unwavering resolve in the face of misunderstanding inspire your own spiritual perseverance?**
* **What "weighty truths" or profound insights have you gained through personal suffering or deep reflection that you are called to share?**
* **How can we cultivate the courage to articulate our faith and convictions, even when conventional wisdom or societal pressures contradict them?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the word "parable" in Job 27:1?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "parable" is *mashal* (מָשָׁל). Its significance is much broader than the New Testament understanding of a simple illustrative story. In the Old Testament, a *mashal* can refer to a proverb, a taunt, a lament, an oracle, or a profound, often poetic, discourse that conveys wisdom or moral instruction. In Job 27:1, it signifies that Job's ensuing speech is a solemn, authoritative, and weighty declaration, a deep reflection on life, justice, and the ways of God, rather than merely a continuation of an argument or a simple narrative. It elevates his discourse to a significant piece of wisdom literature.

**Why does Job "continue his parable" at this point in the book?**

Answer: Job's decision to "continue his parable" in [Job 27:1](/job/27-1 "Job 27:1 - Job Continues His Parable") marks a critical turning point. The traditional cycle of speeches with his three friends has concluded, and their arguments have proven insufficient to explain Job's suffering or convince him of his sin. This verse signals Job's determination to deliver a comprehensive, authoritative statement of his own, independent of their accusations. He is not merely responding but initiating a profound monologue that reaffirms his integrity and delves into his understanding of divine justice, setting the stage for the later interventions of Elihu and God himself. It signifies his unwavering resolve to speak his truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's resolute "continuation of his parable" in [Job 27:1](/job/27-1 "Job 27:1 - Job Continues His Parable"), a profound declaration of integrity and truth in the face of immense suffering and misunderstanding, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Job, though innocent, endured accusations and suffering, Christ, the perfectly righteous one, "continued His parable" of truth and grace, even unto death. His entire earthly ministry was a *mashal*—a weighty, authoritative discourse on the nature of God's kingdom, delivered through His teachings, parables, and ultimately, His life, death, and resurrection. Like Job, who was misunderstood by his friends and seemingly abandoned by God, Christ experienced the ultimate abandonment on the cross, crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" Yet, in His steadfastness and unwavering commitment to the Father's will, He perfectly fulfilled the righteous suffering that Job exemplified. Christ's "parable" culminates not in a mere declaration, but in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, providing the true answer to the problem of suffering and injustice, and ushering in a new covenant where righteousness is imputed by faith, as seen in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the ultimate vindication for all who trust in Him, transforming Job's longing for a Redeemer into a glorious reality, as described in [Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Redeemer").

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

Numbers 24:15

¶ And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

Job 29:1

¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

Numbers 23:7

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Numbers 24:3

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

Proverbs 26:7

The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.

Psalms 49:4

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Psalms 78:2

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: