Job 27:1

¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

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

Iyov continued his speech:

Job continued his discourse:

And Job again took up his parable, and said,

Commentary

Job 27:1 introduces a significant new section in the Book of Job, marking the beginning of Job's final major soliloquy or discourse. This verse serves as a heading for the lengthy speech that follows, where Job reaffirms his integrity and delves into the fate of the wicked and the value of wisdom.

Context

Following a series of intense dialogues with his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—Job 27:1 indicates a shift. The traditional cycle of speeches from the friends has seemingly concluded, although Zophar's third speech is notably absent from the text. This verse signals Job's determination to speak again, not in direct response to a friend, but to deliver a comprehensive, authoritative statement. He is about to make a powerful declaration of his innocence and faith, despite the immense suffering he has endured, which began with the loss of his family and possessions (Job 1:13-19) and continued with debilitating physical afflictions.

Key Themes

  • Job's Unwavering Resolve: Despite being accused and misunderstood by his friends, Job is not silenced. He continues to speak, asserting his righteousness and challenging their conventional theology that links suffering directly to sin.
  • The Nature of a "Parable": The term "parable" here (Hebrew: mashal) is not merely a simple story with a moral. In the context of ancient Near Eastern literature, a mashal signifies a weighty utterance, a proverb, an oracle, or a profound discourse. It implies a solemn, authoritative, and often poetic declaration, indicating that Job's upcoming speech is a significant and insightful exposition of truth as he understands it. This isn't just an argument; it's a deep reflection.
  • Transition in Dialogue: This verse prepares the reader for a monologue from Job that will span several chapters, leading up to the appearance of Elihu in Job 32:1 and eventually God's own direct intervention in Job 38:1.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "parable" is mashal (מָשָׁל). While often associated with illustrative stories (like those of Jesus), its meaning is much broader in the Old Testament. It can denote a proverb, a taunt, a lament, or a profound, often poetic, discourse that conveys wisdom or moral instruction. When applied to Job's speech, it suggests a profound, authoritative, and perhaps cryptic or weighty utterance, rather than a simple narrative. Job's "parable" is his solemn declaration of truth as he sees it, a deep reflection on life, justice, and the ways of God.

Practical Application

Job 27:1 reminds us of the importance of speaking our truth, especially when we feel misunderstood or unjustly accused. Job's continued discourse, labeled a "parable," emphasizes that profound wisdom often comes through deep reflection and can be conveyed in powerful, enduring ways. It encourages us to consider our own "parables"—the weighty truths we have learned through experience—and to share them with conviction, even when facing adversity. Just as Job prepared to deliver a significant statement, we too are called to articulate our faith and understanding with clarity and conviction.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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