Job 27:10

KJV

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

KJV (with Strong's)

Will he delight {H6026} himself in the Almighty {H7706}? will he always {H6256} call {H7121} upon God {H433}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Will he take delight in Shaddai and always call on God?

Berean Standard Bible

Will he delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times?

American Standard Version

Will he delight himself in the Almighty, And call upon God at all times?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:10 presents a profound rhetorical challenge from Job, serving as a powerful counter-argument to his friends' accusations and a definitive statement on the nature of true piety versus superficial religiosity. Through these pointed questions, Job asserts that a truly wicked person cannot genuinely delight in the Almighty nor consistently call upon God. Their "faith," if present, is opportunistic and fleeting, prompted only by crisis and quickly abandoned, contrasting sharply with the steadfast, heartfelt devotion that characterizes the righteous, even amidst profound suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Job’s final, extended discourse (chapters 27-31), a climactic and impassioned section where he vehemently defends his integrity and wisdom against the persistent, circular accusations of his three friends. Throughout their lengthy debates, Job's friends maintained a rigid retribution theology, asserting that his immense suffering was a direct consequence of hidden sin, thereby implying he was a wicked man deserving of divine punishment. In this discourse, Job turns the tables, offering his own comprehensive understanding of the wicked's character and ultimate, inevitable fate, implicitly contrasting it with his own enduring, though severely tested, faith. Job 27:10 is a pivotal point where he defines the *true* mark of the wicked as an inherent inability to maintain genuine, joyful communion with God, especially when not under duress, thereby highlighting the authenticity of his own unwavering, though agonizing, relationship with the Divine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in a patriarchal, ancient Near Eastern context, reflecting a society deeply concerned with divine justice and the prevailing retribution theology—the belief that righteousness leads to prosperity and wickedness to suffering. Job's friends are staunch proponents of this traditional worldview. However, Job's experience fundamentally challenges this simplistic understanding, as he, a demonstrably righteous man, suffers immensely without apparent cause. Culturally, "calling upon God" was a significant act of worship, dependence, and seeking divine intervention, often associated with public piety and communal religious life. The concept of "delighting in the Almighty" speaks to a deeper, internal spiritual state, a profound satisfaction found in God Himself, rather than merely His blessings or the benefits He might bestow. Job's questions in this verse cut to the heart of the matter, questioning the internal disposition and consistent practice of the wicked in a culture where external religious observance might be common but true heart-devotion was less certain.
* **Key Themes:** Job 27:10 is rich with profound theological themes. Primarily, it underscores the critical distinction between **Genuine Devotion and Hypocrisy**. The rhetorical questions imply a resounding "No" for the wicked, suggesting their faith is shallow, often prompted only by crisis, and quickly abandoned when circumstances improve or become too challenging. This contrasts sharply with the righteous who genuinely [delight themselves in the Lord](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord") and seek Him continually, as seen in the psalmist's exhortation. Secondly, the verse illuminates **The Nature of the Wicked**, portraying them not merely as those who commit overt sins, but as individuals whose relationship with God is fundamentally flawed—lacking joy, consistency, and genuine reliance. Their "calling upon God" is not a sincere act of worship or dependency but often a desperate plea for deliverance, quickly forgotten once the immediate need passes, echoing later biblical warnings against [hypocritical prayer](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Jesus' Teaching on Hypocritical Prayer"). Finally, by implication, the verse highlights **Perseverance in Faith**. True righteousness, Job suggests, is characterized by an enduring, consistent faith that is not merely calling upon God in the "day of trouble" (as encouraged in [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon God in Trouble")), but maintaining a consistent, joyful relationship with the Divine, regardless of life's circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delight (Hebrew, _ʻânag'_):** The Hebrew verb עָנַג (H6026, _ʻânag'_) carries the sense of finding pleasure, enjoyment, or satisfaction. It goes beyond mere endurance or toleration; it signifies a deep, internal contentment and joy derived from the object of delight. In the context of "delighting in the Almighty," it implies finding profound satisfaction and pleasure in God's character, presence, and relationship with Him, rather than merely in His blessings or in what He can provide. This is a disposition of the heart that finds its ultimate fulfillment in God Himself.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** שַׁדַּי (H7706, _Shadday_) is one of the most prominent names for God in the Book of Job, appearing 31 times. It emphasizes God's omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and sovereign power. Often translated as "Almighty," it conveys the idea of God as the all-powerful one who is more than sufficient, capable of both blessing and bringing judgment. For Job to ask if the wicked will delight in "Shaddai" underscores the profound paradox: how can one truly delight in an all-powerful God if their heart is not genuinely surrendered to Him and if their motives are self-serving?
* **Call upon (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** The verb קָרָא (H7121, _qârâʼ'_) means to cry out, invoke, proclaim, or summon. In the context of calling upon God, it signifies earnest prayer, seeking divine intervention, or invoking God's name in worship and dependence. The nuance of "always" (H6256, _ʻêth_, meaning "time," often used adverbially to denote consistency) in the second question emphasizes consistency and habitual practice. The wicked might call upon God in a moment of desperation, but they will not do so consistently or habitually, revealing the superficiality of their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Will he delight himself in the Almighty?":** This first rhetorical question challenges the very core of the wicked person's spiritual disposition. The implied answer is a resounding "No." A wicked individual, whose heart is estranged from God and whose motives are self-serving, cannot find genuine pleasure or satisfaction in the character and presence of the all-powerful, sovereign God. Their "delight" is in worldly possessions, power, or self-gratification, not in the holy and just Creator. This question exposes the internal state of the wicked, revealing a fundamental lack of spiritual joy, intimacy, and profound contentment that true worship entails.
* **"will he always call upon God?":** The second rhetorical question extends the challenge to the wicked person's external practice and consistency in prayer. Again, the implied answer is "No." While the wicked might offer a desperate prayer in a moment of crisis or feign piety for social gain, they will not consistently, habitually, or sincerely invoke God's name. Their prayers are utilitarian, born of necessity or self-interest rather than a genuine desire for communion or humble dependence. The word "always" (Hebrew: `tamid`, from H6256 _ʻêth_) is crucial here, highlighting the lack of sustained, heartfelt engagement with God that characterizes the wicked, in stark contrast to the continuous, abiding prayer life of the righteous.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:10 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, used twice in quick succession. These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic assertion, implying a clear and undeniable negative answer: "No, he will not!" This device powerfully underscores Job's conviction about the inherent inability of the wicked to maintain a genuine, consistent relationship with God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, where the second question ("will he always call upon God?") reinforces and expands upon the first ("Will he delight himself in the Almighty?"). Both questions speak to the same underlying theme of the wicked's flawed relationship with God, one focusing on internal disposition (delight) and the other on external consistency (calling upon). There is also a strong **Implied Contrast** at play. By describing what the wicked *will not* do, Job implicitly highlights what the righteous *do* do, and by extension, what he himself has done despite his suffering. This contrast serves to defend Job's own integrity, as he has indeed continued to delight in God and call upon Him, even in his darkest hours. Finally, a subtle **Irony** is present: Job, who is suffering unjustly, maintains his devotion, while the wicked, who may be prospering, cannot maintain theirs, revealing the true nature of their hearts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:10 delves into a foundational theological truth: the nature of true worship and relationship with God. It asserts that genuine faith is not merely a set of external actions or a desperate cry in times of trouble, but a consistent, internal disposition of delight and dependence. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the heart's condition as paramount to one's standing before God. The wicked's inability to "delight in the Almighty" or "always call upon God" reveals a spiritual emptiness, a fundamental self-centeredness that precludes true communion. God desires a relationship rooted in love, joy, and sincere devotion, not just utility or fear. This verse thus serves as a powerful diagnostic tool, prompting self-examination about the authenticity and consistency of one's own walk with God, challenging superficial religiosity and calling for a deeper, more abiding connection that finds its ultimate satisfaction in God Himself.

* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight Yourself in the Lord")
* [Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Jesus' Teaching on Hypocritical Prayer")
* [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking with Wrong Motives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:10 serves as a profound mirror for self-reflection, challenging us to examine the true nature and consistency of our relationship with God. Do we genuinely delight in the Almighty, finding our deepest satisfaction and joy in His character, His presence, and His sovereign will, regardless of our circumstances? Or is our "faith" primarily a transactional exchange, a utilitarian appeal for help when trouble strikes, quickly forgotten when ease returns? This verse calls us to cultivate a steadfast, heartfelt devotion that transcends situational piety. True spiritual integrity is demonstrated not just in our ability to cry out to God in distress, but in our consistent, joyful pursuit of Him in all seasons of life—in prosperity as well as adversity. It encourages us to move beyond mere religious observance to a deep, abiding, and joyful communion with the Divine, reflecting the enduring faith that Job himself exemplified, even in his darkest hours.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I genuinely delight in the Almighty, or is my "faith" primarily a response to crisis or a means to an end?**
* **How consistent is my prayer life, and what does that consistency (or lack thereof) reveal about my heart's true disposition towards God?**
* **In what ways does my life demonstrate a steadfast, joyful reliance on God, even when circumstances are challenging or when all seems well?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the rhetorical questions in Job 27:10?**

Answer: The rhetorical questions in Job 27:10 ("Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?") are highly significant because they imply a resounding "No." Their purpose is not to solicit an answer but to make an emphatic assertion. Job uses them to highlight the fundamental difference between the wicked and the righteous. He is asserting that a wicked person, by their very nature and spiritual disposition, cannot genuinely find joy in God or consistently engage in sincere prayer. This serves to underscore the superficiality and opportunism of the wicked's "piety," contrasting it with the deep, enduring devotion of the righteous.

**How does this verse relate to Job's own suffering and defense?**

Answer: This verse is a crucial part of Job's defense of his own integrity. Throughout the book, Job's friends accuse him of hidden sin, implying he is wicked and therefore deserving of his suffering. By posing these rhetorical questions, Job implicitly contrasts himself with the wicked. Despite his immense and inexplicable suffering, Job has *not* ceased to delight in God (even in his wrestling and lament) nor has he stopped calling upon Him. His perseverance in seeking God, even when God seems hidden or hostile, is the very proof of his righteousness, directly refuting his friends' simplistic retribution theology. Job's own life stands as a living testament to the truth that a righteous person *will* delight in the Almighty and *will* always call upon God, even from the ash heap of despair.

**Does "delight in the Almighty" mean always feeling happy?**

Answer: No, "delight in the Almighty" (from the Hebrew _ʻânag'_) does not mean always feeling happy or experiencing emotional euphoria. Rather, it signifies finding deep satisfaction, contentment, and pleasure in God's character, presence, and sovereign will. It's a profound disposition of the heart that finds its ultimate fulfillment in God Himself, independent of external circumstances. For Job, delighting in the Almighty meant maintaining a foundational trust and orientation towards God even amidst profound grief, pain, and bewilderment. It is a settled conviction and a spiritual joy that can coexist with sorrow, struggle, and lament, as exemplified by Job's own wrestling yet persistent faith throughout his ordeal (e.g., [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked I Came, Naked I Shall Return")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 27:10, with its profound questions about genuine delight in God and consistent prayer, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the one who truly delighted in the Almighty and always called upon God. His entire life was an unbroken communion with the Father; His "food" was to [do the will of Him who sent Him](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will"), demonstrating a perfect delight in God's purpose and character. He consistently [withdrew to lonely places and prayed](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray"), showing an unwavering and joyful dependence on the Father, even in the face of immense pressure and impending suffering. Unlike the wicked described by Job, whose devotion is fleeting and self-serving, Jesus's devotion was steadfast, eternal, and perfectly selfless. Furthermore, through Christ, humanity is now empowered to truly delight in the Almighty and call upon God consistently. Because of His atoning sacrifice, we are given a new heart and the [Spirit of adoption](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption") by which we can cry, "Abba, Father!" ([Galatians 4:6](/galatians/4-6 "Galatians 4:6 - Crying Abba, Father")). Our access to God's throne of grace is now unhindered ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")), enabling us to cultivate the very delight and consistent prayer life that Job longed for and that the wicked could never achieve. In Christ, the questions of Job 27:10 are answered with a resounding "Yes" for all who are united with Him, as we are conformed to His image and empowered by His Spirit to live lives of genuine devotion.

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 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Job 22:26

For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

Job 22:27

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

Luke 18:1

¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Acts 10:2

[A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.