Job 27:13

KJV

This [is] the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, [which] they shall receive of the Almighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the portion {H2506} of a wicked {H7563} man {H120} with God {H410}, and the heritage {H5159} of oppressors {H6184}, which they shall receive {H3947} of the Almighty {H7706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is God's reward for the wicked man, the heritage oppressors receive from Shaddai:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the wicked man’s portion from God— the heritage the ruthless receive from the Almighty.

American Standard Version

This is the portion of a wicked man with God, And the heritage of oppressors, which they receive from the Almighty:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:13 serves as Job's unwavering declaration concerning the ultimate and certain destiny of the wicked and oppressors, sharply contrasting with his own undeserved suffering. In this profound statement, Job affirms his steadfast belief in God's perfect and sovereign justice, asserting that while the ungodly may experience fleeting temporal prosperity, their true and inevitable "portion" and "heritage" from "the Almighty" is divine judgment, ruin, and ultimate destruction. This verse powerfully underscores God's supreme authority over all justice, providing both a solemn warning to those who choose a path of wickedness and profound comfort to the righteous who endure under oppression, reinforcing the timeless biblical truth that no evil deed will ultimately escape God's righteous and inescapable retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27 marks a pivotal moment in Job's extended discourse, occurring after his three friends have ceased their arguments and accusations. Having endured relentless theological attacks suggesting his suffering was a direct consequence of his sin, Job here reasserts his integrity and unwavering faith in God, as powerfully articulated in his oath of innocence and commitment to righteousness in [Job 27:1-6](/job/27-1-6 "Job's Oath of Integrity and Steadfastness"). This chapter is not a concession to the simplistic retributive theology of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who insisted on a direct, immediate correlation between sin and suffering. Instead, Job articulates a universal principle of divine justice: while the wicked may indeed appear to prosper for a season, their ultimate, divinely ordained destiny is judgment from God. By stating this, Job distinguishes his own righteous yet inexplicable suffering from the certain, inevitable fate of the ungodly, thereby reinforcing his belief in a just and sovereign God even amidst his profound personal anguish. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate control over justice in the world, a truth Job grasps even if it does not explain his immediate circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concepts of "portion" (Hebrew: *chêleq*) and "heritage" (Hebrew: *nachălâh*) were deeply significant, rooted in the allocation of land, tribal allotments, and the transmission of family blessings or curses. A "portion" often referred to one's allotted share of land, spoils, or even food, signifying one's divinely or socially appointed lot in life. A "heritage" typically denoted a permanent, inherited possession, such as the tribal land allotments in Israel, which were viewed as a divine gift and a fundamental source of security, identity, and blessing. For the righteous, their portion and heritage were frequently associated with God Himself, or the abundant blessings He bestowed, as seen in [Psalm 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is my chosen portion"). Conversely, for the wicked, their "portion" and "heritage" were understood metaphorically as their ultimate, divinely ordained destiny—a fate of judgment, destruction, and separation from God's favor. The specific reference to "the Almighty" (Hebrew: *El Shaddai*) invokes a powerful, ancient name for God, emphasizing His omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and unchallenged authority to execute justice and judgment, a concept deeply ingrained in the worldview of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes present within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution**, clearly stating that God, identified as "the Almighty," is the ultimate arbiter of justice who unfailingly metes out judgment to the wicked and oppressors. This emphasizes that ultimate accountability rests solely with Him, not with fallible human systems. Secondly, it highlights the **Inevitable Consequences of Wickedness**, utilizing the terms "portion" and "heritage" with stark irony to signify that the wicked's allotted share is not prosperity or peace, but an inescapable divine judgment, thereby illustrating the futility and ultimate self-destruction inherent in a life built on injustice. This stands in profound contrast to the blessed "portion" of the righteous, as celebrated in [Psalm 73:26](/psalms/73-26 "Psalm 73:26 - God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"). Thirdly, the verse speaks powerfully to **Justice for the Oppressed**, offering a profound assurance that those who inflict injustice will not ultimately escape divine judgment. It affirms God's deep concern for the vulnerable and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, a truth echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression"). Finally, by attributing the judgment to "the Almighty," Job profoundly underscores **God's Sovereignty**—His supreme power and authority to enforce justice and ensure that no one, especially oppressors, remains unpunished indefinitely, thereby affirming His perfect and unassailable justice, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God, a Rock, His work is perfect").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (Hebrew, חֵלֶק, _chêleq_):** From the root meaning "to divide" or "to allot," this term properly refers to a part, share, or division, often used in the context of land inheritance or a share of spoils. Theologically, it signifies one's allotted lot or destiny in life, often in direct relation to God. While for the righteous, God Himself is their "portion" (e.g., [Psalm 119:57](/psalms/119-57 "Psalm 119:57 - The Lord is my portion")), here it is used antithetically to describe the negative, divinely allotted destiny of the wicked—not a blessing or inheritance, but judgment and ruin.
* **Heritage (Hebrew, נַחֲלָה, _nachălâh_):** This word signifies an inheritance, possession, or patrimony, typically something permanently handed down, such as the tribal land allotments in Israel. It carries strong connotations of an enduring, established right or destiny. Similar to "portion," its application to the wicked's fate is ironic, implying that what they "inherit" from God is not blessing or prosperity, but an inescapable and enduring consequence of their unrighteousness. It is their fixed, ultimate outcome.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, שַׁדַּי, _Shadday_):** This is one of the most ancient and profound names for God in the Old Testament, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One." It emphasizes God's absolute power, omnipotence, and self-sufficiency, highlighting His ability to fulfill His promises and execute His judgments without hindrance. In this context, the use of *Shadday* underscores the certainty and irresistibility of the judgment described; it is a judgment from the One who possesses all power and authority, against whom none can stand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the portion of a wicked man with God":** Job commences his declaration by asserting that the subsequent description constitutes the divinely ordained "portion" or ultimate destiny for those who live wickedly. The crucial phrase "with God" emphasizes that this outcome is not a random occurrence or merely a consequence of human justice, but a judgment directly determined and meted out by God Himself. It signifies that the wicked's ultimate lot is intrinsically tied to their relationship (or lack thereof) with the righteous and sovereign God.
* **"and the heritage of oppressors":** This clause serves as a powerful parallel to the first, broadening the scope from a general "wicked man" to specifically include "oppressors," highlighting those who actively inflict injustice, violence, and suffering upon others. The deliberate use of "heritage" reinforces the idea of an inevitable, permanent, and divinely appointed outcome. It is what they are irrevocably destined to "inherit" as a direct result of their actions, underscoring the absolute certainty and enduring nature of their judgment.
* **"[which] they shall receive of the Almighty":** This concluding phrase explicitly and unequivocally states the ultimate source of this "portion" and "heritage." It is not from human systems, fate, or chance, but directly "of the Almighty" (Hebrew: *El Shadday*). This reinforces God's supreme power, absolute authority, and unwavering commitment to justice. The passive voice "they shall receive" implies an absolute certainty and inescapability; it is a judgment that will be delivered by the omnipotent God, leaving no room for evasion or appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:13 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful and sobering message. Central to its impact is **Irony**, particularly evident in the application of the terms "portion" and "heritage." These words typically denote a positive, desirable inheritance or an allotted share, often associated with blessing, prosperity, and security. By applying them to the wicked, Job subverts their usual meaning, creating a stark and unsettling contrast: what the wicked "inherit" is not blessing but divine judgment, ruin, and ultimate destruction. This ironic twist powerfully highlights the ultimate futility and self-destructive nature of a life lived in defiance of God's righteousness. The verse also utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the phrase "the portion of a wicked man with God" is echoed, reinforced, and expanded upon by "the heritage of oppressors." This structural repetition not only emphasizes the certainty of the judgment but also broadens its scope, applying it comprehensively to both general wickedness and specific acts of oppression. Furthermore, the strategic use of the divine epithet **"the Almighty" (El Shaddai)** serves as a potent rhetorical device. It is a profound appeal to God's ultimate power, unchallenged authority, and absolute sovereignty, underscoring the absolute certainty and irresistible nature of the judgment being described. This name evokes a deep sense of divine majesty and omnipotence, ensuring the reader understands that this is a decree from the highest authority, from whom there is no escape or appeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:13 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all human affairs. It directly refutes the simplistic notion that divine justice is always immediate or easily discernible in temporal circumstances, yet it firmly asserts that justice will ultimately and inevitably prevail. The verse underscores the timeless biblical truth that while the wicked may indeed flourish for a time, their apparent prosperity is fleeting and illusory, and their true, divinely appointed destiny is certain judgment. This provides a crucial theological anchor for believers who grapple with the apparent prosperity of the ungodly and the perplexing suffering of the righteous, affirming that God sees all and will, in His perfect timing, bring every deed into account. It highlights the stark contrast between the temporary gains achieved through injustice and the eternal, inescapable consequences of defying God, emphasizing that true inheritance, lasting security, and ultimate blessing are found only in Him.

* [Psalm 73:16-19](/psalms/73-16-19 "Psalm 73:16-19 - The End of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Shall Not Go Unpunished")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord and the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:13 offers both a stern, sobering warning and a profound source of comfort, making it deeply relevant for contemporary reflection and application in our lives. For those who might be tempted by unrighteous gain, who consider cutting ethical corners, or who engage in oppressive practices, this verse serves as a solemn reminder that no act of wickedness, however seemingly successful or unpunished in the short term, ultimately escapes the ultimate scrutiny and righteous judgment of God. There is an inevitable "portion" and "heritage" awaiting those who defy divine justice, a destiny determined by the Almighty Himself. This truth should prompt deep introspection and a call to sincere repentance, recognizing that true security, lasting peace, and genuine blessing come only from living in alignment with God's righteous character and His perfect will. Conversely, for those who suffer under the weight of injustice, who feel oppressed, or who struggle to reconcile the apparent prosperity of the wicked with God's goodness and love, this verse provides immense solace and unwavering hope. It powerfully reaffirms that God is indeed just, that He sees every act of oppression and every tear shed, and that He will ultimately bring about perfect justice. It encourages patience, steadfast faith, and perseverance, reminding us to trust implicitly in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan, rather than despairing at present circumstances. Our ultimate hope is not in immediate temporal vindication but in the certain, future judgment of the Almighty, who will set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 27:13 challenge our modern tendency to focus solely on immediate, visible consequences of actions, rather than ultimate divine accountability?**
* **In what specific ways might believing in God's ultimate justice, as expressed here, strengthen our resolve to pursue righteousness and resist temptation, even when it seems costly or unpopular?**
* **How can this verse provide profound comfort and enduring hope to those who are currently experiencing injustice, oppression, or suffering at the hands of the wicked?**
* **What practical steps can we take in our daily lives to live in a way that truly reflects our belief in God's ultimate judgment of wickedness and His unwavering commitment to perfect justice?**

### FAQ
**Why does Job, who is defending his own righteousness, speak about the portion of the wicked?**

Answer: Job's discourse in [Job 27](/job/27 "Job 27 - Job's Final Discourse") is complex and highly nuanced. He is not conceding that *his* profound suffering is a direct consequence of his own wickedness. Instead, he is emphatically reaffirming his deep-seated belief in God's general principle of justice, a principle that his friends have consistently misapplied to his unique and inexplicable situation. By describing the true "portion" of the wicked, Job is achieving several critical objectives: (1) He is demonstrating that he *does* understand God's righteous justice, perhaps even more profoundly than his friends, but that this universal truth does not adequately explain his specific case. (2) He is clearly distinguishing himself from the wicked; his suffering is *not* their divinely ordained fate. (3) Most importantly, he is expressing his unwavering faith in God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect justice, even when he cannot fully comprehend his own immediate, agonizing circumstances. He knows with absolute certainty that God *will* judge the wicked, even if He allows the righteous to suffer for mysterious and unfathomable reasons. This demonstrates Job's deep, albeit struggling, theological understanding and his enduring trust in God's character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 27:13, with its solemn declaration of the wicked's inevitable portion of judgment from "the Almighty," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often speaks of temporal judgments and the general principle of divine retribution, the New Testament reveals the full, cosmic scope of divine justice, culminating in Christ's dual and supreme role as both the merciful Savior and the righteous Judge of all humanity. The "portion of a wicked man" is ultimately not merely temporal ruin but eternal separation from God, a terrifying reality powerfully articulated by Jesus Himself when speaking of those cast into "the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Eternal Fire")). However, the glorious good news of the Gospel is that Christ, in His infinite love, bore this very "portion" of judgment on the cross for all who believe, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). He absorbed the "heritage of oppressors" and the "portion of the wicked" in His own body, so that His followers might receive a new, glorious "heritage"—an inheritance in the kingdom of light, delivered from the domain of darkness ([Colossians 1:12-13](/colossians/1-12-13 "Colossians 1:12-13 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")). Ultimately, Christ's glorious return will usher in the final, perfect judgment, where every deed, whether good or evil, will be brought to light before the Great White Throne ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")), and the wicked will indeed receive their just portion, while the righteous, clothed in His imputed righteousness, will inherit eternal life and dwell in His presence forever ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom")). Thus, Job's ancient declaration of divine justice points forward with prophetic precision to the perfect and ultimate justice executed through the Lamb of God, who both saves and judges.

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

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Job 20:19

Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;

Job 20:29

This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

Ecclesiastes 8:13

But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong [his] days, [which are] as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Job 31:3

[Is] not destruction to the wicked? and a strange [punishment] to the workers of iniquity?

Job 15:20

The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.