Job 27:15

KJV

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.

KJV (with Strong's)

Those that remain {H8300} of him shall be buried {H6912} in death {H4194}: and his widows {H490} shall not weep {H1058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those of his who remain are buried by plague, and their widows do not weep.

Berean Standard Bible

His survivors will be buried by the plague, and their widows will not weep for them.

American Standard Version

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death, And his widows shall make no lamentation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:15 presents Job's stark declaration regarding the ultimate, ignominious fate of the wicked, asserting that despite any temporary earthly prosperity, their end will be marked by absolute desolation and dishonor. This verse powerfully conveys that the unrighteous will face a complete and unremembered demise, with their descendants "buried in death" and even their closest kin, their widows, refusing to offer the customary expressions of grief. It underscores Job's unwavering conviction in God's perfect justice, emphasizing that a life lived in defiance of divine ways inevitably leads to a desolate and unmourned end, devoid of true honor or lasting legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:15 is situated within Job's final, extended monologue, which spans chapters 27-31. This section represents Job's climactic defense of his integrity and a profound assertion of God's ultimate justice, even as he continues to grapple with his inexplicable suffering. In chapter 27, Job directly addresses his friends, outlining the inevitable and severe consequences that await the wicked. This serves as a powerful counterpoint to their simplistic theology, which often assumed immediate temporal retribution for sin. Job's detailed description of the wicked's downfall, culminating in this verse, functions as a vivid illustration of the unlamented and complete destruction that befalls those who choose a path of unrighteousness, reinforcing his argument that divine retribution, though sometimes delayed, is certain. It highlights that the [hope of the hypocrite perishes](/job/27-8 "Job 27:8 - The Hope of the Hypocrite"), contrasting sharply with the enduring hope of the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Job 27:15 draws heavily on ancient Near Eastern funerary customs and social norms, where a proper burial and public lamentation were paramount. In this cultural setting, an honorable burial was crucial for the deceased's respect and memory, while an ignominious end was considered a profound curse and a mark of shame. Public mourning, especially by women and most notably by widows, was a vital and expected component of funerary rituals. These elaborate displays of grief were not merely emotional expressions but also social obligations that affirmed the deceased's standing and the community's sorrow. The explicit mention that "his widows shall not weep" is therefore a potent statement, indicating an extreme level of dishonor and social condemnation. It suggests that the wicked man's life was so devoid of virtue or genuine relationship that even those most obligated to mourn him would offer no sincere lamentation, leaving him utterly unmourned and forgotten.
* **Key Themes:** Job 27:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader wisdom literature. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to justice and the inevitable downfall of the wicked, regardless of their temporal success. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that [God will bring every deed into judgment](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God's Judgment"). Second, it underscores the **Ephemeral Nature of Wicked Prosperity**, emphasizing that any gains acquired through unrighteousness are ultimately fleeting and lead to a desolate end. This contrasts sharply with the enduring blessing associated with the righteous. Third, the verse speaks to the profound importance of **Legacy and Honor**. In a culture where a good name and a remembered life were highly valued, the unlamented demise of the wicked signifies a complete failure to achieve true honor, leaving behind no positive memory. This resonates with sentiments found in other wisdom texts, such as [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Just and the Wicked"), which states, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot." Ultimately, Job 27:15 serves as a stark warning against pursuing injustice and a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate moral order, which will eventually be vindicated.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remain (Hebrew, _sârîyd'_):** From H8300 (sârîyd), meaning "a survivor; [idiom] alive, left, remain(-ing), remnant, rest." This term refers to those who are left over, often implying a remnant or survivors of a disaster. In this context, it refers to the descendants or remaining family members of the wicked man. The use of this word emphasizes that even those who survive him will not escape the consequences of his unrighteousness; their fate is tied to his ignominious end.
* **buried (Hebrew, _qâbar'_):** From H6912 (qâbar), meaning "a primitive root; to inter; [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier)." This word denotes the act of interment, placing a body in the ground. However, when combined with "in death," it takes on a deeper, more profound meaning than a mere physical burial. It suggests an absorption into the realm or state of death itself, implying a complete and definitive consumption by oblivion.
* **death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** From H4194 (mâveth), meaning "from מוּת; death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin; (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d)." This term signifies not just the cessation of life, but also the state or realm of the dead, often associated with Sheol. In the phrase "buried in death," it conveys a sense of ultimate ruin, oblivion, and a complete absence of honor or remembrance, extending beyond mere physical demise to a state of utter desolation.
* **weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** From H1058 (bâkâh), meaning "a primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan; [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep." This verb describes a deep, often audible, and demonstrative expression of sorrow, typically involving wailing and tears. The negation "shall not weep" is a powerful statement of absence, indicating a profound lack of genuine grief, respect, or even pity for the deceased wicked man.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that remain of him":** This phrase refers to the descendants or survivors of the wicked man. It implies that the consequences of his unrighteousness extend beyond the individual to his lineage and those associated with him, suggesting a complete undoing of his family name and legacy. Their fate is inextricably linked to his moral standing.
* **"shall be buried in death":** This clause emphasizes the ultimate and ignominious end of the wicked and their progeny. It is not merely a physical burial, but a burial *into* the very state of death, signifying a complete cessation of their influence, memory, and life in any honorable sense. This speaks to a profound and definitive end, marked by oblivion, dishonor, and the absence of any positive remembrance.
* **"and his widows shall not weep":** This final clause provides a chilling detail that underscores the shame and isolation of the wicked man's demise. The absence of weeping from his widows, who would traditionally be the most fervent and public mourners, signifies a complete lack of genuine sorrow, respect, or even pity for him. It paints a picture of a life so devoid of virtue or true connection that even those closest to him find no reason to lament his passing, leaving his end utterly unhonored and unmourned.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the wicked man, who may have accumulated wealth and power, ultimately leaves behind a legacy of such contempt that even his own family, specifically his widows, do not mourn him. This is deeply ironic given the societal importance of lamentation and honorable burial in ancient Near Eastern culture. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, implicitly setting the unlamented, ignominious end of the wicked against the blessed memory and mourned passing of the righteous, a theme prevalent throughout wisdom literature. The phrase "buried in death" functions as a form of **Merism** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality of the wicked's demise by combining the physical act of burial with the abstract state of death, suggesting a complete absorption into oblivion. Finally, the verse uses **Emphasis** through its stark and absolute declarations ("shall be buried in death," "shall not weep"), underscoring the severity and certainty of divine judgment against the unrighteous, leaving no room for ambiguity about their desolate end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:15 serves as a profound theological statement on God's ultimate justice and the transient nature of earthly prosperity when divorced from righteousness. It asserts that while the wicked may flourish for a time, their end is marked by a complete lack of honor and a desolate legacy. This verse challenges human perceptions of success, reminding us that true value and lasting impact are not found in material accumulation or temporal power, but in a life lived in accordance with God's will. It reinforces the biblical truth that God sees and judges all actions, and that His moral order will ultimately prevail, ensuring that those who defy Him will face a reckoning that strips them of all earthly esteem and remembrance. This divine retribution is not merely punitive but serves to uphold the righteousness of God's character and the sanctity of His moral law, demonstrating that His justice will ultimately be vindicated.

* [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Just and the Wicked")
* [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18-20 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Slippery Slope of the Wicked")
* [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - The Value of the Soul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:15 offers a sobering and timeless reflection for believers today. In a world that often celebrates material success, outward appearances, and self-aggrandizement, this verse calls us to re-evaluate what truly constitutes a meaningful and lasting legacy. It reminds us that while the wicked may seem to prosper, their ultimate end is often marked by emptiness, isolation, and a complete lack of genuine honor, even from those closest to them. The "unlamented" death serves as a powerful warning against living a life driven by self-interest, injustice, or a disregard for God's ways. Instead, it encourages us to pursue righteousness, integrity, and a deep relationship with God, for it is through such a life that true honor, a blessed memory, and an eternal legacy are secured. Our hope should not be placed in fleeting earthly gains, but in God's ultimate justice and the enduring value of a life lived for His glory, ensuring that our memory, unlike that of the wicked, will be blessed and cherished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 27:15 challenge popular notions of success and legacy in our contemporary society, which often prioritizes wealth and fame?**
* **What does it mean to live a life that ensures a "blessed memory" rather than an "unlamented end," and what practical steps can we take towards this?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to envy the temporary prosperity of the unrighteous, and how does this verse reorient our perspective towards eternal values?**

### FAQ
**Does "buried in death" imply a spiritual state or merely a physical one?**

Answer: While the phrase "buried in death" certainly emphasizes the finality and ignominy of the wicked's physical end, it carries significant spiritual and existential implications beyond mere physical burial. It suggests a state of being utterly consumed by death, implying a complete eradication of memory, influence, and honor. It's not just that they die, but that they are absorbed *into* the realm of death, cut off from life, remembrance, and any form of positive legacy. This concept aligns with the ancient understanding of Sheol as a place of shadows and forgetfulness for the unrighteous, where their name and deeds are blotted out. Thus, it encompasses both a physical demise and a spiritual state of utter desolation and oblivion, a consequence that extends beyond the grave.

**Why specifically "his widows" and not other family members?**

Answer: The specific mention of "his widows" is highly significant due to the cultural norms of ancient Near Eastern society. Widows were traditionally expected to be the primary mourners, often leading public lamentations and performing rituals that honored the deceased. Their role was crucial in ensuring a proper and respected burial and in upholding the deceased's social standing. Therefore, the explicit statement that "his widows shall not weep" is a powerful indicator of the wicked man's profound dishonor and isolation. It suggests that his life was so devoid of virtue, love, or genuine connection that even those most obligated and expected to mourn him would offer no sincere grief. This highlights the ultimate desolation of his end, where even the most intimate relationships are fractured by his unrighteousness, leaving him utterly unlamented and forgotten by those who should have been closest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 27:15 speaks to the earthly consequences of wickedness and the ultimate justice of God, its deepest fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "burial in death" and unlamented end of the wicked foreshadow the spiritual death and eternal separation from God that is the ultimate wage of sin, as [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God") powerfully declares. This stands in stark contrast to Christ's own death. Although Jesus' death was profoundly mourned by His followers, it was not an ignominious end but a purposeful, redemptive sacrifice, leading not to oblivion but to glorious resurrection and eternal life for all who believe. The wicked's name rots, but Christ's name is exalted above all names, a truth beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation"). For those in Christ, the fear of an unlamented "burial in death" is overcome, for Jesus Himself is "the resurrection, and the life," as He proclaims in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), promising that whoever believes in Him will live, even though they die. Through His victory over death and the grave, believers are assured of a blessed memory and an eternal inheritance, triumphing over the sting of death and the power of the grave, a victory celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death"). Thus, Job's lament about the wicked's desolate end ultimately points to the profound hope and eternal life offered through faith in the crucified and risen Christ, who transforms our end from oblivion to everlasting glory.

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 78:64

Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.

Jeremiah 22:18

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

1 Kings 21:21

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

1 Kings 21:24

Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

1 Kings 14:10

Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

1 Kings 14:11

Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

1 Kings 16:3

Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.