Job 27:16

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Though he heap up {H6651} silver {H3701} as the dust {H6083}, and prepare {H3559} raiment {H4403} as the clay {H2563};

Even if he piles up silver like dust and stores away clothing [in mounds] like clay -

Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay,

Though he heap up silver as the dust, And prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:16 KJV

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Context

Job 27 is part of Job's final monologue where he defends his integrity against the accusations of his friends. While much of the chapter focuses on Job's unwavering commitment to righteousness, verses 11-23 describe the fate of the wicked. This section, including verse 16, details the outward prosperity and accumulation of wealth by the ungodly before their inevitable downfall, serving as a stark contrast to Job's suffering and resilience, thereby strengthening his argument that his affliction is not due to wickedness.

Key Themes

  • Abundant Material Wealth: The verse vividly portrays the immense quantity of possessions the wicked may gather, comparing silver and clothing to common, abundant materials like dust and clay.
  • The Transient Nature of Earthly Riches: By comparing valuable goods to dust and clay, the verse subtly hints at the low intrinsic value or the ease with which such wealth can be lost or scattered, especially when not grounded in righteousness.
  • Contrast with Righteousness: This description of the wicked's wealth sets the stage for the subsequent verses which detail their ultimate loss and lack of lasting security, emphasizing that true security lies not in possessions but in one's relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used for 'silver' (keseph) and 'raiment' (malbush) denote valuable goods. The power of the imagery lies in the comparison to 'dust' (ʿaphar) and 'clay' (chomer). 'Dust' often signifies something common, vast, or easily scattered, while 'clay' can imply something base, abundant, or easily molded/destroyed. The juxtaposition highlights the sheer quantity of the wealth but also its potential commonness or lack of lasting substance when viewed from an eternal perspective.

Reflection and Application

Job 27:16 offers a timeless perspective on the pursuit and accumulation of wealth. It acknowledges that the unrighteous may indeed acquire vast riches, perhaps even more than the godly. However, the comparison to dust and clay serves as a powerful reminder that the quantity of earthly possessions does not equate to lasting value, security, or favor with God. This verse challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards money and possessions, reminding us that true wealth is found not in what we accumulate on earth, but in spiritual riches and an upright life before the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 9:3

    And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.

  • Matthew 6:19

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

  • Job 22:24

    Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the [gold] of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

  • Habakkuk 2:6

    Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

  • James 5:2

    Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

  • 1 Kings 10:27

    And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he [to be] as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale, for abundance.

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