Job 27:17

KJV

He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

He may prepare {H3559} it, but the just {H6662} shall put it on {H3847}, and the innocent {H5355} shall divide {H2505} the silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he may collect it, but the just will wear it, and the upright divide up the silver.

Berean Standard Bible

what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.

American Standard Version

He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, And the innocent shall divide the silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:17 presents Job's unwavering conviction regarding the ultimate, divinely orchestrated reversal of fortunes between the wicked and the righteous. Despite the wicked's diligent efforts to accumulate and secure wealth, this verse powerfully asserts that their meticulously prepared gains will ultimately be transferred to the just and innocent, who will inherit and equitably distribute them. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, even when its manifestation is not immediately apparent in the temporal realm, affirming the transient nature of ill-gotten prosperity and the eventual vindication and provision of the upright.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27 forms a crucial segment of Job's final and most extensive monologue, extending from chapters 27 through 31. In this discourse, Job vehemently defends his integrity against the persistent accusations of his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who steadfastly maintain that his profound suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. While Job has previously wrestled with the perplexing prosperity of the wicked (as seen in [Job 21](/job/21 "Job 21 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")), here he pivots to articulate a strong, confident conviction regarding their inevitable, though sometimes delayed, downfall. Verses 13-23 specifically detail the impermanence of the wicked's prosperity and the calamities that ultimately befall them and their descendants. Verse 17, therefore, functions as a specific, vivid illustration of this broader principle, demonstrating how the material gains of the unrighteous will not remain with them but will ultimately be transferred to and enjoyed by those who live righteously. This passage serves as a powerful counter-argument to the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends, affirming God's overarching moral order and ultimate justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of the Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region generally associated with Edom or northern Arabia, during a patriarchal period. The societal structure of this era was primarily agrarian and pastoral, with wealth measured in tangible assets such as livestock, servants, and precious metals like silver and gold. The concept of inheritance and the transfer of property upon death or misfortune was of paramount importance for family continuity, social status, and overall societal stability. The prevailing cultural understanding of justice often leaned towards immediate retribution—that righteousness brought immediate prosperity and wickedness brought immediate suffering. Job's challenge to this conventional wisdom, while ultimately affirming divine justice, was profoundly radical for his time. The phrase "divide the silver" (Job 27:17) reflects a common practice of inheritance or the equitable distribution of assets, often occurring after a death or a significant change in family status, thereby highlighting the tangible and orderly transfer of wealth. The emphasis on "preparation" by the wicked implies the universal human drive to secure one's future and legacy through material accumulation, a pursuit that Job argues is ultimately futile for the unrighteous.
* **Key Themes:** Job 27:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Reversal of Fortunes**, a central motif where God, in His sovereignty, orchestrates dramatic shifts in human circumstances, often contrary to human expectations. The meticulous efforts of the wicked to accumulate wealth are shown to be ultimately futile for their own lasting benefit, as their gains are transferred to the righteous. This underscores God's absolute control over human endeavors and their ultimate outcomes. This theme resonates throughout wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - The Good Man's Inheritance"), which declares, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous." Secondly, the verse speaks to the **Vindication of the Righteous**. Despite the temporary suffering or perceived disadvantage of the just, God ensures their ultimate blessing and inheritance. This offers profound comfort, assuring that faithfulness will not go unrewarded, even if the reward comes from unexpected sources or through unexpected means. Finally, it reinforces God's **Unwavering Justice**. While the wicked may prosper for a time, their success is fleeting and their gains are insecure, destined to be redistributed according to God's righteous decrees. This demonstrates God's commitment to moral order in the world, a truth that Job clings to even amidst his profound suffering and confusion about God's ways, as also reflected in [Psalm 37](/psalm/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepare (Hebrew, _kûwn'_ - H3559):** This primitive root properly signifies "to be erect" or "to stand perpendicular," and causatively, "to set up." In this context, it conveys the diligent, intentional, and often laborious effort of the wicked to establish, fix, and make ready their wealth and possessions. It implies a meticulousness in their pursuit of material gain, suggesting that their prosperity is not accidental but the result of concerted, perhaps even ruthless, endeavor to secure and solidify their assets.
* **Just (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_ - H6662):** Derived from the root meaning "to be just," this term describes one who is righteous, lawful, or upright in character and conduct. In Job 27:17, "the just" refers to those who live in alignment with God's moral standards, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness. Their designation as "just" highlights the divine principle that those who walk in righteousness, despite temporary hardship, are the rightful recipients of God's ultimate blessing and vindication, even if it comes through the transfer of ill-gotten gains.
* **Put it on (Hebrew, _lâbash'_ - H3847):** Literally meaning "to put on a garment" or "to clothe oneself," this verb is used metaphorically here. Just as one "puts on" clothes to wear and possess them, the just "put on" the wealth of the wicked, signifying not merely a temporary use but a full possession, enjoyment, and inheritance of what the wicked had prepared. It implies a complete transfer of ownership and benefit, indicating that the righteous will truly come into the enjoyment and stewardship of these assets.
* **Innocent (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_ - H5355):** This term denotes one who is blameless, clean, clear, or guiltless. It describes those who are free from moral or legal culpability, particularly in the context of the accusations against Job. The inclusion of "the innocent" alongside "the just" reinforces the idea that God's justice extends to those who are morally upright and untainted by the wicked's schemes. Their role in "dividing the silver" underscores their rightful claim and participation in the communal blessing that results from divine intervention.
* **Divide (Hebrew, _châlaq'_ - H2505):** This primitive root means "to be smooth," and by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots), "to apportion or separate." Its use here suggests an equitable distribution of the "silver"—a common ancient measure of wealth—among the innocent. This implies a collective benefit rather than a single heir, highlighting the widespread impact of God's justice and the communal blessing that results from the transfer of ill-gotten gains to those who are morally upright. It emphasizes that the wealth is not merely taken, but justly and orderly apportioned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He may prepare [it]":** This clause refers to the wicked individual, the "he" of the preceding verses (Job 27:13-16), who diligently works to amass wealth, possessions, and resources. The "it" implicitly refers to the wealth and goods accumulated through their efforts, often through unjust or self-serving means. This highlights the human effort and meticulous planning involved in the acquisition of riches, setting the stage for the divine reversal.
* **"but the just shall put [it] on":** This introduces a stark contrast, signifying a divine reversal of ownership and benefit. The "just" (צַדִּיק, _tzaddiq_), referring to those who are righteous and upright in God's eyes, will metaphorically "clothe themselves" with what the wicked prepared. This means they will come into full possession and enjoyment of the wealth, status, or provisions that the wicked had labored to secure for themselves, indicating a complete transfer of benefit and ownership.
* **"and the innocent shall divide the silver":** This further elaborates on the ultimate fate of the wicked's wealth and the blessing of the righteous. The "innocent" (נָקִי, _naqi_), those who are blameless and free from guilt, will collectively "divide" or apportion the "silver," a representative term for valuable assets. This suggests an equitable and widespread distribution among the upright, emphasizing that God's justice benefits not just one individual but a community of the righteous, ensuring their provision and vindication.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:17 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message of divine justice and reversal. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which creates a sharp and dramatic contrast between the actions and ultimate fates of the wicked ("He may prepare [it]") and the righteous ("but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver"). This stark opposition powerfully highlights the futility of the wicked's efforts and the ultimate triumph of God's moral order. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "silver," which stands in for all forms of wealth, valuable possessions, and accumulated resources, allowing the verse to speak broadly about material prosperity without listing every possible asset. Furthermore, the phrase "put [it] on" functions as a compelling **Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of clothing to symbolize complete possession and enjoyment. Just as one wears clothes to benefit from them and make them their own, the righteous "wear" the wicked's wealth, signifying their full inheritance and rightful use. This vivid imagery underscores the completeness of the transfer and the ultimate vindication of the upright.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:17 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate sovereignty over wealth and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it appears delayed or obscured by temporal circumstances. It asserts that the diligent efforts of the wicked to accumulate riches are ultimately futile for their own lasting benefit, as God orchestrates a divine transfer of these resources to the righteous. This is not merely a statement about material possessions but a powerful declaration of God's moral governance of the universe, ensuring that righteousness is ultimately rewarded and wickedness does not secure lasting prosperity. It serves as a powerful reminder that true security and enduring inheritance come not from human striving or illicit gain, but from alignment with God's character and trust in His perfect timing and judgment. This principle offers immense comfort and encouragement to those who observe apparent injustices in the world, affirming that God's scales of justice are true and will ultimately balance.

* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - The Good Man's Inheritance")
* [Psalm 37:16](/psalm/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - Better is a little with righteousness")
* [Ecclesiastes 2:26](/ecclesiastes/2-26 "Ecclesiastes 2:26 - God gives wisdom to the good and gathers for the sinner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:17 offers a profound message of hope and reassurance for those who strive to live righteously in a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper. It challenges the common perception that immediate prosperity is a definitive sign of divine favor and reminds us that God's justice operates on a timeline and according to a wisdom far beyond our limited human comprehension. For believers, this verse encourages steadfastness in faith and unwavering integrity, even when facing financial struggles or observing the apparent, yet temporary, success of the unrighteous. It calls us to trust that God sees, God knows, and God will ultimately vindicate His people, ensuring that what is justly theirs will come to them, perhaps even from unexpected sources or through unexpected means. This truth should inspire us to prioritize spiritual wealth and righteousness over fleeting material gains, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is secure in God's sovereign hands. It also serves as a solemn warning against the pursuit of wealth through ungodly means, as such gains are inherently unstable and destined for redistribution by divine decree, ultimately proving futile for those who amassed them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge your immediate assumptions about wealth and justice in the world, particularly when observing the prosperity of the unrighteous?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to envy the temporary prosperity of the wicked, and how does Job 27:17 offer a corrective, long-term perspective?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with greater integrity and trust in God's ultimate justice, even when current circumstances seem unfair or contradictory to this truth?**
* **How does the concept of "dividing the silver" among the innocent encourage a communal rather than a purely individualistic view of God's blessings and justice?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that the righteous will always become rich from the wicked's downfall?**

Answer: Not necessarily in a literal, material sense for every individual, nor does it guarantee specific financial windfalls. While the verse speaks of a transfer of "silver," its primary emphasis is on the overarching principle of divine justice and the ultimate futility of ill-gotten gain. It signifies that the wicked's efforts to secure their legacy or prosperity through unrighteous means will ultimately fail, and their gains will not remain with them. The "putting on" and "dividing" by the just and innocent can refer to various forms of vindication, provision, or the ultimate establishment of God's moral order, where the resources of the world are eventually aligned with His righteous purposes. It's a profound statement about the secure and lasting blessing of the righteous versus the transient and insecure nature of the wicked's prosperity. The broader biblical context, such as [Psalm 37](/psalm/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked"), often emphasizes the peace, security, and spiritual abundance of the righteous over their material wealth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 27:17, with its declaration of the wicked's prepared wealth ultimately benefiting the just, finds its profoundest fulfillment and spiritual reality in Jesus Christ. While Job's statement speaks to a temporal, earthly reversal of fortunes, Christ's redemptive work reveals the ultimate divine reversal: the "wealth" of the world, held captive by sin and under the dominion of the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Prince of this World Cast Out")), is ultimately redeemed and transferred to those made righteous by faith in Him. The meticulous "preparations" of humanity under sin, building up earthly kingdoms and systems apart from God, are ultimately futile and destined to crumble. Christ, the truly "just" and "innocent" one ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins, the Righteous for the Unrighteous")), did not "put on" the silver of the wicked in a material sense. Instead, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He decisively disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). He then "divided" the spoils of His victory—not literal silver, but the immeasurable spiritual riches of eternal life, imputed righteousness, and the glorious inheritance of the Kingdom of God—among all who believe ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, the ultimate "wealth" and "inheritance" prepared by the enemy (sin and death) were conquered by Christ and are now freely distributed as grace and blessing to His people, fulfilling Job's prophetic insight on a cosmic, redemptive scale. In Christ, the righteous truly inherit the earth and all its blessings, not through human effort or earthly accumulation, but through divine grace and their union with the ultimate Just One ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek")).

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

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Proverbs 28:8

¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.