Job 27:19

The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he [is] not.

The rich {H6223} man shall lie down {H7901}, but he shall not be gathered {H622}: he openeth {H6491} his eyes {H5869}, and he is not.

He may lie down rich, but his wealth yields nothing; when he opens his eyes, it isn't there.

He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone.

He lieth down rich, but he shall not be gathered to his fathers; He openeth his eyes, and he is not.

Job 27:19 presents a stark and poignant picture of the ultimate fate of the wicked, particularly those who trust in their wealth. It serves as part of Job's final discourse, where he defends God's justice and the eventual demise of those who live unrighteously.

Context

In Job 27, Job is giving his concluding argument, reasserting his own integrity and clarifying his view on divine justice, which differs from the simplistic theology of his friends. While his friends argued that suffering directly correlates with sin, Job maintains that the wicked may indeed prosper temporarily. However, he emphatically declares that their prosperity is fleeting and their end is often ignominious. This verse, therefore, is not Job condemning himself or others for being rich, but rather describing the ultimate, sudden destruction and disappearance of the wicked, especially those who rely on their ill-gotten gains.

Key Themes

  • The Transience of Worldly Wealth: The verse powerfully illustrates that riches, though seemingly providing security in life, offer no lasting protection or dignity in death. The "rich man" may lie down in death, but his wealth cannot accompany him or secure his legacy. This echoes Proverbs 23:5, which speaks of riches flying away.
  • Ignominious End for the Wicked: The phrase "he shall not be gathered" is significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, "being gathered to one's people" (e.g., Abraham being 'gathered to his people' in Genesis 25:8) implied a peaceful, honored death and burial among one's ancestors. Its negation here suggests a lack of proper burial, remembrance, or a dignified passing – a sign of divine displeasure and a harsh end.
  • Sudden and Complete Disappearance: "He openeth his eyes, and he [is] not" paints a vivid picture of abrupt non-existence. It suggests that upon waking (perhaps from slumber or even from the illusion of security), the rich man finds himself utterly gone, or others find him vanished. This speaks to the suddenness and finality of the wicked's demise, where all their earthly achievements and presence simply cease, much like the rich fool's sudden demise in Luke 12:20.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "gathered" is 'asaf (אָסַף), which often refers to the peaceful assembly of the deceased with their ancestors in the afterlife or a proper burial. The negation "shall not be gathered" emphasizes a state of dishonor, lack of peace, or even being left unburied. The phrase "he [is] not" is a blunt declaration of utter non-existence (אֵינֶנּוּ - 'einennu), signifying that the individual is completely gone, without a trace or legacy.

Practical Application

Job 27:19 serves as a powerful reminder that true security and lasting legacy are not found in material wealth or worldly success. It challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust and what we prioritize in life. The verse encourages believers to live righteously, understanding that earthly possessions are temporary and can vanish unexpectedly. Our ultimate hope and lasting inheritance should be in God, rather than in fleeting riches that offer no comfort in the face of death or judgment. As Jesus taught, it is wiser to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure and eternal.

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.

  • Job 24:24

    They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all [other], and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.

  • Psalms 58:9

    Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in [his] wrath.

  • Psalms 73:19

    How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

  • Psalms 73:20

    As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

  • Jeremiah 8:2

    And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

  • Job 14:12

    So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

  • Job 14:15

    Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

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