Job 27:21

The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.

The east {H6921} wind carrieth him away {H5375}, and he departeth {H3212}: and as a storm hurleth {H8175} him out of his place {H4725}.

The east wind carries him off, and he's gone; it sweeps him far from his place.

The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place.

The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth; And it sweepeth him out of his place.

Commentary

Commentary on Job 27:21 (KJV)

Job 27:21 is a powerful verse from Job's final discourse, illustrating the swift and often sudden judgment that awaits the wicked. After enduring immense suffering and the accusations of his friends, Job maintains his integrity and describes the ultimate fate of those who live in unrighteousness, contrasting it with his own steadfastness.

Context

This verse is part of Job's concluding monologue (chapters 27-31), where he reasserts his innocence and God's justice, even though he doesn't fully understand his own suffering. In chapter 27, Job presents a series of woes that befall the wicked, refuting the simplistic theology of his friends who argued that suffering *always* indicates sin. Job acknowledges that the wicked may prosper for a time, but their end is inevitably destruction and removal from their place of influence. This particular verse follows a detailed description of the calamities that will strike the children and possessions of the ungodly (Job 27:13-20).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse vividly portrays God's active role in bringing about the downfall of the wicked. It's not a passive decay but a forceful, divinely orchestrated removal.
  • Transience of Wicked Prosperity: Despite any temporary success or security the wicked may enjoy, their hold on it is tenuous and subject to sudden collapse. Their "place" is not secure.
  • Sudden and Forceful Destruction: The imagery of the "east wind" and "storm" emphasizes the unexpected, violent, and irresistible nature of this judgment. It's an expulsion, not a gentle departure.
  • Nature as God's Instrument: The natural elements – the wind and storm – are depicted as agents of God's will, executing His judgment. This highlights God's sovereignty over all creation and His ability to use any means to achieve His purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses evocative language to convey the force of divine judgment:

  • "The east wind" (Hebrew: qadim): In the ancient Near East, the east wind was notoriously hot, dry, and often violent. It was frequently associated with desolation, judgment, and destruction in biblical texts (e.g., Genesis 41:6, Ezekiel 17:10, Hosea 13:15). Its mention here immediately conjures an image of a destructive, irresistible force.
  • "Carrieth him away," "departeth," "hurleth him out of his place": These verbs convey a sense of involuntary and violent expulsion. The wicked individual is not leaving willingly but is being forcibly removed, like debris swept away by a powerful storm. The phrase "out of his place" signifies a complete loss of position, security, and influence.

Practical Application

Job 27:21 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Trust in God's Justice: For those who are righteous but suffering, this verse provides comfort that God sees the true state of affairs. While the wicked may seem to prosper, their ultimate end is certain and severe. This aligns with themes found in Psalm 37:35-36.
  • Warning for the Unrighteous: The verse serves as a stark warning against living a life of unrighteousness. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is patient, His justice will ultimately prevail, and the consequences for persistent wickedness are inevitable and devastating.
  • God's Sovereignty: It reminds us that God is in control, even over the forces of nature, and He uses them to fulfill His purposes. His judgment is not arbitrary but a manifestation of His righteous character.

Ultimately, Job 27:21 provides a powerful image of the swift and inevitable removal of the wicked by divine hand, reinforcing the truth that no one can escape God's ultimate justice.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 11:6 (5 votes)

    Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

  • Psalms 83:15 (4 votes)

    So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.

  • Psalms 58:9 (3 votes)

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

  • Job 7:10 (3 votes)

    He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

  • Job 21:18 (3 votes)

    They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

  • Hosea 13:15 (2 votes)

    Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

  • Matthew 7:27 (2 votes)

    And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.