Job 27:23

KJV

[Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Men shall clap {H5606} their hands {H3709} at him, and shall hiss {H8319} him out of his place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[People] clap their hands at him in derision and hiss him out of his home.

Berean Standard Bible

It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place.

American Standard Version

Men shall clap their hands at him, And shall hiss him out of his place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:23 serves as the dramatic culmination of Job's discourse on the inevitable fate of the wicked, portraying their downfall not merely as a private judgment but as a public spectacle of profound scorn and humiliation. The verse vividly depicts societal rejection, where onlookers express derision through the symbolic acts of clapping and hissing, signifying the complete and utter removal of the unrighteous from their position of power, influence, and honor. It stands as a stark contrast to Job's steadfast integrity, reinforcing the overarching theme that unrighteous prosperity is fleeting and ultimately culminates in disgrace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:23 marks the climactic conclusion of Job's final major discourse (chapters 27-31), wherein he passionately reasserts his blamelessness and unwavering integrity before God and his friends. Having endured relentless accusations that his suffering must stem from hidden sin, Job dedicates chapter 27 to articulating his steadfast commitment to righteousness (verses 1-6). Paradoxically, from his friends' perspective, he then describes the sure and terrifying end of the wicked (verses 7-23). This section, often debated by scholars regarding its precise authorship or placement, powerfully underscores Job's conviction that while the wicked may prosper temporarily, their ultimate portion is ruin and disgrace—a fate he emphatically denies for himself. Verse 23 acts as the final, most vivid stroke in this portrait of inevitable public humiliation, bringing Job's argument to a forceful close.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, public standing, honor, and reputation were paramount, forming the very fabric of an individual's identity and security within the community. To be "clapped at" or "hissed out" was not merely a symbolic act but a deeply humiliating public shaming, a severe form of social ostracization. "Clapping hands" (Hebrew: `çâphaq`) in this context was not applause but a gesture of derision, mockery, or triumph over a fallen enemy, often accompanied by lament or scorn, as seen in other biblical texts like [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - Jerusalem's Humiliation"). "Hissing" (Hebrew: `shâraq`) was a potent vocal expression of extreme contempt, astonishment, or disapproval, signifying utter disdain and rejection, akin to a public expulsion. The phrase "out of his place" speaks to the complete loss of one's established position, status, wealth, and social standing, which in a communal society meant total societal repudiation and disgrace—a fate often considered worse than death.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader wisdom literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God's moral order will ultimately prevail, and the wicked will face their just desserts, even if delayed. This aligns with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath") and [Psalm 73:17-19](/psalms/73-17-20 "Psalm 73:17-20 - The End of the Wicked"). It also highlights the **Futility of Wicked Prosperity**, emphasizing that any success gained through unrighteousness is fleeting and leads only to ultimate shame, not lasting honor. The vivid imagery stresses the **Public Disgrace and Humiliation** that awaits the unrighteous, demonstrating that their judgment is not merely internal but involves widespread scorn. Finally, by contrasting this fate with his own steadfast integrity, Job implicitly argues for the eventual **Vindication of Righteousness**, a central tension throughout the book that anticipates God's ultimate declaration of Job's blamelessness in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God's Rebuke of Job's Friends").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clap (Hebrew, _çâphaq'_):** From the primitive root `çâphaq`, this verb means "to clap the hands." While it can denote applause, in contexts of judgment or lament, as here, it signifies a gesture of derision, scorn, or triumph over a defeated foe. It is a public act of mockery, expressing satisfaction at another's downfall, conveying a sense of finality and utter contempt.
* **Hiss (Hebrew, _shâraq'_):** From the primitive root `shâraq`, this word properly means "to be shrill," implying a whistling or hissing sound. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was a common vocal expression of extreme disapproval, disdain, astonishment, or rejection. It is a guttural, dismissive sound that conveys utter contempt and a desire to expel or banish, emphasizing the complete and vocal rejection of the individual.
* **Place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** From the root `qûwm` (to stand), `mâqôwm` properly refers to "a standing," i.e., a spot. It is used widely of a locality (general or specific) and figuratively of a condition (of body or mind). In the context of Job 27:23, "out of his place" signifies a complete removal or expulsion from one's established position, status, or sphere of influence. In a society where "place" implied honor, security, and social standing, being "hissed out of his place" means a total loss of power, wealth, reputation, and societal acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Men] shall clap their hands at him":** This clause vividly portrays the public reaction to the wicked man's downfall. The "men" are the onlookers, the community, who once might have envied or feared him. Their clapping is not applause but a gesture of derision, triumph, and mockery, signifying their satisfaction at his ruin. It underscores the public nature of his disgrace, where his former status is now met with open contempt and a decisive, final rejection.
* **"and shall hiss him":** Following the visual act of clapping, this clause adds the auditory element of extreme disapproval. The "hissing" is a vocal expression of utter disdain and rejection, a sound that communicates profound contempt and a desire to see the wicked man banished. It reinforces the idea of complete societal repudiation, leaving no doubt about the community's judgment and desire for his expulsion.
* **"out of his place":** This final clause articulates the ultimate consequence of the public scorn and rejection. The wicked man is not merely mocked; he is completely removed from his position of authority, wealth, and social standing. This signifies a total loss of power, security, and honor, implying a complete and irreversible expulsion from his former life and status, leaving him utterly disgraced and without refuge or hope of return.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:23 employs powerful **Imagery** to paint a vivid picture of the wicked man's downfall. The actions of "clapping hands" and "hissing" create a multisensory experience for the reader, allowing them to visualize and almost hear the public scorn. This imagery is highly effective in conveying the depth of the humiliation and the collective nature of the condemnation. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as the wicked man, who likely sought honor and power through unrighteous means, ultimately receives the exact opposite: public derision and expulsion. His relentless pursuit of "place" leads directly to his being cast "out of his place." Furthermore, the combined force of these actions suggests **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness and severity of the judgment. It's not just a private downfall, but a resounding, public, and utterly devastating rejection, leaving no room for recovery or redemption in the eyes of society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:23 stands as a profound statement on the certainty of divine justice and the ultimate futility of a life lived in defiance of God's ways. While the book of Job grapples with the complexities of suffering and the delay of justice, this verse articulates a fundamental biblical principle: the temporary prosperity of the wicked is ultimately unsustainable, leading inevitably to a public and humiliating reckoning. It reinforces the theological truth that God is sovereign over human affairs and will ensure that righteousness is eventually vindicated and wickedness is exposed and punished. This serves as both a solemn warning to those who might be tempted by unrighteous gain and a profound encouragement to the righteous to trust in God's perfect timing and judgment, even when it seems the wicked flourish.

* [Psalm 1:4-6](/psalms/1-4-6 "Psalm 1:4-6 - The Fate of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 10:27-28](/proverbs/10-27-28 "Proverbs 10:27-28 - The Hope of the Righteous vs. The Wicked")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord and the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:23 serves as a sobering reminder that while the world may often seem upside down, with the wicked prospering and the righteous suffering, there is an ultimate divine order that will prevail. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our definition of success and security. Is our "place" rooted in worldly achievements, fleeting power, or material wealth, which can be "hissed out" in an instant? Or is our security found in our integrity and relationship with God, which endures beyond any earthly circumstance? The public scorn described here is a powerful warning against pursuing unrighteous gain, reminding us that temporary pleasures or perceived advantages gained through sin ultimately lead to profound and lasting disgrace. For those who feel overlooked or unjustly treated, this verse offers a measure of comfort, affirming that God sees and will ultimately bring about justice, even if it is not immediately apparent. It calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and to live with unwavering integrity, knowing that true vindication comes from Him, not from the fickle applause of the crowd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of public scorn challenge our pursuit of worldly success or reputation?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our integrity for temporary gain, and how does this verse speak to that temptation?**
* **How can we maintain faith in God's justice when it seems the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse about God's direct judgment or societal reaction?**

Answer: This verse describes a consequence of divine judgment that manifests through societal reaction. While it is "men" who clap and hiss, their actions are depicted as the inevitable outcome of the wicked's moral bankruptcy and God's overarching justice. In the biblical worldview, societal disgrace and expulsion often served as tangible expressions of divine displeasure or the natural outworking of a life lived apart from God's ways. Therefore, it's not merely human opinion but a reflection of a deeper, divinely ordained moral order. The community's scorn becomes the instrument through which the wicked are "hissed out of his place," demonstrating that even human society, consciously or unconsciously, participates in the execution of God's righteous judgment against those who persist in wickedness. This aligns with themes found in [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the wicked rule") where the community groans under wicked rule, and [Psalm 58:10-11](/psalms/58-10-11 "Psalm 58:10-11 - The Righteous Rejoice in Justice") where the righteous rejoice when God's justice is evident.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Job?**

Answer: Job 27:23 is a crucial part of Job's final argument, where he passionately defends his integrity and asserts his understanding of divine justice, even amidst his inexplicable suffering. Throughout the book, Job's friends argue that his suffering must be due to sin, implying that the wicked always suffer immediately and the righteous always prosper. Job, however, knows this is not always true in lived experience. In this chapter, he articulates his belief that while the wicked may indeed prosper for a time, their ultimate end is certain ruin and public disgrace. This verse, therefore, serves as Job's counter-argument to his friends' simplistic theology, affirming that God *will* ultimately bring justice, even if it's not on man's timeline. It sets the stage for God's later speeches in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Description of Leviathan"), which reveal that God's wisdom and justice operate on a scale far beyond human comprehension, ultimately vindicating Job's faith despite the delay of his understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 27:23, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's public disgrace and expulsion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the eschatological judgment and the contrasting fates of humanity. While Job speaks of societal scorn, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the one appointed by God to be the ultimate judge of all humanity, as declared in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has given all judgment to the Son"). The "hissing out of his place" for the wicked finds its terrifying culmination in the final judgment, where those who reject Christ will be cast into eternal separation, a place of utter disgrace and torment, as vividly described in [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Separation of the Sheep and Goats") where they are told, "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Conversely, Jesus himself bore the ultimate public scorn and humiliation, being despised and rejected by men (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He was despised and rejected by men")), mocked, and crucified outside the city gates. He was "hissed out of his place" by the world, yet through His death and resurrection, He triumphed over sin and death, securing a place of honor and glory. Because He endured this ultimate shame, those who believe in Him will not face the final, eternal "hissing out of place" but will instead be glorified with Him ([Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - Glorification")). Thus, Job's prophecy of ultimate justice is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's final triumph over all wickedness and His establishment of an eternal kingdom where the righteous are honored and the wicked are eternally cast out, as seen in the ultimate vision of Christ's return and judgment in [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment").

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

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

Proverbs 11:10

¶ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

Esther 9:22

As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Esther 9:25

But when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.