Job 4:21

KJV

Doth not their excellency [which is] in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Doth not their excellency {H3499} which is in them go away {H5265}? they die {H4191}, even without wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their cord within them is pulled up; then they die, without ever gaining wisdom.'

Berean Standard Bible

Are not their tent cords pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?’

American Standard Version

Is not their tent-cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 4:21 concludes Eliphaz's initial discourse, encapsulating his argument that human life is inherently fragile and transient, and that any perceived "excellency" or strength is fleeting. He asserts that those who die "without wisdom"—implying a lack of understanding of God's ways and a life lived apart from divine insight—perish completely, their earthly achievements and vitality vanishing into oblivion. This statement serves as a veiled accusation against Job, suggesting his suffering is a consequence of his own lack of wisdom or hidden sin, aligning with Eliphaz's conventional theology of retributive justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 4:21 serves as the climactic conclusion to Eliphaz the Temanite's first speech (Job 4:1-5:27), which is the opening salvo in the friends' attempts to "comfort" Job. Eliphaz begins by cautiously approaching Job, then recounts a terrifying, quasi-divine vision (Job 4:12-16) that undergirds his theological premise: no mortal can be righteous before God, and humanity is inherently flawed and ephemeral (Job 4:17-19). He argues that humans are "crushed before the moth" (Job 4:19), perishing without notice or understanding (Job 4:20). Verse 21, therefore, summarizes this pessimistic view of human existence, emphasizing the ultimate futility of human strength or achievement when disconnected from divine wisdom, implicitly setting the stage for his subsequent counsel and accusations against Job.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location whose precise geographical identity is debated but generally understood to be outside of Israel, perhaps in Edom or northern Arabia. The dialogue reflects the prevailing ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, particularly the concept of retributive justice, which posited a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. Eliphaz, as one of Job's "friends," represents this conventional wisdom. His arguments are rooted in the belief that God is just and always punishes sin, thus Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of some hidden transgression. The "excellency" mentioned in the verse would have encompassed a person's material wealth, social standing, physical strength, and reputation—all highly valued attributes in ancient societies. The idea of dying "without wisdom" would have been particularly damning, as wisdom was considered paramount for a good and prosperous life, often equated with the "fear of the Lord" (as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")).
* **Key Themes:** Job 4:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the **transience and fragility of human life**, a recurring motif throughout Job, contrasting human weakness with divine omnipotence. Eliphaz uses this to humble Job, suggesting his former "excellency" was ephemeral and easily stripped away. Secondly, the verse underscores the **peril of a life devoid of true wisdom**, which for Eliphaz, is an understanding of God's righteous judgment and the proper human response to it. He implies that Job, despite his former piety, has somehow lacked this crucial insight, leading to his current state. This theme sets up a major tension in the book, as Job grapples with a God who seems to defy conventional wisdom, ultimately leading to a deeper, more profound understanding of divine sovereignty beyond human comprehension, as articulated later in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Answer to Job"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine justice** as understood by the friends—a rigid, predictable system of reward and punishment—which the unfolding narrative of Job will profoundly challenge and ultimately transcend.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Excellency (Hebrew, _yitram'_):** The KJV translates the Hebrew יִתְרָם (_yitram_) as "excellency." This term derives from the root יֶתֶר (_yeter_), which can mean "remainder," "abundance," "preeminence," or "superiority." In this context, it refers to the very essence of a person's strength, vitality, achievements, or whatever constitutes their earthly significance and advantage. Eliphaz suggests that this inherent quality or acquired status is not enduring but "goes away," implying a complete loss or vanishing.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmah'_):** The Hebrew חָכְמָה (_chokmah_) denotes wisdom, not merely intellectual knowledge, but practical skill, moral insight, and spiritual understanding. In the biblical sense, true wisdom is often rooted in the "fear of the Lord" and an understanding of God's ways and purposes. When Eliphaz states "without wisdom" (בְּלֹא חָכְמָה - _belo chokmah_), he implies a life lived without proper moral discernment, spiritual insight, or perhaps even a failure to understand the divine principles of justice that he believes govern the world. For Eliphaz, this lack of wisdom leads to a meaningless end, regardless of one's earthly achievements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Doth not their excellency [which is] in them go away?"**: This is a rhetorical question, characteristic of Eliphaz's persuasive style, designed to elicit an affirmative answer. It asserts that whatever makes a person outstanding, powerful, or significant—their strength, vitality, possessions, or perceived superiority—is not permanent. The phrase "in them" emphasizes that this "excellency" is intrinsic to their being or their life's accumulation, yet it is destined to vanish. It speaks to the impermanence of all human glory and achievement.
* **"they die, even without wisdom."**: This clause presents the consequence of the transient nature of human "excellency." The "they" refers to those whose "excellency" departs, implying a general truth about humanity. The critical phrase "without wisdom" suggests that their death is not merely a cessation of life, but a meaningless end because they lacked true understanding or insight into God's ways. For Eliphaz, this implies that such individuals, despite any earthly success, fail to grasp the ultimate truths that would give their lives lasting significance, leading to a demise that is both physical and spiritually empty.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's statement in Job 4:21 employs several key **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Doth not their excellency... go away?"), which is designed not to solicit an answer but to make a forceful assertion about the transience of human life and achievements. This question sets up the subsequent declarative statement, creating a sense of undeniable truth. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the "excellency" (human strength, achievement, vitality) and its ultimate vanishing, juxtaposed with the idea of dying "without wisdom." This contrast highlights the futility of earthly pursuits when eternal wisdom is absent. Furthermore, the verse uses **Irony**, as Eliphaz, in his attempt to impart wisdom to Job, is himself operating from a flawed and incomplete understanding of God's ways, ironically demonstrating a lack of true wisdom in his application of conventional theology. The entire speech is a form of **Didacticism**, where Eliphaz attempts to teach Job a lesson about human frailty and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 4:21, though spoken from a flawed theological premise by Eliphaz, contains a profound truth about the human condition: the ultimate transience of earthly glory and the enduring value of true wisdom. It challenges the common human tendency to invest ultimate meaning in material possessions, social status, or personal achievements, reminding us that these are fleeting. The verse underscores a core biblical theme that true life and lasting significance are not found in what we accumulate or accomplish on earth, but in a relationship with God and the wisdom that flows from Him. While Eliphaz misapplies this truth to accuse Job, the principle resonates with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the brevity of life and the importance of seeking eternal realities over temporal ones.

* [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalms/49-16 "Psalm 49:16-17 - Do Not Be Afraid When Others Grow Rich")
* [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")
* [James 1:10-11](/james/1-10 "James 1:10-11 - The Rich Fade Away Like a Flower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 4:21, despite its context within Eliphaz's misguided counsel, serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable truth of our own mortality and the impermanence of everything we strive for in this life. What do we define as our "excellency"—our career, our wealth, our reputation, our physical abilities? This verse starkly reminds us that all these things can and will "go away." The critical question then becomes: what remains when they do? Investing in "wisdom"—which the Bible defines as the fear of the Lord and living according to His truth—is presented as the only path to a life that transcends the grave. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth, character, and a deep knowledge of God over fleeting worldly achievements, ensuring that our lives are built on an enduring foundation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of your life do you currently consider your "excellency," and how might Eliphaz's words challenge that perspective?**
* **In what ways might you be living "without wisdom" in the biblical sense, prioritizing temporary gains over eternal truths?**
* **How does the brevity of life, as highlighted in this verse, influence your daily decisions and long-term goals?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate true, godly wisdom in your life today?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 4:21 mean that all who suffer are without wisdom or are being punished for sin?**

Answer: No, not necessarily. While Eliphaz, in Job 4:21, suggests that suffering (and ultimately, a meaningless death) is the result of a lack of wisdom or hidden sin, this is precisely the flawed theology that the Book of Job as a whole challenges and refutes. The narrative demonstrates that Job, a righteous man, suffered immensely *not* because of sin or a lack of wisdom, but for reasons beyond human comprehension, part of a cosmic test of faith. The friends' arguments, including Eliphaz's, represent a common but incomplete understanding of divine justice prevalent in their time. The book ultimately reveals that God's ways are far more complex and mysterious than human wisdom can grasp, and suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal transgression. Therefore, while the verse contains a universal truth about the transience of human life and the importance of wisdom, its application by Eliphaz to Job's situation is incorrect and does not reflect a comprehensive biblical theology of suffering, as later revealed in [Job 40-42](/job/40 "Job 40-42 - God's Speeches and Job's Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 4:21, spoken by Eliphaz, points to the profound human dilemma of transience and the futility of a life lived apart from true wisdom, yet it finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Eliphaz's "excellency" that "goes away" speaks to the perishable nature of all human glory and strength, a reality powerfully confronted by Christ's incarnation. He, who was "in the form of God," did not cling to His divine "excellency" but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (as described in [Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). His life, unlike the fleeting "excellency" Eliphaz describes, was not lived "without wisdom" but was the very embodiment of divine wisdom (see [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). While human wisdom leads to a meaningless death, Christ's death was the ultimate act of wisdom and love, conquering sin and death. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the true and lasting "excellency" of eternal life to all who believe. In Him, our lives are not defined by fleeting earthly achievements but by an enduring spiritual reality that transcends death, for He is "the resurrection and the life" (as declared in [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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

Job 36:12

But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

Luke 16:22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Job 8:22

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Psalms 49:14

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Job 18:21

Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God.

Psalms 49:20

Man [that is] in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts [that] perish.