Job 15:27 (KJV)

What does Job 15:27 mean?

Job 15:27 describes a person who is proud and self-indulgent, pictured as covering his face with fat and piling up fat on his sides. This verse uses physical imagery to suggest an attitude of arrogance and overconfidence, not just literal wealth or health.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, accusing him of being arrogant and self-satisfied. Eliphaz uses the image of a person who is so well-fed that his face and sides are covered with fat, a sign of prosperity in ancient times, but here meant to show spiritual pride and stubbornness. The verse is part of Eliphaz’s argument that suffering comes as a result of such pride.

The Hebrew behind Job 15:27

• "covereth" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to cover or conceal. Here, it suggests the idea of hiding one’s true self behind outward signs of prosperity or pride.
• "fatness" (חֵלֶב, chelev): This word refers to fat, often seen as a symbol of abundance or excess. In this context, it points to self-indulgence.
• "maketh" (עָשָׂה, asah): This is a common word for making or producing. Here, it emphasizes the deliberate piling up or accumulation of excess.
• "fat" (פַּדַּחַת, padhachath): This word refers to lumps or folds of fat, making the image even more vivid and physical.
• "flanks" (כֶּסֶל, kesel): This word means the sides or loins, highlighting the idea of excess being visible all over the body, not just the face.

Why Job 15:27 matters

• Job 15:27 helps clarify that Eliphaz is accusing Job of more than just physical wealth; he is pointing to an attitude of pride and self-reliance that he believes leads to suffering.
• The verse uses strong physical imagery to make a spiritual point, showing how ancient writers often used everyday experiences to illustrate deeper truths.
• Understanding this verse helps the reader see the tone of accusation in Eliphaz’s speech and the misunderstanding between Job and his friends about the reasons for suffering.