Job 15:29 (KJV)

What does Job 15:29 mean?

Job 15:29 says that a person will not become wealthy, their possessions will not last, and they will not be able to keep their achievements or prosperity going on earth. The verse highlights the limits and instability of human success, especially for those who are arrogant or wicked.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job during their debate about suffering and justice. Eliphaz argues that those who do wrong cannot expect lasting wealth or security, suggesting that Job’s troubles are a result of hidden wrongdoing. The verse uses strong language to stress that earthly gains are temporary and cannot be preserved by human effort alone.

The Hebrew behind Job 15:29

• rich (עָשַׁר, ʿāshar): This word means "to be or become rich." Eliphaz is not just talking about money, but about all forms of abundance or success.
• substance (חַיִל, ḥayil): Often translated as "wealth," "strength," or "resources," this word points to everything a person owns or relies on for security.
• continue (קוּם, qum): This verb means "to stand" or "to endure." Eliphaz claims that a person's wealth or substance will not be able to last or hold up over time.
• perfection (מָטָר, māṭār): This word can mean "what is complete" or "what is finished." Here, it refers to the peak or fullness of a person's achievements, which will not be extended or maintained.
• earth (אֶרֶץ, ʾereṣ): This is the common word for "land" or "earth," emphasizing that these limits are experienced in the world as we know it.

Why Job 15:29 matters

• Job 15:29 clarifies that Eliphaz sees material loss as a sign of moral failure, which is a key theme in the friends’ arguments throughout the book.
• The verse highlights the difference between human expectations of lasting success and the reality that such things are often out of our control.
• Understanding the original words helps show that Eliphaz is not just talking about money, but about all forms of human achievement and security, making his warning broader and more pointed.