Job 27:17 (KJV)

What does Job 27:17 mean?

Job 27:17 says that even if a wicked person gathers wealth and prepares fine clothing, it will ultimately be the just and innocent who benefit from it, wearing those clothes and dividing the silver. The verse points out that wealth gained by wrongdoing does not last with the wrongdoer but ends up with those who are upright.

In this part of the book of Job, Job is speaking to his friends, defending his integrity and reflecting on the fate of the wicked. Job insists that, despite appearances, the prosperity of the unjust is temporary. He uses the image of clothing and silver to show that what the wicked prepare for themselves will end up in the hands of the righteous.

The Hebrew behind Job 27:17

• "prepare" (כּוּן, kun): This word means to get something ready or establish it. Here, it highlights the effort the wicked put into gathering and arranging their wealth, even though it will not stay with them.
• "just" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word refers to someone who is upright or righteous. The verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the truly upright, who will ultimately receive the benefits.
• "on" (לָבַשׁ, lavash): This word means "to put on" or "to wear." The image is of the just person actually wearing the fine clothing prepared by someone else, showing a transfer of benefit.
• "innocent" (נָקִי, naqi): This word describes someone free from guilt or blame. The "innocent" dividing the silver emphasizes that those who have done no wrong will receive what the wicked have gathered.
• "divide" (חָלַק, chalaq): This means to share or distribute. The innocent are not just receiving but actively dividing the silver among themselves.
• "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): Silver was a common measure of wealth. Its mention underlines the material prosperity that changes hands.

Why Job 27:17 matters

• Job 27:17 corrects the idea that the wicked will always keep their riches; it stresses that their gains are temporary and will ultimately benefit the righteous.
• The verse fits into Job’s larger argument that appearances can be deceiving—just because someone prospers now does not mean their prosperity is secure.
• This verse connects to a common theme in wisdom literature: the eventual reversal of fortunes, where justice is ultimately served even if it is not immediate.