Job 15:27
Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כִסָּ֣ה
Because he covereth
H3680
כִסָּ֣ה
Because he covereth
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
פָנָ֣יו
his face
H6440
פָנָ֣יו
his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְּחֶלְבּ֑וֹ
with his fatness
H2459
בְּחֶלְבּ֑וֹ
with his fatness
Strong's:
H2459
Word #:
4 of 8
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
and maketh
H6213
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
and maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Psalms 17:10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.Isaiah 6:10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.Psalms 73:7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.Jeremiah 5:28They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.Deuteronomy 32:15But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed obesity differently than modern societies—it could indicate wealth and success but also moral failure in not sharing with the poor. Prophets condemned the self-indulgent wealthy (Amos 6:4-6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does prosperity tempt toward self-indulgence and away from generosity?
- What is the Christian's responsibility regarding wealth—both enjoying God's gifts and sharing with others?
- How do we avoid both the prosperity gospel and knee-jerk suspicion of all wealth?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked indulge in prosperity: 'Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks.' This describes self-indulgent wealth—the wicked grow fat through greed and excess. 'Collops' (folds) of fat suggest repulsive over-indulgence. In ancient context where most lived subsistence-level, such obesity indicated both wealth and moral failure (lack of self-control, ignoring the poor). Eliphaz implies Job's former prosperity indicated such moral failure.