Job 15:29
He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֶ֭עְשַׁר
He shall not be rich
H6238
יֶ֭עְשַׁר
He shall not be rich
Strong's:
H6238
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָק֣וּם
continue
H6965
יָק֣וּם
continue
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
4 of 9
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
חֵיל֑וֹ
neither shall his substance
H2428
חֵיל֑וֹ
neither shall his substance
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
5 of 9
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִטֶּ֖ה
neither shall he prolong
H5186
יִטֶּ֖ה
neither shall he prolong
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
7 of 9
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature frequently taught that wicked wealth doesn't endure (Psalm 37, Proverbs). This principle generally proves true over time, but individual cases (like Job) require more nuanced interpretation than Eliphaz provides.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain that wickedness leads to loss without assuming all loss proves prior wickedness?
- What biblical examples show the righteous losing wealth without indicating divine displeasure?
- How should temporary earthly losses shape our pursuit of eternal treasures?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked's wealth won't last: 'He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.' Eliphaz promises wealth gained wickedly cannot endure. The threefold negative—not rich, not continue, not prolong—emphasizes complete loss. While Proverbs affirms that ill-gotten gain doesn't profit (Proverbs 10:2), Eliphaz wrongly assumes all loss indicates prior wickedness. Job's losses don't prove he gained wealth wickedly.