Job 21:32
Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭הוּא
H1931
וְ֭הוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 6
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יוּבָ֑ל
Yet shall he be brought
H2986
יוּבָ֑ל
Yet shall he be brought
Strong's:
H2986
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)
וְֽעַל
H5921
וְֽעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern burial practices included elaborate ceremonies for the wealthy and powerful. Honorable burial with monuments ensured remembrance. That even the wicked received such honor (while the righteous sometimes didn't) troubled ancient observers of justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we respond to the wicked receiving earthly honor even in death?
- What does it mean that earthly legacy doesn't determine ultimate verdict?
- How does resurrection hope transform what matters about death and burial?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked receive honor: 'Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb.' Even the wicked receive honorable burial—they're 'brought' (accompanied ceremonially) to the grave and 'remain' (are remembered) in the tomb. Instead of disgrace, they receive honor even in death. This compounds the injustice Job observes—the wicked prosper in life and are honored in death. Only eschatological judgment resolves this.