Job 21:7
Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
Original Language Analysis
מַדּ֣וּעַ
H4069
מַדּ֣וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
1 of 7
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
Wherefore do the wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
Wherefore do the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יִחְי֑וּ
live
H2421
יִחְי֑וּ
live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
3 of 7
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
עָ֝תְק֗וּ
become old
H6275
עָ֝תְק֗וּ
become old
Strong's:
H6275
Word #:
4 of 7
to remove (intransitive or transitive) figuratively, to grow old; specifically, to transcribe
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Job 12:6The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.Psalms 37:35I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.Psalms 17:10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.Habakkuk 1:13Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?Daniel 4:17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature generally taught that the wicked suffer and perish quickly. However, Psalms 37 and 73 also grapple with the prosperity of the wicked, and Ecclesiastes notes that righteousness doesn't guarantee earthly prosperity. Job's observation challenges oversimplified theology with reality, demonstrating that faith must account for empirical evidence rather than deny it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's honest observation about the prosperity of the wicked challenge simplistic theology?
- What does the gap between divine justice and earthly outcomes teach about God's timeline versus ours?
Analysis & Commentary
Job challenges conventional wisdom: 'Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?' This question dismantles retribution theology. The verb chayah (חָיָה, live) emphasizes ongoing life. Ataq (עָתַק, become old) means to advance in years, and gabar (גָּבַר, mighty) means to be strong or prevail. Job observes empirical reality: the wicked often prosper, live long, and exercise power. This contradicts his friends' insistence that the wicked always suffer. Job's empirical observation prepares for the book's resolution: divine justice operates on timescales and principles beyond simple earthly retribution.