Job 27:13
This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.
Original Language Analysis
אָדָ֖ם
man
H120
אָדָ֖ם
man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 10
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
רָשָׁ֥ע׀
of a wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֥ע׀
of a wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
4 of 10
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 10
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֵ֑ל
with God
H410
אֵ֑ל
with God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
6 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת
and the heritage
H5159
וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת
and the heritage
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Historical Context
The concept of 'portion' (cheleq) and 'heritage' (nachalah) derives from Israel's land distribution theology but applies universally to divine justice. Job affirms that oppressors ultimately answer to Shaddai (the Almighty), a name emphasizing God's sovereign power to execute judgment regardless of earthly power structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's teaching on the wicked's ultimate 'portion' balance divine justice with the reality that judgment is often delayed?
- What comfort does the certainty of God's final judgment provide when facing unpunished oppression in this life?
- How should the doctrine of final judgment affect how Christians respond to injustice now?
Analysis & Commentary
This is the portion of a wicked man with God (זֶה חֵלֶק־אָדָם רָשָׁע עִם־אֵל)—cheleq (חֵלֶק, portion) refers to one's allotted inheritance or destiny. The wicked man's 'portion with God' is divine judgment. The heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty (וְנַחֲלַת עָרִיצִים מִשַּׁדַּי יִקָּחוּ)—nachalah (נַחֲלָה, heritage/inheritance) parallels 'portion,' emphasizing what the aritsim (עָרִיצִים, oppressors/tyrants) will receive from Shaddai (שַׁדַּי).
Job begins describing the wicked's ultimate fate (verses 13-23), affirming orthodox retribution theology—but with crucial qualification. The wicked do receive judgment, but not necessarily immediately or visibly in this life. This nuances his friends' simplistic formula while maintaining divine justice. The 'portion' and 'heritage' language draws on covenant theology: just as Israel received a land inheritance, the wicked receive judgment as their allotted portion. This prefigures Jesus's warnings about the unrighteous's 'portion' with hypocrites (Matthew 24:51) and the final judgment where each receives according to their deeds.