Job 27:16
Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כֶּעָפָ֣ר
as the dust
H6083
כֶּעָפָ֣ר
as the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
3 of 7
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
וְ֝כַחֹ֗מֶר
as the clay
H2563
וְ֝כַחֹ֗מֶר
as the clay
Strong's:
H2563
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, silver and fine clothing were primary forms of wealth storage—portable, valuable, and displayable. Garments indicated status and could be given as gifts or used for barter. Archaeological discoveries include treasure hoards of silver and textile fragments showing elaborate weaving. Job himself had been wealthy (1:3) and later describes his former generosity with possessions (29:12-17). His point is that mere accumulation without righteousness leads to loss.
Questions for Reflection
- How does modern consumer culture reflect the same futile hoarding Job describes?
- What is the difference between wise stewardship and the obsessive accumulation Job condemns?
- How can we hold material blessings loosely, recognizing their temporary nature?
Analysis & Commentary
Though he heap up silver as the dust—the verb צָבַר (tsavar, heap up/accumulate) suggests massive hoarding, piling wealth like dirt. The comparison to dust (עָפָר, afar) indicates both quantity and ultimately worthlessness—what seems precious becomes common as dust. Prepare raiment as the clay uses כּוּן (kun, prepare/establish) for clothing stacked like clay bricks. Ancient wealth was measured in precious metals and fine garments (Genesis 24:53, Joshua 7:21). Job describes obsessive accumulation—gathering silver in dust-like quantities and garments in clay-like heaps.
The verse captures the futility of materialistic greed. No matter how much the wicked accumulate, they cannot secure their future. The dust and clay imagery hints at mortality—humans are made from dust (Genesis 2:7) and return to it (Genesis 3:19). Hoarding wealth cannot prevent death or secure legacy.