Job 27:15 - Those who remain of him shall be buried in death. His widows shall make no lamentation.

Generated Verse: Job 27:15

What does "Job 27:15" mean?


Job 27:15 is a chilling verse within Job's lengthy discourse on the fate of the wicked. Its interpretation is debated, but the most common understanding focuses on the utter and complete devastation that awaits the unrighteous. Let's break down the verse:

"Those who remain of him shall be buried in death." This line is often interpreted as meaning that even the survivors connected to the wicked person (perhaps their offspring or other relatives) will meet a premature and ignominious end. Instead of being properly buried with honor, they will simply be "buried in death," implying a swift and unnoticed demise. It suggests the destruction of the entire lineage and legacy of the wicked person. Some scholars interpret "buried in death" not as a literal burial, but as meaning they will be consumed by death's power, as if they are completely powerless to avoid it.

"His widows shall make no lamentation." This is a particularly harsh and telling statement. It means the wives of the wicked man, now widowed, will not publicly mourn his death. There are several possible reasons for this lack of mourning:

Relief: They might be relieved that he is dead, having suffered under his oppressive or abusive rule. Perhaps he was a cruel and tyrannical figure in the family.
Fear: They might be afraid to express their grief, fearing retribution from enemies he made during his lifetime. Mourning could draw unwanted attention.
Hopelessness: They might be so utterly broken and despairing that they lack the energy or will to mourn. The scale of their loss and ruin could be too great.
Lack of Love: They may have never loved him in the first place, being forced into a marriage.

Overall Meaning:

The verse paints a bleak picture of the finality of the wicked person's downfall. It's not just their personal death that is prophesied, but the destruction of their entire family and legacy. The lack of mourning from the widows emphasizes the utter desolation and the complete absence of love or respect for the deceased.

Context is Important:

It's crucial to remember that this verse is part of Job's argument. Job is trying to understand why bad things happen to good people, and he believes that the wicked ultimately face punishment. However, the Book of Job as a whole questions simplistic views of divine justice and ultimately challenges Job's (and his friends') assumptions about the direct correlation between wickedness and suffering. The rest of the book challenges the assumption that wickedness is always punished in a direct and obvious way.

Alternative Interpretations:

Some commentators suggest that the lack of lamentation could be due to the widows being too overwhelmed with grief to express it. Or, they could be taken as slaves or become destitute and wander off after his death and are unable to mourn him. However, the more common interpretation emphasizes the lack of genuine sorrow, suggesting a deeply flawed relationship and a deservedly tragic end.

In conclusion, Job 27:15 delivers a powerful message about the ultimate fate of the wicked: complete devastation, the end of their lineage, and the absence of even the most basic human expression of grief at their passing. While this perspective is challenged elsewhere in the Book of Job, this verse gives a glimpse into Job's initial understanding of justice.

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