King James Version

What Does Job 27:1 Mean?

Job 27:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, continued: Heb. added to take up” — study this verse from Job chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, continued: Heb. added to take up”

Job 27:1 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, continued: Heb. added to take up

2

As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; vexed: Heb. made my soul bitter

3

All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; the spirit: that is, the breath which God gave him

Read Job 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover Job continued his parable (וַיֹּסֶף אִיּוֹב שְׂאֵת מְשָׁלוֹ). The verb yasaph (יָסַף) means to add or continue—Job persists in his defense despite his friends' failure to understand. Mashal (מָשָׁל, parable/proverb) indicates elevated discourse, poetic wisdom speech rather than mere conversation. This term appears for Balaam's oracles (Numbers 23:7), marking Job's words as prophetic utterance.

The phrase signals a turning point—Job has endured three cycles of debate with his friends, and now intensifies his self-defense (chapters 27-31). His 'parable' will affirm his integrity while acknowledging God's sovereignty, preparing for the divine speeches in chapters 38-41. The structure mirrors prophetic literature where God's spokesman perseveres in declaring truth despite opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Job 27 marks the conclusion of the dialogue cycles and Job's final major speech before Elihu's intervention. The use of 'mashal' (parable/oracle) elevates the discourse beyond human argument to wisdom that anticipates divine revelation. This literary structure reflects Ancient Near Eastern wisdom dialogues where truth emerges through dialectical persistence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's persistence in speaking truth despite misunderstanding encourage you to maintain theological conviction under pressure?
  2. What does Job's use of elevated 'parable' discourse teach about taking seriously the weight and form of our words about God?
  3. In what ways should we balance Job's bold self-defense with Christ's silent submission before accusers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיֹּ֣סֶף1 of 5

“continued”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

אִ֭יּוֹב2 of 5

“Moreover Job”

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

שְׂאֵ֥ת3 of 5
H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מְשָׁל֗וֹ4 of 5

“his parable”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

וַיֹּאמַֽר׃5 of 5

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 27:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 29:1Numbers 23:7Numbers 24:15Psalms 78:2Numbers 24:3Proverbs 26:7

Test Your Knowledge

Job 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 27 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes