King James Version

What Does Job 27:13 Mean?

Job 27:13 in the King James Version says “This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.” — study this verse from Job chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.”

Job 27:13 · KJV

Context

11

I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. by: or, being in the hand, etc

12

Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?

13

This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

14

If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

15

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.

Read Job 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's teaching on the wicked's ultimate 'portion' balance divine justice with the reality that judgment is often delayed?
  2. What comfort does the certainty of God's final judgment provide when facing unpunished oppression in this life?
  3. How should the doctrine of final judgment affect how Christians respond to injustice now?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
זֶ֤ה׀1 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חֵֽלֶק2 of 10

“This is the portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

אָדָ֖ם3 of 10

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

רָשָׁ֥ע׀4 of 10

“of a wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

עִם5 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֵ֑ל6 of 10

“with God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת7 of 10

“and the heritage”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

עָ֝רִיצִ֗ים8 of 10

“of oppressors”

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

מִשַּׁדַּ֥י9 of 10

“of the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

יִקָּֽחוּ׃10 of 10

“which they shall receive”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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 27:13 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 27:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 20:19-29Job 15:20-35Isaiah 3:112 Peter 2:9Proverbs 22:22-23Psalms 11:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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