King James Version

What Does Job 27:8 Mean?

Job 27:8 in the King James Version says “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?” — study this verse from Job chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?”

Job 27:8 · KJV

Hope

Context

6

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live. so long: Heb. from my days

7

Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.

8

For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

9

Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?

10

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

Read Job 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job asks rhetorically, "What is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?" The Hebrew chaneph (חָנֵף, "hypocrite") denotes a godless, profane person—one who may maintain religious appearance without genuine faith. The verb batsa' (בָּצַע, "gained") means to cut off or gain profit, often with connotations of unjust gain. Job recognizes that temporal prosperity means nothing at death when God "taketh away his soul" (nesho, נַפְשׁוֹ). This anticipates Jesus' parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:20) and His question, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates the futility of profession without possession—mere external religion without regeneration. True hope lies not in accumulated wealth but in a right relationship with God that extends beyond death. Job's question exposes the ultimate bankruptcy of hypocrisy and worldly success apart from genuine faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient societies measured success by visible prosperity—wealth, offspring, longevity. Job challenges this calculus by introducing the eschatological dimension: what does earthly gain mean at death? This question would become central to later Jewish theology (Ecclesiastes, intertestamental wisdom literature) and finds its answer in Christ's teaching on eternal life. The concept anticipated the Pharisaic-Sadducean debates about afterlife and resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's question expose the difference between professing faith and possessing it?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between earthly prosperity and eternal security?
  3. How should the certainty of death and divine judgment shape our daily priorities and pursuits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מַה2 of 10
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִּקְוַ֣ת3 of 10

“For what is the hope”

H8615

literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy

חָ֭נֵף4 of 10

“of the hypocrite”

H2611

soiled (i.e., with sin), impious

כִּ֣י5 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִבְצָ֑ע6 of 10

“though he hath gained”

H1214

to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop

כִּ֤י7 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֵ֖שֶׁל8 of 10

“taketh away”

H7953

to draw out or off, i.e., remove (the soul by death)

אֱל֣וֹהַּ9 of 10

“when God”

H433

a deity or the deity

נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃10 of 10

“his soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 27:8 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 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 16:26Job 8:13Job 11:20Luke 12:20-21Matthew 23:13Job 31:3

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