What does Job 27:19 mean?
"The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not." - Job 27:19

Job 27:19 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not." This verse is part of a larger passage in the Book of Job, where Job is speaking about the fate of the wicked. In this verse, Job is describing the ultimate end of the unrighteous and the consequences of their actions.
To fully understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to look at the context in which it appears. The Book of Job is part of the Old Testament and is a complex and richly layered text that addresses the problem of human suffering and the nature of God's justice. The story of Job revolves around a righteous man who experiences immense suffering, and his friends' attempts to understand the reason for his misfortune.
In the passage leading up to Job 27:19, Job is declaring his integrity and pointing out the fate of the wicked. He speaks of the wealth and prosperity of the unrighteous, but also emphasizes that their ultimate end is one of destruction and loss. This verse echoes the theme of divine justice and the consequences of a life lived in opposition to God's will.
The verse begins with the statement, "The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered." This suggests that despite the comfort and security that wealth can provide in this life, it cannot protect the unrighteous from the ultimate separation from God. This separation is further emphasized in the second half of the verse, "he openeth his eyes, and he is not." Here, Job is pointing to the emptiness and futility of a life lived in pursuit of material gain without regard for spiritual truth. The rich man may open his eyes to the reality of his existence, but he will find himself lacking in the things of lasting value.
In this verse, wealth and material possessions are used as symbols of the temporary and transitory nature of worldly success. Job is making a commentary on the emptiness of pursuing riches at the expense of one's spiritual well-being. He is emphasizing the idea that true fulfillment and lasting security can only be found in a life lived in harmony with God's will.
The broader themes present in Job 27:19 include the contrast between material wealth and spiritual poverty, the consequences of unrighteous living, and the ultimate fate of the wicked. These themes are woven throughout the Book of Job and resonate with timeless questions about the nature of suffering and divine justice.
Overall, Job 27:19 is a powerful commentary on the fleeting nature of worldly success and the emptiness of a life lived apart from God. It serves as a reminder that true fulfillment and lasting security can only be found in a life centered on spiritual truth and righteousness. Through its rich symbolism and profound themes, this verse continues to offer wisdom and guidance to readers seeking to understand the complexities of human existence and the nature of God's justice.
Have questions about Job 27:19?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Job 27:19 Artwork
Job 27:19 - "The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not."
"The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not." - Job 27:19
Job 19:27 - "Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."
Job 27:1 - "Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,"
Job 19:1 - "Then Job answered and said,"
Job 27:6
"Then Job answered and said," - Job 19:1
"Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." - Job 19:27
"Moreover Job continued his parable, and said," - Job 27:1
Job 18-19
Job 41:27 - "He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood."
Genesis 19-27
Job 30:27 - "My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me."
Job 19:25-27 - "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."
Job 19:19 - "All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me."
Exodus 27:19-20
Genesis 27:18-19
John 19:25-27
Job 6:27 - "Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend."
Job 27:11 - "I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal."
Job 27:3 - "All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;"
Job 27:18 - "He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh."
John 19:25-27
John 19:26-27
Exodus 27:19-21
Job 27:7 - "Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous."
Job 27:20 - "Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night."
Job 27:17 - "He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver."
Job 27:9 - "Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?"
Job 27:10 - "Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?"