May my enemy be like the wickedIn this phrase, Job expresses a desire for his adversaries to receive the same fate as the wicked. This reflects the biblical principle of divine justice, where the wicked are ultimately punished for their actions. The concept of the wicked facing consequences is a recurring theme in the Psalms and Proverbs, where the fate of the wicked is contrasted with the prosperity of the righteous (
Psalm 1:4-6,
Proverbs 10:27-30). Job's statement can be seen as a call for God's justice to prevail, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that God will ultimately judge the wicked (
Revelation 20:12-15).
and my opponent like the unjust.
Here, Job equates his opponent with the unjust, suggesting that those who oppose him are acting unrighteously. The term "unjust" in biblical literature often refers to those who pervert justice or act deceitfully (Isaiah 10:1-2,Micah 6:11). Job's plea can be understood in the context of his own suffering and the false accusations from his friends, who have wrongly judged him. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering unjustly, a theme that is also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who was unjustly accused and crucified (1 Peter 2:22-23). Job's desire for his opponents to be like the unjust underscores his belief in divine retribution and justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is continuing his discourse, maintaining his innocence and expressing his desire for justice against his adversaries.
2.
Job's FriendsAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Job's friends play a significant role in the surrounding chapters. They accuse Job of wrongdoing, suggesting that his suffering is a result of his sin.
3.
The WickedA general term used throughout the Bible to describe those who live in opposition to God's ways. In this context, Job is contrasting himself with the wicked, implying that his enemies should face the same fate as those who are unjust.
4.
The OpponentThis term refers to those who stand against Job, whether they are his friends who accuse him or others who doubt his integrity.
5.
The Land of UzThe setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia. It serves as the backdrop for Job's trials and discourses.
Teaching Points
Integrity in SufferingJob's steadfastness in maintaining his integrity despite his suffering is a powerful example for believers. We are called to hold onto our faith and righteousness, even when falsely accused or misunderstood.
Desire for JusticeIt is natural to desire justice against those who wrong us. However, we must balance this desire with a heart of forgiveness and leave ultimate judgment to God.
Understanding the WickedRecognizing the characteristics of the wicked helps us to avoid their path and align ourselves with God's righteousness.
Prayer for EnemiesWhile Job expresses a desire for his enemies to face justice, the New Testament encourages us to pray for our enemies, seeking their repentance and transformation.
Trust in God's SovereigntyUltimately, Job's account reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when we do not understand our circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 27:7?
2.How does Job 27:7 reflect Job's stance on righteousness versus wickedness?
3.What does Job 27:7 teach about the fate of the wicked?
4.How can we apply Job's perspective on enemies to our own lives?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the consequences of wickedness like Job 27:7?
6.How should Job 27:7 influence our attitude towards those who oppose us?
7.What does Job 27:7 reveal about Job's view of his enemies?
8.How does Job 27:7 fit into the overall message of the Book of Job?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Job 27:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 27?
11.How does Job 27:7–10 reconcile with observable reality where the wicked sometimes prosper rather than face immediate punishment?
12.In Job 12:6, how does the idea that 'the tents of robbers are at peace' harmonize with other scriptures that insist the wicked are eventually punished?
13.In Job 21:7, how can the wicked seemingly live long and prosper if divine justice is supposed to hold them accountable?
14.Did Job's words contain any sin?What Does Job 27:7 Mean
May my enemy be like the wicked• Job is not lashing out in personal vengeance; he is affirming the unchanging principle that God deals with wickedness justly (Psalm 37:20;Proverbs 11:5).
• By calling his accusers “enemy,” Job makes it clear they have positioned themselves against him without cause—much like the false friends ofPsalm 55:12-14.
• He asks that anyone who insists on labeling him “wicked” experience the very fate Scripture promises to the wicked (Job 27:8-23;Psalm 1:4-6).
• This reflects confidence that God, not Job, will render the verdict (Romans 12:19;Galatians 6:7).
and my opponent like the unjust• “Opponent” highlights the legal tone of Job’s ordeal; he feels dragged into court by people twisting facts (Job 13:18;Psalm 109:2-3).
• Declaring that the opponent should share the lot of the unjust underscores that God makes no distinction between social roles—He judges impartially (Isaiah 5:23;1 Peter 1:17).
• Job’s words echo later truth: “There is no peace for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22) and “God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5).
• Rather than curse, Job entrusts his case to God’s righteous court, confident the unjust will answer for their deeds (2 Thessalonians 1:6;Matthew 12:36).
summaryJob 27:7 expresses Job’s settled conviction that God will faithfully distinguish between the righteous and the wicked. Far from a spiteful curse, the verse entrusts final judgment to the Lord: those who persist in condemning God’s servant without cause will ultimately stand among the wicked and unjust, receiving exactly what divine justice has promised all along.
(7)
Let mine enemy be as the wicked.--While, however, he admits that the wicked is often a prosperous man, he declares that he has no envy for him, but would have only his adversaries to be like him.
Verse 7. -
Let mine enemy be as the wicked. The nexus of this passage with what goes before is uncertain. Some suppose Job's full thought to have been, "Ye try to persuade me to act wickedly by making a false representation of my feelings and convictions; but I absolutely refuse to do so. Let that rather be the act of my enemy." Others regard him as simply so vexed by his pretended friends, who are his real enemies, that he is driven to utter an imprecation against them.
And he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous. This is another instance of a mere pleonastic hemistich - a repetition of the preceding clause in different words.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
May my enemyאֹ֣יְבִ֑י(’ō·yə·ḇî)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341:Hating, an adversarybeיְהִ֣י(yə·hî)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, belike the wickedכְ֭רָשָׁע(ḵə·rā·šā‘)Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personand my opponentוּמִתְקוֹמְמִ֥י(ū·miṯ·qō·wm·mî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standlike the unjust.כְעַוָּֽל׃(ḵə·‘aw·wāl)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5767:Unjust, unrighteous one
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OT Poetry: Job 27:7 Let my enemy be as the wicked (Jb) 
