Job 27:8
For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?
For what is the hope
The Hebrew word for "hope" here is "תִּקְוָה" (tiqvah), which conveys a sense of expectation or something to look forward to. In the context of Job, this word challenges us to consider the foundation of our expectations. Theologically, hope is a central theme in the Bible, often associated with trust in God and His promises. For the godless, whose hope is not anchored in the divine, this question underscores the futility of their expectations when faced with mortality.

of the godless
The term "godless" is translated from the Hebrew word "חָנֵף" (chaneph), which refers to someone who is morally corrupt or impious. In the conservative Christian perspective, this term highlights the spiritual state of those who live without reverence for God. The godless are contrasted with the righteous, who find their hope and security in God. This distinction serves as a warning about the spiritual consequences of living apart from God's will.

when he is cut off
The phrase "cut off" comes from the Hebrew "יִבְצָע" (yivtsa), meaning to be severed or destroyed. This imagery is powerful, suggesting a sudden and irreversible end. In the biblical context, being "cut off" often implies divine judgment or the end of life. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly existence and the importance of being spiritually prepared for eternity.

when God takes away his life
The act of God taking away life is a sobering reminder of His sovereignty over all creation. The Hebrew word "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh) for "life" encompasses the soul or the very essence of a person. This phrase emphasizes that life is a gift from God, and He alone has the authority to give and take it. In the conservative Christian view, this underscores the importance of living a life that honors God, as He is the ultimate judge of our souls.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, yet remains steadfast in his faith.

2. God
The sovereign Creator who allows Job's trials to test his faith and integrity. God is depicted as just and omnipotent throughout the account.

3. The Godless
Refers to those who live without reverence for God, often characterized by wickedness and a lack of true hope.

4. Job's Friends
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are significant in the context of Job's discourse. They argue that suffering is always a result of sin, which Job refutes.

5. The Afterlife
Implicit in the discussion of hope and being "cut off," pointing to the ultimate fate of individuals beyond this life.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Godlessness
The verse highlights the ultimate futility of a life lived without God. No matter the earthly success or wealth, the godless have no enduring hope when faced with death.

The Certainty of Divine Justice
God's justice is certain, and He will ultimately judge the godless. This serves as a reminder to live a life that honors God, knowing that He sees and will judge all actions.

The Importance of True Hope
True hope is found in a relationship with God. Unlike the godless, believers have a hope that transcends this life, rooted in the promises of God and the assurance of eternal life.

The Call to Self-Examination
This verse challenges individuals to examine their own lives and the foundation of their hope. Are we living with a godly perspective, or are we placing our hope in temporal things?

Encouragement in Suffering
For those who suffer like Job, this verse offers encouragement that their hope is not in vain. God is aware of their plight and will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 27:8 challenge our understanding of where true hope is found?

2. In what ways does the fate of the godless, as described in this verse, motivate us to live a life that honors God?

3. How can we ensure that our hope is rooted in God and not in temporary, worldly things?

4. What other scriptures reinforce the idea of the futility of godlessness, and how do they deepen our understanding of this verse?

5. How can Job's perspective in this verse encourage us during times of personal suffering or when witnessing the suffering of others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37
This Psalm contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked will be cut off while the righteous will inherit the land.

Proverbs 11:7
This verse echoes the sentiment of Job 27:8, stating that when a wicked man dies, his hope perishes.

Ecclesiastes 8:13
It highlights the futility of the wicked's life, reinforcing the idea that their days are like a shadow because they do not fear God.

Matthew 16:26
Jesus speaks about the futility of gaining the world but losing one's soul, which parallels the hopelessness of the godless when facing death.
A Warning to HypocritesJames Bennett, D. D.Job 27:8
The Character and Hope of the HypocriteD. Rees.Job 27:8
The Hypocrite's HopeD. Wilcox.Job 27:8
The Hypocrite's HopeT. Hannam.Job 27:8
Points in Job's ParableHomilistJob 27:1-10
Job a Victor in the ControversyE. Johnson Job 27:1-23
An Empty HopeW.F. Adeney Job 27:8-10
The Hope of the HypocriteR. Green Job 27:8-12
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Cast, Cut, Cuts, Cutteth, Gain, Gained, Godless, Hope, Hypocrite, Profane, Requires, Sinner, Soul, Takes, Taketh, Though, Ungodly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 27:8

     8710   atheism
     8846   ungodliness
     9611   hope, nature of

Job 27:8-10

     6169   godlessness

Library
The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
Who, then, is this "wicked man," thus portrayed before us? And what are the first symptoms of his depravity? We ask not the question idly, but in order that we take heed against the uprise of such an evil in ourselves. "Beneath the saintly veil the votary of sin May lurk unseen; and to that eye alone Which penetrates the heart, may stand revealed." The hypocrite is very often an exceedingly neat imitation of the Christian. To the common observer he is so good a counterfeit that he entirely escapes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not contrary to the virtue of truth. For in dissimulation or hypocrisy there is a sign and a thing signified. Now with regard to neither of these does it seem to be opposed to any special virtue: for a hypocrite simulates any virtue, and by means of any virtuous deeds, such as fasting, prayer and alms deeds, as stated in Mat. 6:1-18. Therefore hypocrisy is not specially opposed to the virtue of truth. Objection 2: Further, all dissimulation seems to proceed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Interior Man
The interior man is the rational soul; in the apostle: have in your hearts, in the interior man, Christ through faith. [Eph. 3:16] His head is Christ; in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. [I Cor. 11:3] The crown of the head is the height of righteousness; in Solomon: for the crown of your head has received the crown of grace. The same in a bad part: the crown of hairs having walked about in their own delights, that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov. 4:9; Ps. 67(68):22(21)] The hair is
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Wesley in St. Albans Abbey
Monday, July 30.--l preached at Bingham, ten miles from Nottingham. I really admired the exquisite stupidity of the people. They gaped and stared while I was speaking of death and judgment, as if they had never heard of such things before. And they were not helped by two surly, ill-mannered clergymen, who seemed to be just as wise as themselves. The congregation at Houghton in the evening was more noble, behaving with the utmost decency. Tuesday, 31.--At nine I preached in the market place at Loughborough,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
"If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). Throughout this book it has been our chief aim to exalt the Creator and abase the creature. The well-nigh universal tendency now, is to magnify man and dishonour and degrade God. On every hand it will be found that, when spiritual things are under discussion, the human side and element is pressed and stressed, and the Divine side, if not altogether ignored, is relegated to the background. This holds true of very much of the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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