Job 15:21 Meaning and Explanation
“A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Eliphaz says the wicked man is haunted by terror even in times of plenty.
What Does Job 15:21 Mean?
Eliphaz describes the inner dread of the wicked. A terrifying sound rings constantly in his ears, and even in his seasons of prosperity he fears that the destroyer will fall upon him. No measure of success buys him peace; danger seems always at the door.
The portrait captures something real, that wrongdoing breeds a restless, fearful heart with no firm rest. The wicked man cannot enjoy his gains because dread shadows them. Yet Scripture also knows that the righteous may suffer terror too, as Job did, so this cannot be a sure mark of guilt. The verse points to a deeper truth, that true peace is not found in prosperity at all but in a right relationship with God, who alone can quiet the haunted heart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job 15:21
What does Job 15:21 mean?
Eliphaz says the wicked man is haunted by terror even in times of plenty.