Job 21:27
Job 21:27 in Multiple Translations
Behold, I know your thoughts full well, the schemes by which you would wrong me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, And the devices wherewith ye would wrong me.
See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me;
Look, I know what you're thinking, and your schemes to do me wrong.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the enterprises, wherewith ye do me wrong.
Lo, I have known your thoughts, And the devices against me ye do wrongfully.
“Behold, I know your thoughts, the plans with which you would wrong me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Surely I know your thoughts, and your unjust judgments against me.
“Listen, I know what you three are thinking. I know the evil things that you plan to do to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 21:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֣ן
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם
וּ֝/מְזִמּ֗וֹת
עָלַ֥/י
תַּחְמֹֽסוּ
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp | Suff
וּ֝/מְזִמּ֗וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
Conj | N-fp
עָלַ֥/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
תַּחְמֹֽסוּ
châmaç
H2554
to injure
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:27
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
וּ֝/מְזִמּ֗וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
Conj | N-fp
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
עָלַ֥/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
תַּחְמֹֽסוּ
châmaç
H2554
"to injure"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to harm or injure someone, either physically or emotionally. It is used in Exodus and Deuteronomy to describe violent acts, and in Proverbs to warn against doing wrong to others. It involves treating others cruelly.
Definition: 1) to wrong, do violence to, treat violently, do wrongly 1a) (Qal) to treat violently, do wrong 1a1) of physical wrong 1a2) of ethical wrong 1a3) of physical and ethical wrong 1b) (Niphal) to be treated violently
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: make bare, shake off, violate, do violence, take away violently, wrong, imagine wrongfully. See also: Job 15:33; Jeremiah 22:3; Proverbs 8:36.
Study Notes — Job 21:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:27
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:27
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:27
- Sermons on Job 21:27
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
25Yet another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, having never tasted prosperity.
26But together they lie down in the dust, and worms cover them both.
27Behold, I know your thoughts full well, the schemes by which you would wrong me.
28For you say, ‘Where now is the nobleman’s house, and where are the tents in which the wicked dwell?’ 29Have you never asked those who travel the roads? Do you not accept their reports?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 5:22 | Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? |
| 2 | Psalms 119:86 | All Your commandments are faithful; I am persecuted without cause—help me! |
| 3 | Psalms 59:4 | For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice. |
| 4 | Job 5:3–5 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. His sons are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender. The hungry consume his harvest, taking it even from the thorns, and the thirsty pant after his wealth. |
| 5 | Job 32:3 | and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:19 | For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. |
| 7 | Job 20:5 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? |
| 8 | Job 4:8–11 | As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed. The lion may roar, and the fierce lion may growl, yet the teeth of the young lions are broken. The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered. |
| 9 | Job 15:20–35 | A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless. Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand. Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack. For he has stretched out his hand against God and has vaunted himself against the Almighty, rushing headlong at Him with a thick, studded shield. Though his face is covered with fat and his waistline bulges with flesh, he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land. He will not escape from the darkness; the flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward. It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree that sheds its blossoms. For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb is pregnant with deceit.” |
| 10 | Job 8:3–6 | Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? When your children sinned against Him, He gave them over to their rebellion. But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy, if you are pure and upright, even now He will rouse Himself on your behalf and restore your righteous estate. |
Job 21:27 Summary
In this verse, Job is saying that he knows what his friends are thinking, and that they are trying to accuse him of doing something wrong. But Job is confident in his own integrity, and he trusts that God knows the truth. This reminds us that God is all-knowing and sees our thoughts and motives, as in Jeremiah 17:10, where it says that God rewards each person according to their conduct and the work of their hands. We can learn from Job to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when others are judging us or trying to wrong us, and to examine our own thoughts and motives, as in Psalms 51:10, where David asks God to create in him a clean heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job referring to when he says 'I know your thoughts full well'?
Job is addressing his friends, who have been judging him and trying to explain his suffering, and he's saying that he's aware of their inner thoughts and motives, as seen in Psalms 139:2, where God knows our thoughts from afar.
What schemes is Job talking about that his friends would use to wrong him?
The schemes likely refer to the accusations and condemnations that Job's friends have been bringing against him, trying to prove that he must have done something wrong to deserve his suffering, similar to the accusations brought against Jesus in Matthew 27:37.
How can Job be so confident that he knows his friends' thoughts?
Job's confidence comes from his integrity and his close relationship with God, as seen in Job 1:1, where he is described as blameless and upright, and God himself affirms Job's righteousness in Job 2:3.
What can we learn from Job's statement about being aware of others' thoughts?
We can learn to be careful about judging others, and to examine our own motives and thoughts, as in Matthew 7:1-5, where Jesus teaches us to take the plank out of our own eye before trying to remove the speck from someone else's eye.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when you have felt like others were judging you or trying to wrong you, and how did you respond?
- How can you cultivate a closer relationship with God, like Job, so that you can have confidence in the face of criticism or accusation?
- What are some ways that you can examine your own thoughts and motives, and ask God to reveal any areas where you need to repent or change?
- How can you apply Job's statement to your own life, being aware of the schemes or thoughts of others, and trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:27
Behold, I know your thoughts,.... God only truly, really, and in fact, knows the thoughts of men; this is his peculiar prerogative, he only is the searcher of the hearts and the trier of the reins of the children of men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:27
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. Their wrongful thoughts against Job are stated by him in Job 21:28. They do not honestly name Job, but insinuate
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:27
I know your thoughts; I perceive what you think, and will object, and say for your own defence. The devices, or, evil thoughts; for so this word is oft used, as 14:17 . Wrongfully imagine, or wrest, or violently force. For they strained both Job’ s words, and their own thoughts, which were biassed by their prejudice and passion against Job. Against me; for I know very well that your discourses, though they be of wicked men in the general, yet are particularly levelled at me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:27
Job 21:27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices [which] ye wrongfully imagine against me.Ver. 27. Behold, I know your thoughts] sc. By your words; as it is no hard matter for a wise man to do, Proverbs 20:5; for otherwise, God only knoweth the heart, 1 Peter 1:24 Psalms 139:3, it is his royalty. But when men discover their thoughts by their discourses, looks, gestures, &c., we may say, as Job doth here, "I know your thoughts"; and that by the wicked wretch described by you myself is intended; this I am well aware of, though you hover in generals, and speak in a third person. Bartolus writeth of Dr Gabriel Nele, that by the only motion of the lips, without any utterance, he understood any man’ s thoughts. The like some say they can do by looks. The Italians have a proverb, That a man with his words close, and his countenance loose, may travel undiscovered all the world over. And the devices which you wonderfully imagine against me] viz. To take away, as it were by violence, my credit and comfort; this is the foulest theft; avoid it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:27
Verse 27. I know your thoughts] Ye still think that, because I am grievously afflicted, I must therefore be a felonious transgressor.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:27
27–34. Finally, still pursuing his argument, Job turns to the insinuations of his friends against himself, which lie under their descriptions of the fate of the wicked. He knows what they mean when they say, Where is the house of the prince? But their conclusions were against the testimony of those who had travelled far and seen much. These testified that the wicked man was preserved in the day of destruction; that he came to an honoured grave, and the clods of the valley lay softly on him; and that his example, so far from being shunned, was followed by the mass of men, as there were multitudes that preceded him in the way he walked.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:27
Behold, I know your thoughts - That is, “I see that you are not satisfied, and that you are disposed still to maintain your former position. You will be ready to ask, Where “are” the proofs of the prosperity of the wicked?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:27
Second division — THE REPORT OF IS, THAT THE OF THE WICKED IS HELD IN , Job 21:27-34.Strophe a — If, instead of judging by appearances in this present life the friends had made more extensive
Sermons on Job 21:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Testimony of Thomas Ellwood Concerning Isaac Penington by Isaac Penington | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'provoked' in the context of sharp irritation or anger, emphasizing the importance of not yielding to provocation and maintaining a sp |
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Calm in the Midst of Crisis by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound thoughts and care God has for each individual, highlighting that God has been mindful of us since before our birth. He reassures us that God |
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Santification by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the problem of man's guilt and the need for justification. The first three chapters of the book of Romans address the issue of sin and guilt |
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Forgiveness - Part 3 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the profound meaning behind Jesus' call to 'take up the cross and follow me,' going beyond mere expectations of persecution to embodying Christ's example of |
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A Time for Everything by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of one sentence spoken by a carnal Christian. He warns against being a tail bearer or gossip, as revealing secrets can |
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Living Above Our Circumstances by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of our reactions to the circumstances of life rather than the circumstances themselves. He uses the example of a Christian fami |
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Security and God's Purposes by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding security in the Lord Jesus Christ. He highlights the need to recognize that our battle is not against flesh and blo |