Old Testament
Job 21:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Why do the wicked live, grow old, and become mighty in power?
Compare translations
Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
What Job 21:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:7, Job questions why wicked people seem to thrive and live long lives while the righteous suffer. This reflects Job's struggle to understand the justice of God, as he observes that the wicked often enjoy prosperity and power, seemingly without consequence for their actions. Job's inquiry highlights a common human concern about the apparent lack of immediate punishment for wrongdoing. He is grappling with the reality that life does not always align with the belief that good is rewarded and evil is punished. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and the challenges of faith, especially in times of suffering. Job's question invites readers to reflect on the nature of justice and the character of God, encouraging a deeper exploration of faith amidst confusion and pain.
How to apply Job 21:7 to your life
When faced with the apparent success of those who do wrong, we can find comfort in knowing that our understanding of justice may be limited. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan and timing, reminding us that our faith should not waver in the face of life's injustices.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 21:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 21:7
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 21:7 mean?
Job 21:7 expresses Job's confusion about why wicked people seem to prosper and live long lives while the righteous suffer. It highlights his struggle to reconcile the existence of evil with the belief in a just God.
What is the meaning of wicked in Job 21:7?
In Job 21:7, 'wicked' refers to those who act unjustly or immorally, often thriving despite their wrongdoing. Job questions why these individuals experience success and longevity while the righteous face hardship.
How does Job 21:7 relate to suffering?
Job 21:7 relates to suffering by illustrating Job's frustration with the reality that the wicked often thrive while he endures pain. It raises questions about the fairness of life and the nature of God's justice.
What themes are present in Job 21:7?
Key themes in Job 21:7 include justice, suffering, wickedness, and the complexity of faith. The verse invites reflection on the challenges of understanding divine justice in a world where the wicked seem to prosper.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.