Old Testament
Job 27:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Men will clap their hands at him and hiss him out of his place.
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Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.
What Job 27:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 27:23, the speaker, Job, describes the fate of the wicked and how they will be treated by others. The imagery of people clapping their hands and hissing suggests mockery and disdain. This reflects a common theme in the Bible where the downfall of the proud and unjust is met with scorn from those who witness their demise. Job asserts that those who live unrighteously will ultimately face public shame and rejection. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of a life lived in opposition to God's ways, emphasizing that justice will prevail in the end. The act of clapping hands can symbolize approval or celebration, while hissing indicates contempt. Together, these actions illustrate the social rejection that accompanies the downfall of the wicked, reinforcing the idea that their arrogance will not go unpunished.
How to apply Job 27:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. It serves as a reminder to live righteously, as our choices will ultimately be judged. We should strive to align our lives with God's principles to avoid the fate of the wicked.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
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Job
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Job 27:23
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Key themes
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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 27:23 mean?
Job 27:23 describes how the wicked will be treated with mockery and disdain by others when they face their downfall. It emphasizes that those who live unrighteously will ultimately experience public shame and rejection.
What is the meaning of clapping hands in Job 27:23?
In Job 27:23, clapping hands symbolizes approval or celebration, indicating that people will express their disdain for the wicked's downfall. It reflects the social rejection that accompanies their fate.
What themes are present in Job 27:23?
Job 27:23 encompasses themes of justice, the consequences of wickedness, public scorn, righteousness, and divine retribution, emphasizing that the proud will not escape judgment.
How does Job 27:23 relate to the concept of justice?
Job 27:23 relates to justice by showing that the wicked will ultimately face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the idea that justice prevails and the unrighteous will be publicly shamed.
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