Job 20:6

6 His pride may mount to the heavens, his head may touch the clouds;

Job 20:6 Meaning and Commentary

Job 20:6

Though his excellency mount up to the heavens
Though, in worldly grandeur and glory, he should arrive to such a pitch as the Assyrian monarch was ambitious of, as to ascend into heaven, exalt his throne above the stars of God, and be like the Most High; or be comparable to such a tree, by which the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom is expressed, the height whereof reached unto heaven, ( Isaiah 14:12 Isaiah 14:14 ) ( Daniel 4:11 ) ;

and his head reach unto the clouds;
being lifted up with pride, because of his greatness, and looking with contempt and scorn on others; the Septuagint version is, "if his gifts ascend up to heaven" which well agrees with an hypocrite possessed of great gifts, and proud of them; as Capernaum was highly favoured with external things, as the presence of Christ, his ministry and miracles, and so said to be exalted unto heaven, yet, because of its impenitence and unbelief, should be brought down to hell, ( Matthew 11:23 ) .

Job 20:6 In-Context

4 "Don't you know that ever since time began, ever since humans were placed on earth,

5 that the triumph of the wicked is always short-lived, and the joy of the ungodly is gone in a moment?

6 His pride may mount to the heavens, his head may touch the clouds;

7 but he will vanish completely, like his own dung -those who used to see him will ask, 'Where is he?'

8 Like a dream he flies off and is not found again; like a vision in the night he is chased away.