Job 20:6

6 although his gifts should go up to heaven, and his sacrifice reach 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 Hast thou known these things of old, from the time that man was set upon the earth?

5 But the mirth of the ungodly is a signal downfall, and the joy of transgressors is destruction:

6 although his gifts should go up to heaven, and his sacrifice reach the clouds.

7 For when he shall seem to be now established, then he shall utterly perish: and they that knew him shall say, Where is he?

8 Like a dream that has fled away, he shall not be found; and he has fled like a vision of the night.