Job 20:6

6 They may grow great, towering to the sky, so great that their heads 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 Surely you know that from ancient times, when we humans were first placed on earth,

5 no wicked people have been happy for long.

6 They may grow great, towering to the sky, so great that their heads reach the clouds,

7 but they will be blown away like dust. Those who used to know them will wonder where they have gone.

8 They will vanish like a dream, like a vision at night, and never be seen again.