Job 20:6

6 "Though his loftiness ¹reaches the heavens, And his head touches 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 "Do you know this from of old, From the establishment of man on earth,

5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless momentary ?

6 "Though his loftiness reaches the heavens, And his head touches the clouds,

7 He perishes forever like his refuse; Those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'

8 "He flies away like a dream, and they cannot find him; Even like a vision of the night he is chased away.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 14:13, 14; Obad 3, 4

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "goes up to"