New International Version he will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. New Living Translation But their cities will be ruined. They will live in abandoned houses that are ready to tumble down. English Standard Version and has lived in desolate cities, in houses that none should inhabit, which were ready to become heaps of ruins; Berean Standard Bible he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. Berean Literal Bible And he dwells in desolate cities, houses in which they do not dwell, which are ready to be heaps. King James Bible And he dwelleth in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps. New King James Version He dwells in desolate cities, In houses which no one inhabits, Which are destined to become ruins. New American Standard Bible “He has lived in desolate cities, In houses no one would inhabit, Which are destined to become ruins. NASB 1995 “He has lived in desolate cities, In houses no one would inhabit, Which are destined to become ruins. NASB 1977 “And he has lived in desolate cities, In houses no one would inhabit, Which are destined to become ruins. Legacy Standard Bible He has dwelt in desolate cities, In houses no one would inhabit, Which are destined to become ruins. Amplified Bible And he has lived in desolate [God-forsaken] cities, In houses which no one should inhabit, Which were destined to become heaps [of ruins]; Berean Annotated Bible he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. Christian Standard Bible he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become piles of rubble. Holman Christian Standard Bible he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become piles of rubble. American Standard Version And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, In houses which no man inhabited, Which were ready to become heaps; Contemporary English Version but they will live in the ruins of deserted towns. English Revised Version And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, in houses which no man inhabited, which were ready to become heaps. GOD'S WORD® Translation He lives in ruined cities where no one dwells, in houses that are doomed to be piles of rubble. Good News Translation They are the ones who captured cities and seized houses whose owners had fled, but war will destroy those cities and houses. International Standard Version He will live in devastated towns, in abandoned houses that are about to become heaps of rubble. NET Bible he lived in ruined towns and in houses where no one lives, where they are ready to crumble into heaps. New Heart English Bible He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps. Webster's Bible Translation And he dwelleth in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblehe will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. World English Bible He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he inhabits cities cut off, houses not dwelt in, "" That have been ready to become heaps. Berean Literal Bible And he dwells in desolate cities, houses in which they do not dwell, which are ready to be heaps. Young's Literal Translation And he inhabiteth cities cut off, houses not dwelt in, That have been ready to become heaps. Smith's Literal Translation And he will dwell in cities out off, the houses shall not be inhabited by them, which were ready for heaps. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe hath dwelt in desolate cities, and in desert houses that are reduced into heaps. Catholic Public Domain Version He has lived in desolate cities and deserted houses, which have been turned into tombs. New American Bible He shall dwell in ruined cities, in houses that are deserted, crumbling into rubble. New Revised Standard Version they will live in desolate cities, in houses that no one should inhabit, houses destined to become heaps of ruins; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he dwells in desolate cities, which no man has inhabited; then he prepares for war. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he settled desolate cities that are uninhabited and is prepared for battle OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, In houses which no man would inhabit, Which were ready to become heaps. Brenton Septuagint Translation And let him lodge in desolate cities, and enter into houses without inhabitant: and what they have prepared, others shall carry away. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God…27Though his face is covered with fat and his waistline bulges with flesh, 28he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. 29He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land.… Cross References he will dwell in ruined cities Isaiah 6:11 Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged, Jeremiah 4:7 A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. Isaiah 24:10 The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry. in abandoned houses Isaiah 5:9 I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied. Matthew 23:38 Look, your house is left to you desolate. Luke 13:35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” destined to become rubble Micah 3:12 Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. Jeremiah 51:37 Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant. Micah 1:6 Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble in the open field, a planting area for a vineyard. I will pour her stones into the valley and expose her foundations. Isaiah 5:8-9 Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land. / I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied. Jeremiah 49:16-18 The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. / “Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. / As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. Ezekiel 35:9 I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities will not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Isaiah 13:20-22 She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. / Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged. Jeremiah 50:39-40 So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there and ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. / As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. Zephaniah 2:13-15 And He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria; He will make Nineveh a desolation, as dry as a desert. / Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar. / This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist. Matthew 11:23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Treasury of Scripture And he dwells in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabits, which are ready to become heaps. desolate Job 3:14 With kings and counsellers of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves; Job 18:15 It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because it is none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation. Isaiah 5:8-10 Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! … which are ready Jeremiah 9:11 And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant. Jeremiah 26:18 Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest. Jeremiah 51:37 And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant. Jump to Previous Broken Cities Cut Desolate Destined Dwelleth Dwelt Fate Heaps Houses Inhabit Inhabited Inhabiteth Masses Pulled Ready Resting-Place Right Rubble Ruined Ruins TownsJump to Next Broken Cities Cut Desolate Destined Dwelleth Dwelt Fate Heaps Houses Inhabit Inhabited Inhabiteth Masses Pulled Ready Resting-Place Right Rubble Ruined Ruins TownsJob 15 1. Eliphaz reproves Job for impiety in justifying himself17. He proves by tradition the restlessness of wicked men he will dwell in ruined cities, Eliphaz portrays the wicked man as living amid the visible results of judgment and collapse. Ruined cities were reminders of conquest, famine, exile, and the removal of God’s protecting favor. The image anticipates the desolation that later came upon proud nations and rebellious cities, including Babylon and Nineveh. Isa 6:11 Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied…… in abandoned houses Houses represented family inheritance, stability, and belonging within the covenant community. Their abandonment depicts the loss of security brought by sin, violence, and divine judgment. Israel and Judah received similar warnings through Isaiah and Jeremiah: persistent unfaithfulness would leave homes empty and land desolate. Isa 5:9 I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses… destined to become rubble. The wicked may build, acquire, and appear secure, yet all that rests upon rebellion is headed for ruin. Eliphaz’s warning reflects the certainty that God judges evil, though Job’s sufferings also show that hardship alone does not prove personal wickedness. Earthly structures perish, but the kingdom established by Christ endures forever. Mic 3:12 Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field… Persons / Places / Events 1. Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking, offering his perspective on why Job is suffering. 2. Job The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and loss. His friends, including Eliphaz, attempt to explain his suffering through their understanding of God's justice. 3. Desolate Cities Symbolic of ruin and abandonment, these cities represent the consequences of wickedness and divine judgment in the context of Eliphaz's speech. 4. Crumbling Dwellings These are metaphors for instability and decay, suggesting the ultimate fate of those who live in opposition to God's ways. 5. The Dialogue The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which explores themes of suffering, justice, and divine wisdom. Teaching Points Understanding MisinterpretationEliphaz misinterprets Job's situation, assuming that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin. We must be cautious not to make similar assumptions about others' suffering. The Consequences of Wickedness While Eliphaz's application to Job is incorrect, the principle that sin leads to ruin is biblically sound. We should strive to live righteously to avoid spiritual desolation. The Importance of Compassionate Counsel Eliphaz's harsh words remind us of the need for empathy and understanding when offering counsel to those who are suffering. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Dwellings The imagery of crumbling dwellings serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the importance of building our lives on eternal foundations. God's Sovereignty in Suffering The Book of Job ultimately points to God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when human understanding fails. Trusting in God's plan is crucial, especially in times of trial. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 15:28?2. How does Job 15:28 illustrate the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom and guidance? 3. What can we learn from Job 15:28 about the fate of the wicked? 4. How does Job 15:28 connect with Proverbs on the dangers of pride? 5. In what ways can we avoid the pitfalls described in Job 15:28? 6. How does Job 15:28 encourage us to seek refuge in God's truth? 7. How does Job 15:28 reflect on the consequences of wickedness and isolation from God? 8. What historical context supports the desolation described in Job 15:28? 9. How does Job 15:28 align with the overall theme of divine justice in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 15? What Does Job 15:28 Mean He will dwellEliphaz is describing the ultimate fate of the wicked—“He will dwell…” (Job 15:28). The verb “dwell” shows a settled, inescapable condition rather than a temporary setback. What kind of life awaits the unrepentant? • Psalm 37:10–11 contrasts the fleeting presence of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the righteous. • Proverbs 2:21–22 explains that the upright remain in the land, but the wicked are “uprooted.” Eliphaz’s picture begins with a man who must live with the consequences of his rebellion. …in ruined cities The setting is “ruined cities,” places once bustling with life but now silent testimonies to divine judgment. • Isaiah 13:19–22 shows Babylon, once glorious, reduced to ruins—a warning that no earthly power can shield from God’s hand. • Jeremiah 51:37 echoes the same fate: “Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals.” In Job 15 the ruined city is a symbol: the sinner’s achievements collapse, and the environment that remains mirrors the state of his soul—emptiness, loss, and isolation. …in abandoned houses Not only are the cities desolate, but the very houses stand empty. The wicked man thought to build a secure life, yet he ends up surrounded by abandonment. • Isaiah 5:8–9 pronounces woe on those who add “house to house,” for those houses will be left “without inhabitant.” • Zephaniah 1:13 warns that the wealth of sinners will become plunder, and “their houses a desolation.” The picture confronts us with a sobering irony: the harder people cling to possessions apart from God, the more certain those possessions slip through their fingers. …destined to become rubble The sentence closes with the future of those empty houses: they are “destined to become rubble.” Judgement is not just present; it is progressing. What stands today will crumble tomorrow. • Micah 3:12 foretells Jerusalem becoming “a heap of rubble” because of persistent sin. • Matthew 7:26–27 shows Jesus applying the same principle: a life built on sand will collapse under the storm. God’s justice moves relentlessly toward completion. If repentance is refused, deterioration is guaranteed. summary Job 15:28 portrays the downward spiral of the unrepentant: permanent residence (“He will dwell”) in places that reveal God’s displeasure (“ruined cities”), surrounded by the hollow shell of what once promised security (“abandoned houses”), all headed toward total collapse (“destined to become rubble”). Scripture affirms that sin’s apparent successes are temporary, but God’s verdict is final. The only safe dwelling is found by building on the solid rock of obedience to Him. (28) Which are ready to become heaps.—This completes the description of the haughty tyrant. He dwelt in cities that are to be desolate, or that are desolate, which are ready to become heaps. This may point either to what they were in his intention, or to what he had made them, or to what, in the opinion of the speaker, they were likely to become, notwithstanding his having fortified and dwelt in them.Verse 28. - And he dwelleth in desolate cities. Blot only was he sensual and gluttenous, but he was covetous and rapacious also. He dwelt in cities which his hand had desolated - in houses which no man inhabiteth - since he had driven their owners from them - and which were ready to become heaps, i.e. were in a ruinous condition.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew he will dwellוַיִּשְׁכּ֤וֹן ׀ (way·yiš·kō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell in ruined נִכְחָד֗וֹת (niḵ·ḥā·ḏō·wṯ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 3582: To secrete, by act, word, to destroy cities, עָ֘רִ֤ים (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement in abandoned לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no houses בָּ֭תִּים (bāt·tîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1004: A house destined הִתְעַתְּד֣וּ (hiṯ·‘at·tə·ḏū) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6257: To be ready to crumble. לְגַלִּֽים׃ (lə·ḡal·lîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1530: Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of water Additonal Resources Job 15:28 Blue Letter BibleJob 15:28 Bible Gateway Job 15:28 Bible.com Job 15:28 NIV |
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