because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse paints a vivid picture: the wicked person is so consumed by luxury and self-indulgence that their own physical excess becomes a kind of blindfold, making them utterly insensate to God and spiritual reality. It's not just about being rich, but about that wealth becoming a shield of pride that prevents them from seeing their sin or God's truth.
because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist
English Standard Version (ESV)
Eliphaz is describing the wicked man's arrogance, explaining that his overwhelming prosperity has led him to a life of sensual indulgence and self-satisfaction. This excess has made him so proud and secure that he feels no fear of God or regard for others, leading him to boldly defy divine authority.
Sometimes, when life feels too good, it can actually blind us. What does overwhelming prosperity reveal about a person's heart?
Eliphaz uses vivid imagery to describe the wicked man's downfall. This verse paints a picture of someone so steeped in luxury and excess that their physical body reflects their inner state.
A Body Overwhelmed
This isn't a judgment on wealth itself, but on a heart that allows prosperity to become a shield against God and accountability.
When life is easy, it's tempting to think we don't need anyone, especially God. How does security breed arrogance?
Eliphaz argues that this man's 'fatness' is the reason for his insolent attitude towards God. His comfort has bred a dangerous sense of security, making him feel untouchable.
The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
Ask a follow-up
This is a stark warning: a life of ease, when not surrendered to God, can easily morph into a life of defiance against Him.
Understand the original words
cheleb · Hebrew Noun
Used in Scripture as a metaphor for spiritual insensitivity, self-indulgence, pride, and the lack of humility before God. It represents a life lived in pampered excess, ignoring the needs of others and the reality of divine accountability.
This passage describes Jeshurun (Israel) becoming fat and prosperous, and then kicking against God, directly paralleling the idea of outward abundance leading to arrogance and rebellion seen in Job 15:27.
Psalm 73:7The psalmist describes the wicked whose 'eyes swell from fatness,' indicating their prosperity and pride, mirroring the physical description of luxury and insensibility that Eliphaz uses against Job's presumed wickedness.
Proverbs 30:8-9Agur prays not to be made rich, lest he become full and deny God, capturing the same concern that excessive prosperity and satisfaction can lead to a dangerous detachment from God, as portrayed in Job's accuser's description.
Luke 12:16-19Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who hoards wealth for himself and plans to live in ease, only to die that night. This illustrates the folly of trusting in material abundance and the suddenness with which such a life can end, a stark contrast to the presumption of the man described in Job 15:27.
jfbJob 15:27: "Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks."
- The well-nourished body of the rebel is the sign of his prosperity.collops—masses of fat. He pampers and fattens himself with sensual indulgences; hence his rebellion against God (De 32:15; 1Sa 2:29).
bensonJob 15:27: "Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks."
Job 15:27 . He covereth his face with his fatness — This is mentioned as the reason of his insolent carriage toward God. because he was fat, rich, potent, and successful, as that expression signifies, Deuteronomy 32:15 ; Psalm 78:31 ; Jeremiah 46:21 . His great prosperity made him proud and secure, and regardless of God and men. Maketh collops of fat on his flanks — His only care is to pamper an…
This verse paints a vivid picture: the wicked person is so consumed by luxury and self-indulgence that their own physical excess becomes a kind of blindfold, making them utterly insensate to God and spiritual reality. It's not just about being rich, but about that wealth becoming a shield of pride that prevents them from seeing their sin or God's truth.
Eliphaz is describing the wicked man's arrogance, explaining that his overwhelming prosperity has led him to a life of sensual indulgence and self-satisfaction. This excess has made him so proud and secure that he feels no fear of God or regard for others, leading him to boldly defy divine authority.
Eliphaz is describing the wicked man's arrogance, explaining that his overwhelming prosperity has led him to a life of sensual indulgence and self-satisfaction. This excess has made him so proud and secure that he feels no fear of God or regard for others, leading him to boldly defy divine authority.
"because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist" — This verse paints a vivid picture: the wicked person is so consumed by luxury and self-indulgence that their own physical excess becomes a kind of blindfold, making them utterly insensate to God and…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026