All humanity will eventually face the consequences of their choices.
“It will be paid in full before his time, And his branch will not be green.” (v.32) In this verse, the speaker, Eliphaz, addresses the destructive consequences awaiting the wicked. Eliphaz was one of Job’s friends, specifically identified as a Temanite, originating from Teman in the region of Edom, south of the Dead Sea. The book of Job as a whole is set in the land of Uz, believed to be east or southeast of Canaan, and the events are often placed by scholars in the patriarchal era around 2100-1900 BC. Eliphaz’s point here is that those who persist in wrongdoing will suffer the consequences prematurely—“It will be paid in full before his time.” This phrase takes on a sobering tone, underscoring that the penalty for sin tends to arrive swifter than the offender expects.
When Eliphaz says, “And his branch will not be green,” (v.32) he paints a stark image of barrenness and lifelessness. A green branch symbolizes vitality, potential, and growth; its absence indicates someone whose promise has faded, whose future prospects are cut off. Eliphaz’s assertion echoes the notion that wickedness stifles and eventually destroys the fruitful potential of a person’s life. The imagery here aligns with other scriptural themes that connect spiritual fruitfulness with following God’s ways (John 15:4-5). Conversely, turning away from righteousness leads to emptiness and inevitable loss.
Through Eliphaz’s words, we also sense a broader biblical truth: “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces the principle that those who choose evil over good cannot flourish in genuine, lasting ways. Thus, the verse reminds readers of the swift and certain demise that follows a life lived in rebellion to God—a warning for anyone leaning toward choices that separate them from divine purpose.
Set to dark mode
Job 15:32 meaning
“It will be paid in full before his time, And his branch will not be green.” (v.32) In this verse, the speaker, Eliphaz, addresses the destructive consequences awaiting the wicked. Eliphaz was one of Job’s friends, specifically identified as a Temanite, originating from Teman in the region of Edom, south of the Dead Sea. The book of Job as a whole is set in the land of Uz, believed to be east or southeast of Canaan, and the events are often placed by scholars in the patriarchal era around 2100-1900 BC. Eliphaz’s point here is that those who persist in wrongdoing will suffer the consequences prematurely—“It will be paid in full before his time.” This phrase takes on a sobering tone, underscoring that the penalty for sin tends to arrive swifter than the offender expects.
When Eliphaz says, “And his branch will not be green,” (v.32) he paints a stark image of barrenness and lifelessness. A green branch symbolizes vitality, potential, and growth; its absence indicates someone whose promise has faded, whose future prospects are cut off. Eliphaz’s assertion echoes the notion that wickedness stifles and eventually destroys the fruitful potential of a person’s life. The imagery here aligns with other scriptural themes that connect spiritual fruitfulness with following God’s ways (John 15:4-5). Conversely, turning away from righteousness leads to emptiness and inevitable loss.
Through Eliphaz’s words, we also sense a broader biblical truth: “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces the principle that those who choose evil over good cannot flourish in genuine, lasting ways. Thus, the verse reminds readers of the swift and certain demise that follows a life lived in rebellion to God—a warning for anyone leaning toward choices that separate them from divine purpose.