Ayub 27:8-10

27:8 For what hope does the godless have when he is cut off, ¹ 

when God takes away his life? ² 

27:9 Does God listen to his cry

when distress overtakes him?

27:10 Will he find delight ³  in the Almighty?

Will he call out to God at all times?

[27:8]  ¹ tn The verb יִבְצָע (yivtsa’) means “to cut off.” It could be translated transitively or intransitively – the latter is better here (“when he is cut off”). Since the next line speaks of prayer, some have thought this verse should be about prayer. Mandelkern, in his concordance (p. 228b), suggested the verb should be “when he prays” (reading יִפְגַּע [yifga’] in place of יִבְצָע [yivtsa’]).

[27:8]  ² tn The verb יֵשֶׁל (yeshel) is found only here. It has been related spoils [or sheaves]”); שָׁאַל (sha’al, “to ask”); נָשָׂא (nasa’, “to lift up” [i.e., pray]); and a host of others.

[27:10]  ³ tn See the note on 22:26 where the same verb is employed.