Job 22:2
Job 22:2 in Multiple Translations
“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him?
Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
Can a man be profitable unto God? Surely he that is wise is profitable unto himself.
Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself.
“How can anyone be of help to God? Even wise people are only helpful to themselves.
May a man be profitable vnto God, as he that is wise, may be profitable to himselfe?
To God is a man profitable, Because a wise man to himself is profitable?
“Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
Can a man be profitable to God, as he that is wise may be profitable to himself?
Can man be compared with God, even though he were of perfect knowledge?
“◄Can anyone be useful to God?/Certainly no one can be useful to God.► [RHQ] Even people who are wise cannot be helpful to God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 22:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 22:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/לְ/אֵ֥ל
יִסְכָּן
גָּ֑בֶר
כִּֽי
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
עָלֵ֣י/מוֹ
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
הַ/לְ/אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Part | Prep | N-ms
יִסְכָּן
çâkan
H5532
be useful
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
גָּ֑בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
çâkan
H5532
be useful
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלֵ֣י/מוֹ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 22:2
הַ/לְ/אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Part | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
יִסְכָּן
çâkan
H5532
"be useful"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be useful or serve someone, like a steward helping their master. It appears in various forms, including being profitable or customary. In the Bible, it is used to describe being of benefit to others.
Definition: 1) to be of use or service or profit or benefit 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be of use or service 1a2) servitor, steward (participle) 1a3) to benefit, profit 1b) (Hiphil) to be used, be wont, exhibit use or habit, show harmony with, be familiar with, know intimately
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: acquaint (self), be advantage, [idiom] ever, (be, (un-)) profit(-able), treasurer, be wont. See also: Numbers 22:30; Job 22:21; Psalms 139:3.
גָּ֑בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
çâkan
H5532
"be useful"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be useful or serve someone, like a steward helping their master. It appears in various forms, including being profitable or customary. In the Bible, it is used to describe being of benefit to others.
Definition: 1) to be of use or service or profit or benefit 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be of use or service 1a2) servitor, steward (participle) 1a3) to benefit, profit 1b) (Hiphil) to be used, be wont, exhibit use or habit, show harmony with, be familiar with, know intimately
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: acquaint (self), be advantage, [idiom] ever, (be, (un-)) profit(-able), treasurer, be wont. See also: Numbers 22:30; Job 22:21; Psalms 139:3.
עָלֵ֣י/מוֹ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Job 22:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 22:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 22:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 22:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 22:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 22:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 22:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:2
- Sermons on Job 22:2
Context — Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
2“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him?
3Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless? 4Is it for your reverence that He rebukes you and enters into judgment against you?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 17:10 | So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” |
| 2 | Galatians 6:7–8 | Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. |
| 3 | Job 35:6–8 | If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? If you multiply your transgressions, what do you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man. |
| 4 | Psalms 16:2 | I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:13–18 | Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 6 | Job 21:15 | Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
| 7 | Matthew 5:29 | If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. |
| 8 | Proverbs 4:7–9 | Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.” |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 | Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
| 10 | Proverbs 9:12 | If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. |
Job 22:2 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God doesn't need our help or contributions, as He is all-sufficient and self-sufficient, like it says in Psalm 50:12. We can't add anything to God or make Him better in any way. Instead, our focus should be on loving and obeying Him, not trying to earn His favor or benefit Him in some way (Romans 11:33-36). By acknowledging God's sovereignty and self-sufficiency, we can cultivate a deeper reverence and humility in our relationship with Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'be of use to God'?
This phrase suggests that humans cannot add anything to God's nature or abilities, as seen in Psalm 50:12, which says God owns all things and needs nothing from us.
Can a wise person really benefit God?
According to this verse, even the wisest person cannot benefit God, emphasizing God's self-sufficiency, as also stated in Acts 17:25, which says God needs nothing from humans.
How does this relate to our relationship with God?
This verse highlights the idea that our actions and decisions do not affect God's nature or well-being, but rather, our relationship with Him is based on His love and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
What is the significance of Eliphaz's question in this context?
Eliphaz's question serves as a rebuke to Job, implying that Job's righteousness and blamelessness do not earn him special treatment from God, as also suggested in Job 22:3, which questions the delight of the Almighty in human righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I try to 'be of use to God', and how can I adjust my perspective to focus on His self-sufficiency?
- How does the idea that God needs nothing from me affect my motivations for serving Him?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and respect God's sovereignty in my life, even when I don't understand His ways?
- What are some areas where I try to 'benefit' God, and how can I shift my focus to simply loving and obeying Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 22:2
Can a man be profitable unto God?.... Eliphaz imagined that Job thought so, by his insisting so much on his integrity, and complaining of his afflictions; and that God was beholden to him for his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:2
Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? As he that is wise - rather, yea, the (truly) wise (pious) man profiteth himself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:2
Be profitable unto God, i.e. add any thing to his perfection or felicity, to wit, by his righteousness, as the next verse shows. Why then dost thou insist so much upon thy own righteousness, as if thou didst oblige God by it, or as if he could not without injury afflict thee? who supposest thyself to be a righteous person, though indeed thou art not so, as he saith, ,6, &c.; but if thou wert really so, God is not thy debtor for it. As; or, because; or, but; or, yea rather: so this latter clause is to be read without an interrogation, and the former with it. He that is wise may be profitable to himself: a wise or good man (for these in Scripture use are one and the same) doth much good to himself; he promotes his own peace, and honour, and happiness by his goodness; and having so great a reward for his virtue, God is not indebted to him, but he is indebted to God for it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:2
Job 22:2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?Ver. 2. Can a man be profitable unto God] No, neither doth Job say he can, but the contrary, Job 21:22. Howbeit the God of glory, as he is called, Acts 7:2, although his glory is as himself, infinite and eternal, and, therefore, not capable of our addition or detraction (the sun would shine though all the world were blind), yet, to try how we prize his glory, and what we will do for him, he hath declared that he accounteth himself made glorious by us when we get so far as to conceive of him above all creatures. As he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?] Or, But he that is wise, &c. See Proverbs 9:12, which Solomon seemeth to have taken hence. Natural reason taught Plautus to bring in a countryman animating his son cheerfully to follow his business thus, Thou ploughest, harrowest, sowest, and reapest for thyself; to thee shall this labour bring in joy. The word here rendered wise sometimes signifieth prosperous, quod prudentibus omnia feliciter cedant, because prudent persons do usually prosper. Prudentiam felicitas fere sequitur, Isaiah 52:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 22:2
(2) As he that is wise.—It is probably an independent statement: “Surely he that is wise is profitable, &c.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 22:2
Verse 2. Can a man be profitable unto God] God does not afflict thee because thou hast deprived him of any excellency. A man may be profitable to a man, but no man can profit his Maker. He has no interest in thy conduct; he does not punish thee because thou hast offended and deprived him of some good. Thy iniquities are against justice, and justice requires thy punishment.
Cambridge Bible on Job 22:2
2–5. God’s treatment of men cannot be due to any respect which He has to Himself, for He is too lofty to be affected by anything human. He deals with men according to their ways, and Job’s afflictions can be due only to his sin.
Barnes' Notes on Job 22:2
Can a man be profitable unto God? - Can a man confer any favor on God, so as to lay him under obligation?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:2
Hitzig divides the chapter into three double strophes. First double strophe — THE BILL OF , Job 22:2-11.a. A syllogistic proof that Job’s sufferings are the merited punishment of his sins, Job 22:2-5.2. As — ëé, but, or nay but.
Sermons on Job 22:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Humility by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in our daily lives. He uses a picture as an analogy to illustrate how our perception of ourselves can change when |
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Luke - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a passion for lost souls and a desire to see them transformed. He shares the commission given to him by the Lord to |
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The Poor in Spirit Possess God's Kingdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, highlighting how true holiness comes with brokenness and humility. It contrasts legalism with genuine compassion and |
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(Luke) 42 - Encouraging Faith by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true obedience from the heart. He uses the story of the ten lepers to illustrate this point. While all ten lepers obeyed J |
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Hearing God's Word at the Potter's House - Part 2 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of humility and brokenness in order to hear God's word, drawing from personal experiences of unfaithfulness and the need for divine grace. H |
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Homily 7 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of faith in justification, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. He highlights |
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Few Love the Cross of Jesus by Thomas a Kempis | Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of true, selfless love for Jesus, emphasizing the willingness to bear the cross, endure trials, and forsake all self-interest for the |