King James Version

What Does Job 21:15 Mean?

Job 21:15 in the King James Version says “What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?”

Job 21:15 · KJV

Prayer

Context

13

They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. in wealth: or, in mirth

14

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

15

What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

16

Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

17

How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger. candle: or, lamp

Read Job 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked ask, "What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?" The interrogative mah (מָה, "what") can express dismissiveness—not seeking information but expressing contempt. The verb abad (עָבַד, "serve") denotes worship and work. The noun ya'al (יַעַל, "profit") asks about utility and benefit. Job quotes the wicked's utilitarian approach to God: "What's in it for us?" This exposesreligious pragmatism that values God only for benefits received. From a Reformed perspective, this reveals the natural man's transactional view of religion—serving God for gain rather than because He deserves worship. True piety worships God for His worth, not for personal advantage. This contrast appears in Job 1:9, where Satan asks if Job fears God for nothing. The book demonstrates that genuine faith persists even when profit disappears. Jesus warned against this mentality: "Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves" (John 6:26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient religions operated on quid pro quo principles—sacrifice to receive blessings. The wicked's question reflects this mercenary approach. However, Israelite covenant theology, while including blessings for obedience, demanded love and service from the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5). The prophets condemned mere ritual without genuine devotion (Isaiah 1:11-17). Job's faithfulness when profit vanished demonstrated authentic piety transcending transactionalism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we examine whether our service to God is motivated by His worth or by what we hope to gain?
  2. What does Job's continued faithfulness despite loss teach about authentic versus mercenary religion?
  3. How does Jesus' warning about following Him for loaves rather than truth apply to modern Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מַה1 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

שַׁדַּ֥י2 of 9

“What is the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

כִּֽי3 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ4 of 9

“that we should serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וּמַה5 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל6 of 9

“him and what profit”

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

כִּ֣י7 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִפְגַּע8 of 9

“should we have if we pray”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בּֽוֹ׃9 of 9
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 21:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 5:2Job 34:9Malachi 1:13-14Proverbs 30:9Psalms 12:4Isaiah 30:11

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