King James Version

What Does Job 22:1 Mean?

Job 22:1 in the King James Version says “Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,” — study this verse from Job chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,”

Job 22:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

2

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? as he: or, if he may be profitable, doth his good success depend thereon?

3

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?

Read Job 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said—This verse introduces Eliphaz's third and final speech (22:1-30). After Job's devastating argument about wicked prosperity (chapter 21), Eliphaz abandons reasoned debate and resorts to false accusations. His progression through three speeches shows deteriorating discourse: first, appeals to revelation and experience (4-5); second, warnings about wicked consequences (15); third, baseless accusations of specific sins (22). When theology contradicts observable reality, some respond by doubling down and inventing facts to fit their system.

Eliphaz represents religious certainty that cannot tolerate mystery. His name (אֱלִיפַז) possibly means 'God is fine gold' or 'God is pure,' while Temanite indicates origin from Teman in Edom, famous for wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7, Obadiah 1:8-9). Yet this wise man's certainty blinds him to truth. God will later rebuke Eliphaz and his friends for not speaking truth about Him as Job did (42:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job 22 represents the final speech in the third dialogue cycle. Eliphaz speaks, then Bildad briefly (chapter 25), but Zophar remains silent—the friends are running out of arguments. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom dialogues often featured multiple voices debating universal questions. The Book of Job's dialogue structure resembles Babylonian wisdom literature like Ludlul Bel Nemeqi, though Job's theological sophistication far surpasses other ancient texts. This verse marks the beginning of the friends' final failure to comfort or convince Job.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you responded to uncomfortable truth by doubling down on your position rather than reconsidering it?
  2. What does Eliphaz's trajectory from wisdom to false accusation teach about the danger of theological systems that can't admit mystery?
  3. How can we maintain theological convictions while remaining open to correction when observable reality challenges our understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
וַ֭יַּעַן1 of 4

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֱלִיפַ֥ז2 of 4

“Then Eliphaz”

H464

eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau

הַֽתֵּמָנִ֗י3 of 4

“the Temanite”

H8489

a temanite or descendant of teman

וַיֹּאמַֽר׃4 of 4

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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