King James Version
What Does Job 22:19 Mean?
“The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.”
Job 22:19 · KJV
Context
17
Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them? for: or, to
18
Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19
The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.
20
Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth. substance: or, estate the remnant: or, their excellency
21
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. him: that is, God
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe righteous see it, and are glad (יִרְאוּ צַדִּיקִים וְיִשְׂמָחוּ)—Tsaddiqim (righteous ones) rejoice (yismakhu) at divine justice against the wicked. Eliphaz pictures the righteous celebrating when God judges sinners—a theme from imprecatory psalms (58:10, 107:42).
The innocent laugh them to scorn (וְנָקִי יִלְעַג־לָמוֹ)—Naqi (innocent/clean) and yil'ag (mock/deride) complete the picture of vindication. The innocent's laughter celebrates God's justice being manifest. The cruel irony: Eliphaz thinks he and Job's other friends are the righteous witnesses celebrating Job's deserved punishment. In reality, God will vindicate Job and condemn the friends (42:7-9). They are the false witnesses whose counsel will be rejected. The passage predicts its own reversal.
The innocent laugh them to scorn (וְנָקִי יִלְעַג־לָמוֹ)—Naqi (innocent/clean) and yil'ag (mock/deride) complete the picture of vindication. The innocent's laughter celebrates God's justice being manifest. The cruel irony: Eliphaz thinks he and Job's other friends are the righteous witnesses celebrating Job's deserved punishment. In reality, God will vindicate Job and condemn the friends (42:7-9). They are the false witnesses whose counsel will be rejected. The passage predicts its own reversal.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom celebrated the downfall of the wicked as proof of divine justice (Proverbs 11:10). The righteous rejoicing at judgment appears throughout Scripture as theodicy—God's justice will ultimately prevail. Eliphaz applies this to Job, missing that he himself represents false counsel that God will reject.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse's ultimate irony (Eliphaz will be rebuked, Job vindicated) warn against premature judgment of others' suffering?
- What is the difference between rejoicing in God's justice and taking pleasure in another's suffering?
- How might we be like Eliphaz—so confident in our theological framework that we miss what God is actually doing?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsיִרְא֣וּ1 of 6
“see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְיִשְׂמָ֑חוּ3 of 6
“it and are glad”
H8055probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
יִלְעַג5 of 6
“laugh them to scorn”
H3932to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
לָֽמוֹ׃6 of 6
H0Study 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 22:19 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 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge