King James Version
What Does Job 22:20 Mean?
“Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth. substance: or, estate the remnant: or, their excellency”
Job 22:20 · KJV
Context
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
22
Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhereas our substance is not cut down (אִם־לֹא נִכְחַד קִימָנוּ)—Qimanu (our rising/substance/existence) contrasts with the wicked's destruction; nichad (cut down/destroyed) echoes verse 16's language. Eliphaz contrasts 'our' (the righteous) security with 'their' (the wicked) judgment.
But the remnant of them the fire consumeth (וְיִתְרָם אָכְלָה אֵשׁ)—Yitram (their remnant/abundance) and achlah esh (fire consumed) invoke Sodom and Gomorrah imagery (Genesis 19:24-28). Fire represents complete, final divine judgment. Eliphaz's entire speech reaches its climax: the wicked get destroyed; we the righteous prosper. The Book of Job's narrative arc proves Eliphaz catastrophically wrong. His substance will be at risk if he doesn't repent and offer sacrifice (42:8). Job's 'remnant' will be doubled by God's blessing (42:10-17). The reversal is total.
But the remnant of them the fire consumeth (וְיִתְרָם אָכְלָה אֵשׁ)—Yitram (their remnant/abundance) and achlah esh (fire consumed) invoke Sodom and Gomorrah imagery (Genesis 19:24-28). Fire represents complete, final divine judgment. Eliphaz's entire speech reaches its climax: the wicked get destroyed; we the righteous prosper. The Book of Job's narrative arc proves Eliphaz catastrophically wrong. His substance will be at risk if he doesn't repent and offer sacrifice (42:8). Job's 'remnant' will be doubled by God's blessing (42:10-17). The reversal is total.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Fire from heaven destroying the wicked appears throughout Scripture as ultimate judgment (Genesis 19, 2 Kings 1:10-12, Revelation 20:9). Eliphaz invokes the most fearsome divine judgment imagery to cement his case against Job. He will learn his theology was true but misapplied—he himself needed divine mercy, not Job.
Reflection Questions
- How does the book's ending completely reverse Eliphaz's confident assertions about who will be vindicated?
- What does it mean that Eliphaz needed Job to intercede for him (42:8) after accusing Job of wickedness?
- How should the book of Job transform our confidence in theological formulas about suffering and prosperity?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsאִם1 of 7
“Whereas”
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א2 of 7
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
קִימָ֑נוּ4 of 7
“our substance”
H7009an opponent (as rising against one), i.e., (collectively) enemies
וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם5 of 7
“but the remnant”
H3499properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
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 22:20 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 22:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge