King James Version

What Does Job 22:25 Mean?

Job 22:25 in the King James Version says “Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. defence: or, gold plenty: Heb. silver of s...” — study this verse from Job chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. defence: or, gold plenty: Heb. silver of strength”

Job 22:25 · KJV

Strength

Context

23

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

24

Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. as dust: or, on the dust

25

Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. defence: or, gold plenty: Heb. silver of strength

26

For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

27

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

Read Job 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Almighty shall be thy defence—The Hebrew betser (בֶּצֶר) means fortified place, stronghold, or precious ore. Eliphaz plays on words: instead of hoarding gold ore (betsir, v. 24), Job should find his security in Shaddai (שַׁדַּי, the Almighty) as his betser. Thou shalt have plenty of silver uses to'aphot kesef (תּוֹעֲפוֹת כָּסֶף), literally 'heights/abundances of silver,' suggesting overflowing wealth.

The theology is partially sound: God should be our ultimate security (Psalm 18:2, Proverbs 18:10). However, Eliphaz implies this is conditional on repentance from imaginary sins. True faith trusts God as refuge even when He permits the loss of all earthly securities—the very lesson Job embodies (1:21). Paul learned this paradox: godliness with contentment is great gain, and true riches come through knowing Christ (1 Timothy 6:6, Philippians 3:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The name Shaddai (often translated 'Almighty') appears 31 times in Job, more than any other biblical book, reflecting the patriarchal era's preferred divine title. It emphasizes God's power and self-sufficiency. The promise of material abundance through righteousness was central to Ancient Near Eastern covenant theology, reaching full expression in Deuteronomy 28.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do you seek security in material wealth rather than in God Himself?
  2. How does Job's endurance without prosperity redefine what it means to have God as your defense?
  3. What would change if you truly believed that knowing God is more valuable than all earthly riches?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְהָיָ֣ה1 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שַׁדַּ֣י2 of 6

“Yea the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

בְּצָרֶ֑יךָ3 of 6

“shall be thy defence”

H1220

strictly a clipping, i.e., gold (as dug out)

וְכֶ֖סֶף4 of 6

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

תּוֹעָפ֣וֹת5 of 6

“and thou shalt have plenty”

H8443

(only in plural collective) weariness, i.e., (by implication) toil (treasure so obtained) or speed

לָֽךְ׃6 of 6
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 22:25 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 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 16:5-6Isaiah 33:6Genesis 15:1Psalms 84:11Psalms 18:2Isaiah 41:10

Test Your Knowledge

Job 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 22 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes