King James Version

What Does Job 22:4 Mean?

Job 22:4 in the King James Version says “Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?” — study this verse from Job chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?”

Job 22:4 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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?

4

Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?

5

Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?

6

For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. the naked: Heb. the clothes of the naked

Read Job 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? (הֲמִיִּרְאָתְךָ יוֹכִיחֶךָ, hamiyir'atekha yokhichekha)—Eliphaz's rhetorical question drips with sarcasm. Yir'ah (יִרְאָה) means fear or reverence, while yakach (יָכַח) means reprove, correct, or enter into judgment. Eliphaz mockingly asks if God disciplines Job because of Job's piety—an absurd suggestion in Eliphaz's theology. His intended meaning: 'God certainly isn't punishing you because you're too righteous!'

Will he enter with thee into judgment? (יָבוֹא עִמְּךָ בַּמִּשְׁפָּט, yavo immekha bamishpat)—Mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment, justice, or legal case. Eliphaz cannot imagine God prosecuting the righteous, so he concludes Job must be wicked. Ironically, Job has repeatedly demanded exactly this—to present his case in God's court (9:32-35, 13:3, 13:18-22, 23:3-7). Eliphaz's theology has no category for mystery or testing; suffering must equal punishment for sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern religion operated on strict reciprocity—divine beings rewarded righteousness and punished wickedness. Eliphaz articulates this view perfectly: God doesn't discipline the pious, therefore Job's suffering proves hidden sin. This theology couldn't accommodate the prologue's revelation (chapters 1-2) that Job's suffering results from testing, not punishment. The book's message partly aims to expand ancient Israel's understanding beyond simplistic retribution theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Eliphaz's inability to conceive of righteous suffering limit his understanding of God's purposes?
  2. What does Job's desire to argue his case before God teach about honest faith versus the friends' presumption to defend God?
  3. How do we avoid Eliphaz's error of assuming all suffering results from personal sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
הֲֽ֭מִיִּרְאָ֣תְךָ1 of 5

“thee for fear”

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יֹכִיחֶ֑ךָ2 of 5

“Will he reprove”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

יָב֥וֹא3 of 5

“of thee will he enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עִ֝מְּךָ֗4 of 5
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃5 of 5

“with thee into judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 14:3Psalms 143:2Revelation 3:19Isaiah 3:14-15Psalms 80:16Job 9:32

Test Your Knowledge

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

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