Job 21:15
Job 21:15 in Multiple Translations
Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
What is the Ruler of all, that we may give him worship? and what profit is it to us to make prayer to him?
Who does the Almighty think he is for us to serve him as slaves? What benefit is there for us if we pray to him?’
Who is the Almightie, that we should serue him? and what profit should we haue, if we should pray vnto him?
What [is] the Mighty One that we serve Him? And what do we profit when we meet with Him?'
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, if we pray to him?’
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray to him?
Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what doth it profit us if we pray to him?
Why do you, Almighty God, think that we should serve you? ◄What advantage do we get if we pray to you?/It is useless for us to pray to you.► [RHQ]’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 21:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
שַׁדַּ֥י
כִּֽי
נַֽעַבְדֶ֑/נּוּ
וּ/מַה
נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל
כִּ֣י
נִפְגַּע
בּֽ/וֹ
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
שַׁדַּ֥י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נַֽעַבְדֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל
yaʻal
H3276
to gain
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִפְגַּע
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
בּֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:15
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
שַׁדַּ֥י
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נַֽעַבְדֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל
yaʻal
H3276
"to gain"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to gain or ascend, and can also mean to be valuable or beneficial. It is used in various forms in the Bible to convey the idea of profit or advantage.
Definition: (Hiphil) to gain, profit, benefit, avail
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, set forward, can do good, (be, have) profit, (able). See also: 1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 44:10; Proverbs 10:2.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִפְגַּע
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
בּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 21:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:15
- Sermons on Job 21:15
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
13They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace.
14Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways.
15Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’
16Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked. 17How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? Does disaster come upon them? Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 5:2 | But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” |
| 2 | Job 34:9 | For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ |
| 3 | Malachi 1:13–14 | You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD. “But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations. |
| 4 | Psalms 12:4 | They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?” |
| 5 | Isaiah 30:11 | Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!” |
| 6 | Proverbs 30:9 | Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God. |
| 7 | Job 35:3 | For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’ |
| 8 | Isaiah 45:19 | I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right. |
| 9 | Hosea 13:6 | When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me. |
| 10 | Matthew 7:7 | Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. |
Job 21:15 Summary
[This verse shows that some people don't think God is important or worth listening to, and they don't want to obey Him, as seen in Job 21:15. They think they can do just fine on their own, but this is a foolish attitude, as seen in Psalm 14:1. We should remember that God is all-powerful and wise, and it's always best to trust and obey Him, even when things are hard, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By doing so, we can experience true peace and prosperity, not just temporary happiness, as seen in Matthew 6:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attitude of the wicked towards God in this verse?
The wicked have a rebellious attitude towards God, questioning His authority and the benefit of serving Him, as seen in Job 21:15, similar to the attitude of Pharaoh in Exodus 5:2 who refused to acknowledge God's authority.
Does this verse imply that God is not worthy of worship?
No, this verse actually highlights the foolishness of those who reject God, as seen in Psalm 14:1, where it is written that the fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.', and in Romans 1:20-21, where it is written that people are without excuse for not worshiping God.
What is the underlying motivation behind the wicked's question in this verse?
The wicked are motivated by a desire to live life on their own terms, free from God's authority and accountability, as seen in Job 21:14-15, where they say 'Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways' and then question the benefit of serving God.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, a major theme in the book of Job, where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, but ultimately, God's justice and sovereignty are upheld, as seen in Job 42:2-3, where Job acknowledges God's power and wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unintentionally questioning God's authority or wisdom in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for God's power and majesty, as seen in verses like Psalm 111:10 and Isaiah 6:1-5?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to live independently of God, and how can I surrender those areas to His control, as seen in Romans 12:1-2?
- How can I balance the desire for prosperity and happiness with the need to trust and obey God, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Job 13:15 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:15
What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him?.... "Who is he" (t)? as some render it; or what is there in him, in his nature, in his excellencies and perfections, that should oblige us to serve him?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:15
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? (Cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:15
What excellency is there in him? and what advantage have we or can we expect from him?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:15
Job 21:15 What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?Ver. 15. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?] Here the rottenness of their hearts blistereth out at the lips of these rich wretches, these fat bulls of Bashan, such as was Pharaoh, that sturdy rebel, who asked this very question in the text, What, or who, is the Almighty? &c., Exodus 5:2; and hath a large reply made him by one plague upon another, till he was compelled to answer himself, The Lord is righteous. (He seemeth to rehearse the very words of Pharaoh. Diod.) Forced he was to speak fair while held upon the rack, if nothing else, yet that he might get off. Such queryings as this carry greatest contempt in them, and would lay the Almighty quite below the required duty; as if Almighty were but an empty title, and that he could do neither good nor evil, Zephaniah 1:12, that it was to no purpose or profit to serve him, that the gains would not pay for the pains, &c. And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?] Heb. If we meet him, viz. by our prayers, Jeremiah 7:16 Amos 4:12 Malachi 3:14, Children will not say their prayers unless they may have their breakfast; nor hypocrites pray but for some profit. They pretend sometimes to meet God, but they draw not near with that true heart, mentioned Hebrews 10:20; in seeking God they merely seek themselves, as Spira said he did. In Parabola ovis capras suas quaerunt. No penny, no Pater Noster our Father.
And as the wolf in the fable having spelled Pater, and being bid put together, said Agnus; so when these pray, their hearts are upon their half penny, Ezekiel 33:31 They follow Christ for the loaves, and serve him no longer than he serves their turns. - Rarae fumant faelicibus arae.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:15
Verse 15. What is the Almighty] What allegiance do we owe to him? We feel no obligation to obey him; and what profit can we derive from prayer? We are as happy as flesh and blood can make us: our kingdom is of this world; we wish for no other portion than that which we have. Those who have never prayed as they ought know nothing of the benefits of prayer.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:15
7–21. This great mystery of the prosperity of the wicked in God’s providence Job now unfolds on both its sides: first, they and all belonging to them prosper, and they die in peace, although in conscious godlessness they bade the Almighty depart from them, Job 21:7-16; and second, negatively, examples of calamity befalling them are few, Job 21:17-21.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:15
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? - compare for similar expressions, Exodus 5:2; Proverbs 30:9. The meaning here is, “What claim has the Almighty, or who is he, that we should be bound to obey and worship him?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:15
15. What is the Almighty — The almost identical language of Pharaoh. (Exodus 5:2.) The reason for their repulse of God is threefold and comprehensive — they desire neither his knowledge, service, nor worship.
Sermons on Job 21:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Use and Abuse of Money by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and warns of the repercussions for ignoring them. He specifically focuses on the message in Jam |
|
The Beatitudes the First Beatitude by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound truth of the first Beatitude, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven,' highlighting that true blessedness comes not |
|
A Good Reminder About a Bad Heart by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford delves into the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, highlighting the dangers of heart-hardness and resistance to God. He emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, a |
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Homily 65 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and lowliness of heart, contrasting it with the dangers of arrogance and pride. He emphasizes how true greatness comes from s |
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He Dares Spit in the Very Face of God Himself! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their o |
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Discerning the Fellowship of Jesus Christ by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing a sudden encounter with God's power and presence. He compares it to the moment when Lazarus heard Jesus' voic |
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Brokenness by Alan Andrews | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi |