Job 21:22
Job 21:22 in Multiple Translations
Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high?
Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.
Shall any teach God knowledge, Seeing he judgeth those that are high?
Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge of those who are on high.
Can anyone teach God anything he doesn't already know, since he is the one who judges even heavenly beings?
Shall any teache God knowledge, who iudgeth the highest things?
To God doth [one] teach knowledge, And He the high doth judge?
“Shall any teach God knowledge, since he judges those who are high?
Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.
Shall any one teach God knowledge, who judgeth those that are high?
“Since God judges everyone, even those that are in heaven, ◄who can teach God anything?/certainly no one can teach God anything.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:22
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 21:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/לְ/אֵ֥ל
יְלַמֶּד
דָּ֑עַת
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
רָמִ֥ים
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט
הַ/לְ/אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Part | Prep | N-ms
יְלַמֶּד
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
רָמִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 21:22
הַ/לְ/אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Part | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
יְלַמֶּד
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
רָמִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Job 21:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:22
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:22
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:22
- Sermons on Job 21:22
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
20Let his eyes see his own destruction; let him drink for himself the wrath of the Almighty.
21For what does he care about his household after him, when the number of his months has run out?
22Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high?
23One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease. 24His body is well nourished, and his bones are rich with marrow.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 11:34 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 2:16 | “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:13–14 | Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? |
| 4 | Job 15:15 | If God puts no trust in His holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in His eyes, |
| 5 | Psalms 113:5–6 | Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth. |
| 6 | Jude 1:6 | And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. |
| 7 | Job 35:11 | who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’ |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 5:8 | If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. |
| 9 | Psalms 82:1 | God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 6:3 | Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! |
Job 21:22 Summary
This verse is saying that God is all-knowing and doesn't need anyone to teach Him anything. He is the one who judges everyone, even those in high positions of power. This means that God is in control and has a perfect understanding of everything, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, where it is written that nothing is too difficult for God. We can trust in His sovereignty and wisdom, even when we don't understand what is happening in our lives, and rest in the fact that He is our loving and all-powerful God, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'teach knowledge to God' in this verse?
This phrase is rhetorical, emphasizing God's omniscience and that no one can add to His knowledge, as seen in Isaiah 40:13-14, where it is written that God's understanding is beyond human comprehension.
Who are 'those on high' that God judges?
This phrase refers to heavenly beings, such as angels, or possibly even human leaders in positions of power, as seen in Psalm 82:1, where God is said to judge among the gods.
Is this verse saying that God is not all-knowing if He needs to judge?
No, this verse is actually affirming God's all-knowing nature by stating that no one can teach Him anything, and His judgment is a demonstration of His sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 147:5, where God's understanding is said to be infinite.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's response to his friends, emphasizing God's sovereignty and wisdom in the face of suffering, as seen in Job 42:2-3, where Job acknowledges God's power and wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to 'teach God' or tell Him what to do, and how can I surrender those areas to His sovereignty?
- How does the fact that God judges 'those on high' affect my perspective on my own life and the lives of those around me?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's all-knowing nature, especially in times of uncertainty or confusion?
- What are some ways that I can acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty in my daily life, as Job did in the end of the book of Job?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:22
Shall [any] teach God knowledge?.... Who is a God of knowledge, and knows all things, that teaches men knowledge; will any one take upon him to teach him the path of judgment, and the way of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:22
Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. Reply of Job.-`In all these assertions you try to teach God how He ought to deal with men, rather than prove that He does in fact so deal with them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:22
Knowledge, i.e. discretion, or how to govern the world. For so you do, whilst you tell him that he must not sorely afflict the godly, nor give the wicked much and long prosperity here. He judgeth those that are high; either, 1. The highest persons, whether in earth, as the greatest kings; or in heaven, as the angels: he judgeth them, i.e. he exactly knows them, and accordingly gives sentence concerning them, as he sees fit; and therefore it is great folly and presumption in us to direct or correct his judgments. Or, 2. Those things that are high, and deep, and far out of our reach, as God’ s secret counsels and judgments are.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:22
Job 21:22 Shall [any] teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.Ver. 22. Shall any teach God knowledge?] None but a presumptuous fool will take upon him to do that. Such as was Alphonso the wise (the fool rather), who feared not to say openly, that if he had been of God’ s counsel at the creation, some things should have been better made and marshalled (Roderic, Sanct. Hist. Hispan, p. 4, ch. 5). The wisest men are benighted in many things; and whatever light they have it is from the Father of lights, whose judgments are unsearchable, and his ways past finding out. What a madness were it therefore for any mortal to prescribe to the Almighty, or to define whom, when, by what means, and in what measure he must punish offenders! Herein Job’ s friends took too much upon them; and he gives them the telling of it, wishing them to be wise to sobriety, and not to give laws to God, who well knoweth what he hath to do, and how to order his earthly kingdom. To disallow of his dealings is to teach him knowledge; which is greatest sauciness. Seeing he judgeth those that are high] Excelsos in excelsis, the angels, who are so far above us in all manner of excellencies, and yet are ignorant of the wisdom of God’ s ways, which they know but in part; for how little a portion is heard of him?
Job 26:14. His judgments therefore are rather to be adored than pryed into: Mirari oportet. Non rimari, it is proper to be amazed, not to explore. Let us rest contented with a learned ignorance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:22
(22) Shall any teach God knowledge? may be regarded as the hypothetical reply of the antagonist. If the reader prefers to understand these latter verses in any other way, it is open to him to do so, but in our judgment it seems better to understand them thus. The supposed alternative hypothetical argument seems to throw much light upon them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:22
Verse 22. Shall any teach God knowledge?] Who among the sons of men can pretend to teach GOD how to govern the world, who himself teaches those that are high-the heavenly inhabitants, that excel us infinitely both in knowledge and wisdom? Neither angels nor men can comprehend the reasons of the Divine providence. It is a depth known only to God.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:22
22–26. By insisting on a doctrine of providence which did not correspond to God’s providence as actually seen in facts, Job’s friends were making themselves wiser than God and becoming His teachers—Will any teach knowledge unto God? Shall we insist on His method of government being what it plainly is not? This is what it is: One man dieth in his full prosperity,—wholly at ease and quiet. Another man dieth in the bitterness of his soul and has not tasted pleasure. They lie down alike in the dust and the worm covers them. Their different fortune is not determined by their different character. The one is not good and the other wicked. But God distributes to them as He chooses.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:22
Shall any teach God knowledge? - This commences the reply of Job to the sentiments of his friends to which he had just adverted.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:22
22. Teach God knowledge — Prescribe to God what he ought to do! (Job 20:23,) who is perfectly competent to administer his own government. Those that are high — Literally, For he judgeth the high, that is, angels.
Sermons on Job 21:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Shall Any Teach God Knowledge? by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God possesses complete knowledge and understanding of our lives, rendering our prayers a means of communion rather than a way to inform Him. He reassures |
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Our Daily Homily - Job Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the profound themes of justice and divine knowledge in the Book of Job, emphasizing the connection between wrongdoing and its consequences. He highlights that w |
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4) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 6 by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker reviews the main themes of the previous chapters in the book of Daniel, focusing on sovereignty, discipline, holiness, perseverance, pressure, courage, d |
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Pastor Calls Out Liberal Politicans - You're Not God! by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman passionately calls out liberal politicians for attempting to play God by changing laws and societal norms that contradict divine order. He emphasizes the futility of |
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Broken Down Altars by Billy Sunday | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Unfathomable', describing it as that which cannot be traced out or comprehended by human minds, using the Greek word 'anexichniastos'. This |
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Revelation and Reason by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast dif |
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Holy Spirit Given From Heaven by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to |