Job 22:3
Job 22:3 in Multiple Translations
Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless?
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? Or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
Is it of any interest to the Ruler of all that you are upright? or is it of use to him that your ways are without sin?
Is it any benefit to the Almighty if you're a good person? What does he gain if you do what's right?
Is it any thing vnto the Almightie, that thou art righteous? or is it profitable to him, that thou makest thy wayes vpright?
Is it a delight to the Mighty One That thou art righteous? is it gain, That thou makest perfect thy ways?
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him that you make your ways perfect?
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him , that thou makest thy ways perfect?
What doth it profit God if thou be just? or what dost thou give him if thy way be unspotted?
If you were righteous, ◄would that benefit Almighty God?/that certainly would not benefit Almighty God.► [RHQ] If you had ◄lived a perfect life/never done anything that is wrong►, would that help him?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 22:3
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 22:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/חֵ֣פֶץ
לְ֭/שַׁדַּי
כִּ֣י
תִצְדָּ֑ק
וְ/אִם
בֶּ֝֗צַע
כִּֽי
תַתֵּ֥ם
דְּרָכֶֽי/ךָ
הַ/חֵ֣פֶץ
chêphets
H2656
pleasure
Part | N-ms
לְ֭/שַׁדַּי
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
Prep | N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִצְדָּ֑ק
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בֶּ֝֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תַתֵּ֥ם
tâmam
H8552
to finish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
דְּרָכֶֽי/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | 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 22:3
הַ/חֵ֣פֶץ
chêphets
H2656
"pleasure"
Part | N-ms
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.
לְ֭/שַׁדַּי
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
Prep | 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.
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.
תִצְדָּ֑ק
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בֶּ֝֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
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.
תַתֵּ֥ם
tâmam
H8552
"to finish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.
דְּרָכֶֽי/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Job 22:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 22:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 22:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 22:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 22:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 22:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:3
- Sermons on Job 22:3
Context — Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
2“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him?
3Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless?
4Is it for your reverence that He rebukes you and enters into judgment against you? 5Is not your wickedness great? Are not your iniquities endless?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:8 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 7:1 | Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. |
| 3 | Psalms 147:10–11 | He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:22 | Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. |
| 5 | Proverbs 11:1 | Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight. |
| 6 | Job 23:10–12 | Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. |
| 7 | Acts 24:16 | In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. |
| 8 | Proverbs 11:20 | The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 29:17 | I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You. |
| 10 | Malachi 2:17 | You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” |
Job 22:3 Summary
This verse is asking if God is pleased when we do good things, and if He benefits from our good behavior. The answer is that God is not like a person who needs our help or benefits from what we do, as seen in Psalm 50:12-13. Instead, He is a self-sufficient God who does what is best for us, even when we don't understand, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can trust that God loves us and wants what is best for us, even if our good behavior doesn't 'profit' Him in any way, and we can learn to love and obey Him simply because of who He is, as seen in John 14:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eliphaz trying to say about God's relationship with humans in Job 22:3?
Eliphaz is questioning whether God benefits from human righteousness, suggesting that God's actions are not influenced by human behavior, as seen in Job 22:2 and supported by Psalm 50:12-13, which states that God does not need anything from humans.
Does God take pleasure in human righteousness?
According to Psalm 37:23, God does take pleasure in the ways of the righteous, but in the context of Job 22:3, Eliphaz is highlighting the idea that God's actions are not motivated by human behavior, as He is a self-sufficient God, as stated in Acts 17:25.
What does it mean for God to 'profit' from human behavior?
In this context, 'profit' means to benefit or gain something, but as seen in Job 22:2-3 and supported by Romans 11:35, God does not need anything from humans, and His actions are not driven by human behavior, but rather by His own character and purposes.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the book of Job?
This verse is part of a larger discussion about the nature of God's relationship with humans, and whether human behavior can influence God's actions, a theme that is explored throughout the book of Job, particularly in Job 1:1-3 and Job 42:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to 'earn' God's favor or approval, and how does this verse challenge those motivations?
- In what ways do I believe that my righteous behavior can 'benefit' God, and how does this verse correct that thinking?
- How does the idea that God does not 'profit' from human behavior change my understanding of His character and nature?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to 'impress' God with my behavior, and how can I shift my focus to simply loving and obeying Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 22:3
[Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous?.... It is not; the Lord indeed takes pleasure in his people, not as sinners, but as righteous; and as they are considered such in Christ,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:3
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:3
Any pleasure, i.e. such a pleasure as he needs for his own ease and contentment, without which he could not be happy, as appears by the foregoing and following words; for otherwise God is oft said to delight in the good actions of his people, to wit, so far as to approve and accept them. That thou makest thy ways perfect; that thy life is free from blemish, as thou pretendest, but falsely, as I shall show.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:3
Job 22:3 [Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?Ver. 3. Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?] Num volupe est Omnipotenti? &c. Is anything added to his joy? Or needeth he thy manners and virtues to the making up of his perfection? Nothing less, surely. True it is, that he soliciteth suitors, John 4:23, and is well pleased with our performances, Psalms 51:6. But it is for our sakes, and to our benefit, and not his own. Like as the sun, when he casteth abroad his beams in the world, seemeth to receive light from some other creatures, whereas in truth they all receive light from him, and not he from them; so it is here: and as the same sun draws up vapours from the earth, not for itself, but to render them again to the earth, to moisten and fatten it; so God, the true Sun of our souls, draweth from us our sighs and services, not for his own profit, but to rain them down again upon us in so many blessings.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 22:3
Verse 3. Is it any pleasure to the Almighty] Infinite in his perfections, he can neither gain nor lose by the wickedness or righteousness of men.
Cambridge Bible on Job 22:3
3. Is it any pleasure] Or, advantage, concern; see on ch. Job 21:21. The idea that men’s actions cannot affect God is common in the Book, see ch. Job 7:20, Job 35:5-8. Job 22:2-3 go together, and express this single conception that God’s treatment of men is not due to any respect He has to Himself, but is strictly according to the character of men.
Barnes' Notes on Job 22:3
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? - This is the same sentiment which was advanced in the previous verse. The meaning is, that it can be no advantage to God that a man is righteous.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:3
3. Pleasure to the Almighty — çôö, same word as in Job 21:21, which see. It is the necessity of every moral being to delight in those moral qualities that are like its own.
Sermons on Job 22:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Grave Warnings! by David Daniel | David Daniel emphasizes the sacredness of entering the house of the Lord, warning against the dangers of familiarity that can lead to contempt. He urges believers to approach worsh |
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The Giver's Hand by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of offering gifts to the Lord with clean hands, highlighting that God looks at the heart of the giver rather than the gift itself. He st |
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God's Delight by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God not only loves His people but also delights in each one of us, taking great pleasure in our lives and well-being. He compares this divine deligh |
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Continue Upright by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of being upright in our lives, as the prayer of the upright is a delight to God, according to Proverbs 15:8. He urges believers to maintai |
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Because You Are God's Beloved Child by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of prayer mixed with faith as the essential response to every aspect of our lives. He highlights the importance of seeking God first, as instru |
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Polycarp, John and Jesus by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches about the inspiring story of Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, who faced persecution with unwavering faith and courage, refusing to renounce Christ even in the |
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The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |