Job 1:22
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Original Language Analysis
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָטָ֣א
sinned
H2398
חָטָ֣א
sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Job 2:10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Romans 9:20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?James 1:4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, righteous sufferers often eventually accused the gods of injustice or randomness. Job's restraint is remarkable and countercultural for his context.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain the distinction between honest wrestling with God and sinful accusation against Him?
- What does it mean practically to avoid 'charging God foolishly' while still expressing grief and confusion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse provides the narrator's theological verdict: Job 'sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.' The Hebrew 'tiflah' (folly/tastelessness) indicates Job avoided attributing moral unfitness to God. This is crucial—Job doesn't understand God's purposes, but he doesn't accuse God of injustice. Reformed theology affirms that we need not comprehend God's ways to trust His character (Isaiah 55:8-9). Job's response models how believers should distinguish between honest questioning and sinful accusation.