Job 11:14
If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אָ֣וֶן
If iniquity
H205
אָ֣וֶן
If iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
2 of 8
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
בְּ֭יָדְךָ
be in thine hand
H3027
בְּ֭יָדְךָ
be in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַרְחִיקֵ֑הוּ
put it far away
H7368
הַרְחִיקֵ֑הוּ
put it far away
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
4 of 8
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּשְׁכֵּ֖ן
dwell
H7931
תַּשְׁכֵּ֖ן
dwell
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
6 of 8
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Ancient covenant theology linked obedience to blessing, disobedience to curse (Deuteronomy 28). Zophar operates within this framework, assuming Job's calamity proves covenant violation. The book of Job will challenge this mechanistic understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we call people to repentance without presuming to know their specific sins?
- What is the relationship between suffering and sin in a post-fall, pre-consummation world?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Zophar's counsel: 'If iniquity (אָוֶן, aven—wickedness, trouble) be in thine hand, put it far away' assumes Job's suffering results from specific sins in his possession or household ('tabernacles'—אֹהָלֶיךָ, ohalekha). The imperative 'put far away' (הַרְחֵק, harcheq) and 'let not dwell' (אַל־תַּשְׁכֵּן, al-tashken) demand active renunciation. This reflects the biblical call to repentance and holiness (Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 1:16). However, it assumes facts not in evidence—that Job harbors unconfessed sin. The verse illustrates how biblical truth misapplied becomes accusation. The Reformed doctrine of progressive sanctification acknowledges ongoing sin while denying that all suffering results from specific transgressions.