Job 21:15
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ
that we should serve
H5647
נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ
that we should serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
4 of 9
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל
him and what profit
H3276
נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל
him and what profit
Strong's:
H3276
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Ancient religions operated on quid pro quo principles—sacrifice to receive blessings. The wicked's question reflects this mercenary approach. However, Israelite covenant theology, while including blessings for obedience, demanded love and service from the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5). The prophets condemned mere ritual without genuine devotion (Isaiah 1:11-17). Job's faithfulness when profit vanished demonstrated authentic piety transcending transactionalism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we examine whether our service to God is motivated by His worth or by what we hope to gain?
- What does Job's continued faithfulness despite loss teach about authentic versus mercenary religion?
- How does Jesus' warning about following Him for loaves rather than truth apply to modern Christianity?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked ask, "What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?" The interrogative mah (מָה, "what") can express dismissiveness—not seeking information but expressing contempt. The verb abad (עָבַד, "serve") denotes worship and work. The noun ya'al (יַעַל, "profit") asks about utility and benefit. Job quotes the wicked's utilitarian approach to God: "What's in it for us?" This exposesreligious pragmatism that values God only for benefits received. From a Reformed perspective, this reveals the natural man's transactional view of religion—serving God for gain rather than because He deserves worship. True piety worships God for His worth, not for personal advantage. This contrast appears in Job 1:9, where Satan asks if Job fears God for nothing. The book demonstrates that genuine faith persists even when profit disappears. Jesus warned against this mentality: "Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves" (John 6:26).