Job 22:19
The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.
Original Language Analysis
יִרְא֣וּ
see
H7200
יִרְא֣וּ
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְיִשְׂמָ֑חוּ
it and are glad
H8055
וְיִשְׂמָ֑חוּ
it and are glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
3 of 6
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom celebrated the downfall of the wicked as proof of divine justice (Proverbs 11:10). The righteous rejoicing at judgment appears throughout Scripture as theodicy—God's justice will ultimately prevail. Eliphaz applies this to Job, missing that he himself represents false counsel that God will reject.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse's ultimate irony (Eliphaz will be rebuked, Job vindicated) warn against premature judgment of others' suffering?
- What is the difference between rejoicing in God's justice and taking pleasure in another's suffering?
- How might we be like Eliphaz—so confident in our theological framework that we miss what God is actually doing?
Analysis & Commentary
The righteous see it, and are glad (יִרְאוּ צַדִּיקִים וְיִשְׂמָחוּ)—Tsaddiqim (righteous ones) rejoice (yismakhu) at divine justice against the wicked. Eliphaz pictures the righteous celebrating when God judges sinners—a theme from imprecatory psalms (58:10, 107:42).
The innocent laugh them to scorn (וְנָקִי יִלְעַג־לָמוֹ)—Naqi (innocent/clean) and yil'ag (mock/deride) complete the picture of vindication. The innocent's laughter celebrates God's justice being manifest. The cruel irony: Eliphaz thinks he and Job's other friends are the righteous witnesses celebrating Job's deserved punishment. In reality, God will vindicate Job and condemn the friends (42:7-9). They are the false witnesses whose counsel will be rejected. The passage predicts its own reversal.