Job 22:2
Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
Original Language Analysis
הַלְאֵ֥ל
unto God
H410
הַלְאֵ֥ל
unto God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
1 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
be profitable
H5532
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
be profitable
Strong's:
H5532
Word #:
2 of 7
to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary
גָּ֑בֶר
Can a man
H1397
גָּ֑בֶר
Can a man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
כִּֽי
as
H3588
כִּֽי
as
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
be profitable
H5532
יִסְכֹּ֖ן
be profitable
Strong's:
H5532
Word #:
5 of 7
to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary
Cross References
Luke 17:10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.Psalms 16:2O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;Job 21:15What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
Historical Context
Ancient pagan religions operated on a do ut des ("I give that you might give") system—gods needed human offerings for sustenance. The Babylonian Atrahasis Epic depicts gods creating humans to do their work. Eliphaz's question implicitly rejects such theology, affirming Yahweh's transcendence. Yet Israel's sacrificial system seemed to suggest God's need for offerings—a tension resolved in Psalm 50:12-13, where God declares He doesn't need sacrifices because He owns everything.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's self-sufficiency transform our view of worship and obedience?
- If God needs nothing from us, why does Scripture speak of delighting in our righteousness or being grieved by our sin?
- How does the incarnation—God becoming man—relate to God's self-sufficiency and desire for relationship?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz poses a rhetorical question striking at human autonomy before God: "Can a man be profitable (sakan, סָכַן) unto God?" The verb implies being advantageous or beneficial. Eliphaz correctly perceives God's self-sufficiency—the Creator needs nothing from creatures (Acts 17:25). However, Eliphaz misapplies this truth, suggesting that because God doesn't need us, our righteousness is irrelevant to Him. Reformed theology affirms God's aseity (self-existence) while maintaining that God freely chooses to delight in obedience and be grieved by sin (Genesis 6:6, Isaiah 62:5). The paradox: God needs nothing, yet desires relationship. This is resolved in the doctrine of grace—God's pleasure in His people flows from His sovereign will, not from what we provide Him. Christ's perfect obedience was profitable not because God lacked righteousness, but because it accomplished the Father's redemptive plan.