Job 22:20
Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
Whereas
H518
אִם
Whereas
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִכְחַ֣ד
is not cut down
H3582
נִכְחַ֣ד
is not cut down
Strong's:
H3582
Word #:
3 of 7
to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy
קִימָ֑נוּ
our substance
H7009
קִימָ֑נוּ
our substance
Strong's:
H7009
Word #:
4 of 7
an opponent (as rising against one), i.e., (collectively) enemies
וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם
but the remnant
H3499
וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם
but the remnant
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
Cross References
Job 20:26All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.Job 1:16While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Historical Context
Fire from heaven destroying the wicked appears throughout Scripture as ultimate judgment (Genesis 19, 2 Kings 1:10-12, Revelation 20:9). Eliphaz invokes the most fearsome divine judgment imagery to cement his case against Job. He will learn his theology was true but misapplied—he himself needed divine mercy, not Job.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the book's ending completely reverse Eliphaz's confident assertions about who will be vindicated?
- What does it mean that Eliphaz needed Job to intercede for him (42:8) after accusing Job of wickedness?
- How should the book of Job transform our confidence in theological formulas about suffering and prosperity?
Analysis & Commentary
Whereas our substance is not cut down (אִם־לֹא נִכְחַד קִימָנוּ)—Qimanu (our rising/substance/existence) contrasts with the wicked's destruction; nichad (cut down/destroyed) echoes verse 16's language. Eliphaz contrasts 'our' (the righteous) security with 'their' (the wicked) judgment.
But the remnant of them the fire consumeth (וְיִתְרָם אָכְלָה אֵשׁ)—Yitram (their remnant/abundance) and achlah esh (fire consumed) invoke Sodom and Gomorrah imagery (Genesis 19:24-28). Fire represents complete, final divine judgment. Eliphaz's entire speech reaches its climax: the wicked get destroyed; we the righteous prosper. The Book of Job's narrative arc proves Eliphaz catastrophically wrong. His substance will be at risk if he doesn't repent and offer sacrifice (42:8). Job's 'remnant' will be doubled by God's blessing (42:10-17). The reversal is total.