Job 22:21
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
הַסְכֶּן
Acquaint
H5532
הַסְכֶּן
Acquaint
Strong's:
H5532
Word #:
1 of 7
to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 7
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
עִמּ֑וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וּשְׁלם
now thyself with him and be at peace
H7999
וּשְׁלם
now thyself with him and be at peace
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
4 of 7
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Isaiah 27:5Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Psalms 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.Acts 10:36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)Matthew 5:25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Eliphaz's third speech intensifies accusations, now explicitly charging Job with specific sins (oppressing the poor, denying water to the thirsty, etc.) without evidence. His counsel to 'acquaint thyself with God' implies Job doesn't know God, contradicting God's own testimony (1:8, 2:3). The misapplication of true counsel illustrates how accusatory counselors often escalate charges when initial accusations fail.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we ensure that our spiritual counsel addresses actual needs rather than assumed deficiencies?
- What does Eliphaz's escalation teach about the danger of doubling down on false accusations when challenged?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz urges: 'Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.' The verb sakan (סָכַן, acquaint) means to be familiar with, to befriend. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם, peace) denotes wholeness, completeness, harmony with God. Tovah (טוֹבָה, good) refers to prosperity and blessing. Eliphaz's counsel contains truth—relationship with God brings peace and blessing. However, he assumes Job lacks this relationship, making true advice misapplied. The verse demonstrates that even biblical counsel becomes false witness when wrongly applied.