Job 27:10
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִתְעַנָּ֑ג
Will he delight
H6026
יִתְעַנָּ֑ג
Will he delight
Strong's:
H6026
Word #:
4 of 8
to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious
יִקְרָ֖א
call
H7121
יִקְרָ֖א
call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Job's question addresses the fundamental issue debated throughout the book: What motivates authentic worship? Ancient Near Eastern religion was largely transactional—offerings secured divine favor and blessing. Job's insistence on delighting in God Himself apart from benefits represents a theological revolution, pointing toward the gospel's emphasis on knowing God as supreme treasure.
Questions for Reflection
- Would you still delight in God if He never gave you another earthly blessing?
- How do you cultivate prayer as communion with God rather than merely presenting requests?
- What does Job's persistent calling upon God despite unanswered prayer teach about faith's perseverance?
Analysis & Commentary
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? (עַל־שַׁדַּי יִתְעַנָּג)—the verb ta'anag (תַּעֲנַג) means to take exquisite delight, pleasure, or joy. Shaddai (שַׁדַּי, the Almighty) emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and sovereignty. Job questions whether the wicked finds joy in God Himself apart from blessings received. Will he always call upon God? (יִקְרָא אֱלוֹהַּ בְּכָל־עֵת)—the persistence implied by 'always' (bekol-et, בְּכָל־עֵת, at every time) reveals true faith.
These rhetorical questions probe the heart of genuine piety: Does one love God for who He is, or merely for what He gives? This echoes Satan's original accusation against Job (1:9-11)—does Job fear God 'for nothing'? Job has now become his own test case, maintaining his relationship with God despite loss, thus refuting Satan's charge. True faith delights in God's character and perseveres in prayer not because of favorable circumstances but because God Himself is the soul's treasure (Psalm 73:25-26). This anticipates the NT teaching on joy in God as the essence of eternal life (John 17:3).