Job 35:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 35:3
3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
Chapter Context
Job 35 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, creation. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 35:3
3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
Analysis
Elihu quotes Job's question: "For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?" The noun sakan (סָכַן, "advantage") means benefit or profit. The verb ya'al (יָעַל, "profit") asks about usefulness. Elihu accuses Job of asking what good righteousness does. This is another mischaracterization—Job questioned why righteousness didn't protect from suffering, not whether righteousness matters. From a Reformed perspective, Elihu identifies a real danger: justifying righteousness by its earthly benefits rather than God's glory and command. Yet Job's actual question was more subtle: if covenant promises blessing, why does he suffer? This reflects wrestling with providence, not denying righteousness's value. The distinction matters: questioning God's ways isn't the same as rejecting His commands. Lament psalms similarly question God's dealings while maintaining obedience.
Historical Context
Covenant theology taught that righteousness brings blessing (Deuteronomy 28). Job's suffering thus raised legitimate questions about providence. However, later revelation clarifies that righteousness's ultimate value transcends earthly rewards—it's commanded because God is righteous and we're to reflect His image. Elihu's concern that righteousness must be pursued regardless of immediate benefit contains truth, even if his representation of Job's position is flawed.
Reflection
- What is the difference between questioning God's providence and denying the value of righteousness?
- How should Christians maintain obedience when earthly rewards don't follow?
- What does Job's experience teach about the relationship between covenant promises and individual providence?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 34:9