What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

JOB 21:15KJV
Know the Bible

Job 21:15 (KJV)

What does Job 21:15 mean?

Job 21:15 describes people questioning the value of serving God, asking, “What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” The verse voices skepticism about whether honoring God brings any real benefit or reward.

In this part of the book of Job, Job is quoting the attitude of the wicked as he argues with his friends. Job points out that some people openly dismiss God, doubting that serving or praying to Him brings any advantage. This challenges the idea, held by Job’s friends, that good things always happen to the righteous and bad things to the wicked.

The Hebrew behind Job 21:15

  • Almighty (שַׁדַּי, shaddai): This is a title for God that emphasizes His power. Here, the word highlights how those speaking in the verse are dismissive even of God’s might.
  • Serve (עָבַד, avad): This word means to work for or worship. The verse questions whether it is worthwhile to devote oneself to God in any way.
  • Profit (בֶּצַע, betsa): This word refers to gain or advantage, often material. The question is whether there is any tangible benefit to seeking God.
  • Pray (פָּגַע, paga): This word can mean to intercede or plead. The verse wonders if there is any use in reaching out to God in prayer.

Why Job 21:15 matters

  • Job 21:15 highlights that not everyone in the ancient world believed serving God was worthwhile, showing that skepticism and doubt are not new.
  • The verse is key to Job’s argument that the wicked can prosper and feel no need for God, challenging the simple “good things happen to good people” view.
  • Understanding the original words helps clarify that the questions are about both worship and practical benefit, not just religious ritual.

Where else these words appear

“profit” Hebrew H3276 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
  • Isaiah 30:5 They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
  • Jeremiah 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

“pray” Hebrew H6293 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 23:8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
  • Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,
  • 1 Kings 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
  • Job 29:5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;