Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

JOB 22:12KJV
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Job 22:12 (KJV)

What does Job 22:12 mean?

Job 22:12 describes someone pointing out that God is far above, in the highest part of heaven, and that the stars themselves are incredibly high up. The verse uses the vastness of the sky and stars to emphasize how exalted and distant God seems.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job during their debate about suffering and justice. Eliphaz is challenging Job by reminding him of God's greatness and transcendence, using the imagery of the heavens and stars to make his point. The verse sets up Eliphaz's argument that God is so high above that He sees everything, countering any suggestion that God might not notice what happens on earth.

The Hebrew behind Job 22:12

  • "God" (אֱלוֹהַּ, 'eloah): This word for God is used here to highlight the divine, powerful nature of the one being discussed, not just any god but the supreme God.
  • "height" (גֹּבַהּ, govah): This word refers to something being high or lofty, stressing the immense distance between God and the earth.
  • "heaven" (שָּׁמַיִם, shamayim): This is the standard Hebrew word for "heaven" or "sky," pointing to the visible expanse above, which in ancient thought was the realm of God.
  • "stars" (כּוֹכָב, kokhav): The stars are used as a symbol of the highest points in the sky, representing things that are far beyond human reach.
  • "high" (רוּם, rum): This word means to be raised or exalted, reinforcing the idea of great distance and majesty.

Why Job 22:12 matters

  • Job 22:12 helps clarify that Eliphaz is not denying God's existence but is stressing God's greatness and distance, which shapes his argument about divine justice.
  • The verse uses the physical height of the heavens and stars as a picture of God's exalted position, which was a common way in the ancient world to talk about God's majesty.
  • Understanding this verse in context shows that Eliphaz is setting up a challenge to Job's complaints, suggesting that God's perspective is far above human understanding.

Where else these words appear

“height” Hebrew H1363 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
  • Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
  • Ezekiel 31:10 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

“stars” Hebrew H3556 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
  • Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 33:12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.