Job 22:23 (KJV)

What does Job 22:23 mean?

Job 22:23 says that if a person returns to the Almighty, they will be restored and strengthened, and wrongdoing will be removed from their life and home. The verse promises renewal and cleansing if someone turns back to God.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, urging him to repent and return to God. Eliphaz believes Job’s suffering is the result of sin and tells him that restoration and blessing will follow if he puts away iniquity. The language is direct, focusing on the idea of rebuilding and moral cleansing as a result of turning back to God.

The Hebrew behind Job 22:23

• "Return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word often means to turn back or return, especially in the sense of repentance or coming back to a previous relationship. Here, it emphasizes the idea of coming back into right relationship with God.
• "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai): This is a specific name for God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting God’s power and sufficiency. Eliphaz is appealing to God’s ability to restore and bless.
• "Be built up" (בָּנָה, banah): This word literally means to build or rebuild, suggesting restoration, strengthening, or being established again.
• "Iniquity" (עַוְלָה, avlah): This word refers to injustice, wrongdoing, or moral evil. Eliphaz is telling Job to remove all forms of wrongdoing from his life.
• "Tabernacles" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This word means tents or dwellings, referring to one's household or place of living. The verse is not just about personal change, but about cleansing the whole home or family environment.

Why Job 22:23 matters

• Job 22:23 clarifies that Eliphaz sees suffering as directly tied to personal sin, reflecting a common but not always accurate belief in the book of Job.
• The verse shows the strong emphasis on repentance and restoration in ancient wisdom literature, highlighting the hope for renewal after turning back to God.
• Understanding the specific words for "return," "be built up," and "tabernacles" helps the reader see that the promise is both personal and extends to one’s whole household, not just the individual.