If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

JOB 22:23KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“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;

“iniquity” Hebrew H5766 · used in 51 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Job 34:10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
  • Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

“away” Hebrew H7368 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
  • Psalms 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
  • Isaiah 6:12 And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.