For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

JOB 22:26KJV
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Job 22:26 (KJV)

What does Job 22:26 mean?

Job 22:26 describes a person finding deep joy and satisfaction in the Almighty and being able to approach God with confidence and openness. The verse promises that delighting in God leads to a restored and uplifted relationship with Him.

In this part of the book of Job, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, urging him to turn back to God. Eliphaz claims that if Job seeks God sincerely, he will experience renewed happiness in God (the Almighty) and will be able to "lift up his face" to God, a picture of coming before God without shame or fear. The verse highlights the idea of restored fellowship and assurance in God after repentance.

The Hebrew behind Job 22:26

  • "delight" (עֹנֶג, oneg): This word means pleasure or exquisite joy. Eliphaz is not just talking about duty or obedience, but a genuine, heartfelt enjoyment of God.
  • "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai): This is a special name for God, emphasizing His power and sufficiency. The focus is on finding satisfaction in God’s strength and provision.
  • "up" (נָשָׂא, nasa): This verb means to lift or raise, often used for lifting one's face or eyes. Here, it suggests approaching God openly, without hiding or shame.
  • "face" (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew thought, the "face" often represents presence or relationship. Lifting the face to God points to restored relationship and confidence before Him.
  • "God" (אֱלוֹהַּ, Eloah): This word for God highlights His majesty and divinity, reinforcing the awe and respect in approaching Him.

Why Job 22:26 matters

  • Job 22:26 clarifies that the goal is not just outward obedience but a joyful, personal relationship with God, marked by delight and confidence.
  • The verse shows Eliphaz’s belief that repentance leads to restored intimacy with God, which is a key theme in his argument, even if his assumptions about Job are mistaken.
  • Understanding the original words helps reveal the depth of what is promised: not just forgiveness, but a joyful, open, and confident relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“delight” Hebrew H6026 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:56 The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
  • Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
  • Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“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;

“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.