Job 22:5 (KJV)

What does Job 22:5 mean?

Job 22:5 is a direct accusation, asking if Job’s wrongdoing is not very great and if his sins are not without limit. The verse suggests that Job’s troubles are the result of countless and serious offenses.

In this part of the book, Job’s friend Eliphaz is speaking to Job. Eliphaz assumes that Job’s suffering must be punishment for enormous sin, so he questions Job’s innocence by implying that his wickedness (wrongdoing) and iniquities (sins) are overwhelming and endless. This is part of a larger speech where Eliphaz wrongly judges Job’s character based on his circumstances.

The Hebrew behind Job 22:5

• "wickedness" (רַע, raʿ): This word often means evil, harm, or wrongdoing. Eliphaz uses it to accuse Job of moral failure.
• "great" (רַב, rav): This word means numerous or abundant. Eliphaz is not just saying Job has sinned, but that his sins are many.
• "iniquities" (עָוֹן, ʿavon): This word refers to guilt or acts of moral wrongdoing. It emphasizes the seriousness of the accusation.
• "infinite" (אֵין קֵץ, ein qets): Literally "no end," this phrase means limitless or endless. Eliphaz is exaggerating, claiming Job’s sins have no boundary.

Why Job 22:5 matters

• Job 22:5 shows how Job’s friends misunderstand his suffering, assuming that hardship always means guilt, which is a major theme in the book.
• The verse highlights the harshness and lack of compassion in Eliphaz’s approach, helping readers see the difference between true comfort and false accusation.
• Understanding the original words shows just how strong and sweeping Eliphaz’s accusations are, making it clear that he is not simply questioning Job, but condemning him outright.