The Meaning of Job 22:2 Explained

Job 22:2

KJV: Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

YLT: To God is a man profitable, Because a wise man to himself is profitable?

Darby: Can a man be profitable to God? surely it is unto himself that the wise man is profitable.

ASV: Can a man be profitable unto God? Surely he that is wise is profitable unto himself.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Can a man  be profitable  unto God,  as  he that is wise  may be profitable  unto himself? 

What does Job 22:2 Mean?

Context Summary

Job 22:1-30 - "acquaint Thyself With God"
Eliphaz opens the third cycle of the discussion with a speech altogether too hard and cruel. He begins with an enumeration of Job's fancied misdeeds, Job 22:1-11. The fundamental position with Eliphaz was the absolute, even-handed justice of God. In contrast with the oriental magnate who is influenced by gifts, God at least was unimpeachable; and therefore, however Job might affirm the contrary, he must have deserved the chastisement which had befallen him.
Then follows his argument from the Deluge, Job 22:12-20. Evil men are always anxious to think that God does not notice them. This was, says Eliphaz, the policy of those who were destroyed by the Flood. They attempted to build society on atheistic lines, though he filled their houses with good things. The inference, of course, was that Job had been guilty of the same offense, Eliphaz concludes with a tender delineation of a holy life, Job 22:21-30. To be reconciled to God, to obey His Word, to put away iniquity and trust in earthly riches, are the conditions of blessedness. We shall gain more than we lose, Job 22:25. We shall inherit the confidence and joy of His presence, Job 22:26. Our prayers will be answered; we shall walk "in the light;" and our ministry to others will be full of helpfulness. Let us, then, acquaint ourselves with God and be at peace! [source]

Chapter Summary: Job 22

1  Eliphaz shows that man's goodness profits not God
5  He accuses Job of various sins
21  He exhorts him to repentance, with promises of mercy

What do the individual words in Job 22:2 mean?

can to God be profitable a man Though may be profitable to himself he who is wise
הַלְאֵ֥ל יִסְכָּן־ גָּ֑בֶר כִּֽי־ יִסְכֹּ֖ן עָלֵ֣ימוֹ מַשְׂכִּֽיל

הַלְאֵ֥ל  can  to  God 
Parse: Article, Preposition-l, Noun, masculine singular
Root: אֵל 
Sense: god, god-like one, mighty one.
יִסְכָּן־  be  profitable 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: סָכַן 
Sense: to be of use or service or profit or benefit.
גָּ֑בֶר  a  man 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: גֶּבֶר  
Sense: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight).
כִּֽי־  Though 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: כִּי 
Sense: that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since.
יִסְכֹּ֖ן  may  be  profitable 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: סָכַן 
Sense: to be of use or service or profit or benefit.
עָלֵ֣ימוֹ  to  himself 
Parse: Preposition, third person masculine singular
Root: עַל 
Sense: upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against.
מַשְׂכִּֽיל  he  who  is  wise 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Participle, masculine singular
Root: שָׂכַל 
Sense: to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper.