Old Testament
Job 22:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Job's friend Eliphaz is advising him to turn back to God, the Almighty, as a way to restore his life and well-being.
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up; you shall put away iniquity far from your tabernacles.
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Eliphaz is advising him to turn back to God, the Almighty, as a way to restore his life and well-being. The idea of being 'built up' suggests that returning to God can lead to personal growth and healing. The phrase 'put away iniquity' means to remove sin or wrongdoing from one's life. The term 'tabernacles' refers to one's home or dwelling, indicating that this cleansing should happen in the very places where one lives. Essentially, Eliphaz is encouraging Job to seek a right relationship with God, which will lead to a more fulfilling and righteous life. This reflects a broader biblical theme that emphasizes repentance and the importance of aligning oneself with God's will for restoration and peace. The verse highlights the transformative power of returning to God and the necessity of living a life free from sin to experience true restoration.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Job 22:23 to your life
To apply this verse, consider areas in your life where you may need to turn back to God. Reflect on any sins or negative habits that may be affecting your well-being. Seek to remove these from your life and cultivate a closer relationship with God for healing and growth.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 22:23 mean?
Job 22:23 means that if a person turns back to God, they will experience restoration and healing in their life. It emphasizes the importance of removing sin and wrongdoing from one's life to achieve personal growth and a fulfilling relationship with God.
What is the meaning of 'return to the Almighty' in Job 22:23?
'Return to the Almighty' in Job 22:23 means to turn back to God and seek His guidance and support. This act of returning is seen as a way to restore one's life and well-being by aligning oneself with God's will.
What does 'put away iniquity' mean in Job 22:23?
'Put away iniquity' means to remove sin or wrongdoing from one's life. In the context of Job 22:23, it suggests that cleansing oneself of negative behaviors is essential for experiencing restoration and peace.
How can I apply Job 22:23 in my life?
To apply Job 22:23, identify areas in your life where you need to turn back to God and reflect on any sins or negative habits. Work on removing these from your life and focus on building a closer relationship with God for healing and personal growth.

The Book of Job
Job 1: Job's Integrity and First Test
Job lives in the land of Uz and is known for fearing God and turning away from evil. He has seven sons, three daughters, and great wealth. His sons hold feasts in their homes, and Job regularly sends for them and offers burnt offerings in case any of them sins in their hearts.
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