Old Testament
Job 35:7
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If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?
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If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?
What Job 35:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 35:7, the speaker, Elihu, poses a rhetorical question about the nature of righteousness and its relationship with God. He suggests that being righteous does not add anything to God or His greatness. The verse emphasizes that God is self-sufficient and does not require anything from humans. Instead, our righteousness is for our own benefit, as it aligns us with God's will and character. Elihu is challenging the idea that human actions can influence God’s status or power. This verse serves as a reminder that our relationship with God is not transactional; rather, it is about faithfulness and integrity in our lives. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of understanding our place in relation to God, who is above all and does not depend on our actions for His existence or worth.
How to apply Job 35:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our motivations for living righteously. It reminds us that our good deeds are not meant to earn favor with God but should stem from a genuine desire to align with His will. Living righteously benefits us and strengthens our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Elihu Speaks (Job 32:1–37:24)
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Job
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Job 35:7
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 35:7 mean?
Job 35:7 means that being righteous does not add anything to God or His greatness. Elihu emphasizes that God is self-sufficient and does not require anything from humans.
What is the meaning of righteousness in Job 35:7?
In Job 35:7, righteousness refers to living in a way that aligns with God's will and character. The verse suggests that our righteousness is for our own benefit rather than to influence God.
How does Job 35:7 relate to God's self-sufficiency?
Job 35:7 illustrates God's self-sufficiency by stating that He does not gain anything from human righteousness. It emphasizes that God exists independently of our actions.
What can we learn from Job 35:7?
From Job 35:7, we learn that our motivations for living righteously should come from a desire to align with God's will, rather than trying to earn His favor.
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