Job 22:17

KJV

Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

KJV (with Strong's)

Which said {H559} unto God {H410}, Depart {H5493} from us: and what can the Almighty {H7706} do {H6466} for them?

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to God, 'Leave us alone! What can Shaddai do to us?'

Berean Standard Bible

They said to God, ‘Depart from us. What can the Almighty do to us?’

American Standard Version

Who said unto God, Depart from us; And, What can the Almighty do for us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Eliphaz the Temanite, in his final and most scathing address to Job, accuses the wicked of profound spiritual rebellion, subtly but pointedly aiming his indictment at Job. This verse vividly portrays individuals who not only actively reject God's presence and authority, commanding Him to "Depart from us," but also contemptuously dismiss His omnipotence with the rhetorical question, "and what can the Almighty do for them?" This statement encapsulates Eliphaz's rigid theology of divine retribution, wherein suffering is a direct consequence of such defiant sin, thereby positioning Job's calamities as evidence of his own unconfessed rebellion against the Most High.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Job 22:17](/job/22-17 "Job 22:17 - Eliphaz's Accusation of the Wicked") is situated within Eliphaz's third and final speech to Job, which begins in [Job 22](/job/22 "Job 22 - Eliphaz's Third Speech"). By this point in the dialogue, the friends' patience has worn thin, and their arguments have grown increasingly harsh and accusatory. Eliphaz, who initiated the cycle of speeches, now abandons the subtle insinuations of his earlier addresses (e.g., [Job 4-5](/job/4 "Job 4-5 - Eliphaz's First Speech")) and directly charges Job with specific, egregious sins, including exploiting the poor, withholding water from the thirsty, and oppressing widows and orphans (e.g., [Job 22:6-9](/job/22-6-9 "Job 22:6-9 - Eliphaz's Accusations")). Verse 17 is part of a broader indictment of the wicked, whom Eliphaz describes as those who live in prosperity despite their godlessness, attributing Job's suffering to his presumed alignment with such individuals. This verse serves as a climactic expression of the friends' conviction that Job's calamities are a just punishment for his unacknowledged rebellion against God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during the patriarchal period, though its exact dating is debated. The cultural backdrop emphasizes a strong belief in divine justice, where righteousness was expected to lead to prosperity and wickedness to suffering. This "retribution theology" was a dominant worldview, particularly within wisdom literature, and formed the basis of Job's friends' arguments. They operated under the assumption that God's governance was always immediately discernible in earthly fortunes. Therefore, Job's immense suffering, despite his previously acknowledged righteousness, presented a profound theological dilemma for them. The idea of telling a deity to "depart" would have been an act of extreme hubris and defiance, akin to a subject commanding a king to leave their presence, a direct challenge to ultimate authority and power. This cultural understanding amplifies the gravity of Eliphaz's accusation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the **flawed theology of divine retribution**, which the friends rigidly adhere to, failing to account for suffering that is not a direct consequence of sin. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **human presumption and arrogance** in attempting to dictate terms to God or to question His omnipotence. The "Depart from us" attitude represents the pinnacle of human rebellion and self-sufficiency, contrasting sharply with the humility and submission that God truly desires (e.g., [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")). Thirdly, it touches upon the **mystery of God's ways** and the limitations of human understanding, a central tension throughout the book, as Job grapples with a God whose actions do not fit his friends' simplistic theological framework. Finally, the verse implicitly raises questions about the **nature of true wisdom**, contrasting the friends' conventional, yet ultimately incorrect, wisdom with the profound, God-given wisdom that Job eventually attains through his suffering and encounter with God (e.g., [Job 28](/job/28 "Job 28 - Where Wisdom Is Found")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root is broadly used to mean "to say," "to speak," or "to utter," but often carries the nuance of declaring, appointing, or even commanding. In [Job 22:17](/job/22-17 "Job 22:17 - Eliphaz's Accusation of the Wicked"), it denotes a deliberate and active verbalization of defiance. The wicked are not merely thinking these things; they are articulating a direct challenge to God, emphasizing the audacity of their rebellion.
* **Depart (Hebrew, _çûyr'_):** This verb signifies "to turn off," "to turn aside," "to remove," or "to withdraw." As an imperative command in this context ("Depart from us!"), it expresses a forceful and intentional rejection of God's presence, authority, and influence. It implies a desire for complete autonomy and self-governance, a willful severance of any relationship or submission to the divine. This is not passive indifference but an active expulsion of the divine from their lives.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** This is one of the most ancient and frequently used divine names in the book of Job, appearing 31 times. It emphasizes God's absolute power, self-sufficiency, and omnipotence. While its root meaning is debated (possibly "mountain" for strength, or "breast" for sustenance), it consistently conveys God's overwhelming might and ability to accomplish His will without hindrance. By questioning "what can the Almighty do for them?", Eliphaz portrays the wicked as not merely rejecting God's presence but also mocking His very nature as the all-powerful, sovereign Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which said unto God, Depart from us":** This clause describes the profound spiritual rebellion of those Eliphaz condemns. It is a direct, defiant command issued to the Creator of the universe. It signifies a desire to live without divine interference, guidance, or judgment. This attitude is the epitome of human hubris, an assertion of independence from the very source of life and being. It implies a rejection of God's moral law, His providential care, and His ultimate sovereignty over human affairs.
* **"and what can the Almighty do for them?":** This rhetorical question immediately follows the command to depart, intensifying the defiance. It expresses utter contempt and skepticism regarding God's power and relevance. The wicked, as portrayed by Eliphaz, do not merely wish God gone; they also believe He is impotent or inconsequential. They see no benefit in His presence and no threat in His absence. This question reveals a profound spiritual blindness and a complete underestimation of the Creator's capacity to act, intervene, or judge. It is a challenge to God's very nature as _Shadday_, the All-Powerful.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's statement in [Job 22:17](/job/22-17 "Job 22:17 - Eliphaz's Accusation of the Wicked") employs several potent literary devices to convey his condemnation. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "and what can the Almighty do for them?", which is not meant to elicit an answer but to express a strong, contemptuous assertion of God's perceived powerlessness by the wicked. This question highlights the profound arrogance and spiritual blindness Eliphaz attributes to those he condemns. There is also a strong element of **Accusation** and **Invective**, as Eliphaz uses this generalized description of the wicked to subtly but clearly indict Job, implying that Job's suffering is a direct consequence of such a rebellious attitude. The verse also contains **Irony**, as Eliphaz, in his attempt to defend God's justice, misrepresents God's character and Job's situation, becoming himself an example of flawed human judgment, a central theme of the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Job 22:17](/job/22-17 "Job 22:17 - Eliphaz's Accusation of the Wicked"), though spoken from a flawed theological premise, powerfully illustrates the essence of human rebellion against God. The attitude of telling God to "Depart from us" and questioning His power reflects the core of sin: a desire for autonomy from the Creator and a denial of His rightful authority and omnipotence. This sentiment is not unique to the "wicked" Eliphaz describes but is a pervasive human tendency to assert self-sufficiency and dismiss divine sovereignty. Biblically, such rebellion is met with consequences, not always in the simplistic manner the friends propose, but ultimately in the divine judgment that awaits those who persistently reject God. Conversely, the Scriptures consistently affirm God's absolute power and His active involvement in the world, often in ways that defy human expectation or understanding, inviting humility and trust rather than defiance.

* [Psalm 10:4](/psalm/10-4 "Psalm 10:4 - The Wicked's Arrogance")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - Suppressing the Truth of God")
* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "God's Omnipotence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Job 22:17](/job/22-17 "Job 22:17 - Eliphaz's Accusation of the Wicked") serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine the subtle ways we might, consciously or unconsciously, echo the defiant sentiments of the wicked Eliphaz describes. Do we, in moments of challenge or desire for control, tell God to "depart" from certain areas of our lives—our finances, relationships, career, or personal ambitions? Do we question His ability to intervene, provide, or bring about good in seemingly impossible situations, effectively asking, "what can the Almighty do for them (or for me)?" This verse calls us to a posture of radical humility and unwavering trust. True faith acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours and His power limitless. It also warns against the danger of rigid theological frameworks that lead to judgmentalism; Eliphaz's error reminds us that suffering is complex and not always a direct indicator of sin. Instead, we are called to empathy, compassion, and a humble reliance on God's wisdom, especially when His purposes are beyond our comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I subtly or overtly tell God to "depart," desiring to maintain control rather than yielding to His will?**
* **When facing overwhelming circumstances, do I genuinely believe that God is "Almighty" and capable of intervening, or do I question His power and relevance?**
* **How might I be tempted to judge the suffering of others based on a limited understanding of God's justice, similar to Eliphaz?**
* **What does it mean to truly live in submission to God's authority, even when His plans are mysterious or challenging?**

### FAQ

**What does Eliphaz mean by "Depart from us"?**

Answer: When Eliphaz says "Depart from us," he is describing the attitude of the wicked, whom he believes Job resembles. This phrase signifies a deliberate and defiant rejection of God's presence, authority, and influence in one's life. It's not merely indifference but an active command for God to remove Himself, indicating a desire for complete autonomy and self-governance apart from any divine oversight. It reflects a profound spiritual rebellion and a refusal to acknowledge God's rightful place as sovereign, echoing the human tendency to suppress the truth about God, as described in [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - The Wrath of God Against Ungodliness").

**Why does Eliphaz question "what can the Almighty do for them?"**

Answer: This rhetorical question, "and what can the Almighty do for them?", is Eliphaz's portrayal of the wicked's contempt for God's power. It expresses extreme skepticism or outright dismissal of God's ability to act, intervene, or affect their lives. In the eyes of the wicked, as Eliphaz describes them, God is either impotent or irrelevant, rendering Him inconsequential in human affairs. This question challenges God's very nature as _Shadday_ (the Almighty), implying a belief that God is incapable of either blessing or punishing them, thus justifying their rebellious lifestyle. It underscores the profound arrogance and spiritual blindness that Eliphaz attributes to those who defy God, and by extension, to Job. This attitude stands in stark contrast to the biblical affirmation of God's boundless power, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - Is Anything Too Hard for Me?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Job 22:17](/job/22-17 "Job 22:17 - Eliphaz's Accusation of the Wicked") describes the epitome of human rebellion and defiance against God, it ultimately points to the profound need for a Savior who perfectly embodies submission and reestablishes humanity's relationship with the Almighty. The "Depart from us" attitude is the essence of humanity's fallen state, a rejection of the Creator that began in the Garden of Eden and persists in every heart that seeks autonomy from God (cf. [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is Righteous")). The rhetorical question, "what can the Almighty do for them?", highlights the spiritual blindness that fails to recognize God's boundless power and His redemptive plan. In stark contrast to this rebellion, Jesus Christ is the one who never said "Depart from us" to the Father. Instead, He perfectly submitted to the divine will, even unto death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true "Almighty" (cf. [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus is the Alpha and Omega")), who not only demonstrates God's power but also wields it for salvation, taking away the sin of the world for those who turn to Him (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bridges the chasm created by human rebellion, allowing us to draw near to God rather than commanding Him to depart, and revealing that the Almighty can indeed do everything necessary for our reconciliation and eternal life (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession") and [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 21:14

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Job 21:15

What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

Psalms 4:6

¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Malachi 3:14

Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

Isaiah 30:11

Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

Matthew 8:29

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Matthew 8:34

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.