Job 22:21

KJV

¶ Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Acquaint {H5532} now thyself with him, and be at peace {H7999}: thereby good {H2896} shall come {H935} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Learn to be at peace with [God]; in this way good will come [back] to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you.

American Standard Version

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: Thereby good shall come unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 22:21, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite to Job, encapsulates a profound, timeless truth about the transformative power of a right relationship with God, despite its misapplication to Job's specific circumstances. It urges a deep, personal "acquaintance" with the Divine as the pathway to holistic peace and the reception of true, comprehensive "good." While Eliphaz erroneously linked Job's suffering to unconfessed sin, the core principle—that intimacy with God brings profound well-being—remains a cornerstone of biblical wisdom, inviting all to draw near to the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Eliphaz's third and final speech to Job, marking a crescendo of his accusations. Throughout the book of Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar operate under a strict retribution theology, asserting that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, and prosperity is a reward for righteousness. In chapter 22, Eliphaz directly accuses Job of specific, unconfessed sins (e.g., oppressing the poor, withholding water from the weary, as detailed in [Job 22:6-9](/job/22-6-9 "Job 22:6-9 - Eliphaz's Accusations")). He presents Job 22:21 as a conditional promise: if Job confesses and returns to God, peace and prosperity will follow. This counsel, while containing a universal spiritual truth, is tragically misapplied to Job, whose suffering is not due to sin but is part of a divine test of his faith and integrity, as revealed in the opening chapters of the book, particularly [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan's Challenge and Job's Integrity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era, reflecting ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. The concept of *shalom* (peace) was central to ancient Israelite culture, encompassing not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, completeness, prosperity, and harmony in all aspects of life—spiritual, social, and material. The prevailing cultural understanding of divine justice often aligned with a direct cause-and-effect retribution system, where righteous living led to blessings and wickedness to curses. Eliphaz's advice, therefore, resonates with a common wisdom trope of the time, emphasizing the practical benefits of aligning oneself with the divine order, even if his specific application to Job was flawed and incomplete in light of God's broader purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Job 22:21 encapsulates several key themes within the broader narrative of Job and biblical theology. The primary theme is **reconciliation and relationship with God**, emphasizing that true well-being stems from intimacy with the Creator. It also touches on the theme of **divine justice and human suffering**, though from Eliphaz's flawed perspective of retribution theology, which the book ultimately challenges. The verse highlights the concept of **peace (*shalom*)** as a comprehensive blessing derived from this relationship. Furthermore, it speaks to the **nature of "good" and divine blessing**, suggesting that a right relationship with God is the ultimate source of all good, whether material or spiritual, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See That the Lord is Good") and the profound truth that [God is good and does good](/psalms/119-68 "Psalm 119:68 - God is Good and Does Good").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acquaint (Hebrew, _çâkan'_):** This verb carries the nuanced meaning of becoming accustomed to, familiar with, or profitable from. It implies a deep, ongoing, and intimate knowledge, not merely intellectual understanding. As a primitive root, it suggests being serviceable to, or being wont, indicating a habitual and beneficial familiarity. In this context, it calls for a profound, experiential familiarity with God, leading to a transformative personal relationship where one adapts to His ways and finds advantage in His presence.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** Far more than the absence of conflict, *shâlam* (from which *shalom* derives) denotes completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, and harmony. It stems from a primitive root meaning "to be safe (in mind, body or estate)" and "to be (causatively, make) completed." When one is "at peace" with God, it means being in right relationship, experiencing inner tranquility, and enjoying the comprehensive blessings of His presence that bring wholeness and completion.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This term is broad, encompassing anything that is beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, or morally right. As an adjective and noun, it describes "good" in the widest sense, including things that are beautiful, bountiful, cheerful, favorable, fine, glad, joyful, kindly, pleasant, precious, and leading to prosperity and welfare. While Eliphaz likely had material prosperity in mind, the "good" that comes from God is ultimately comprehensive, including spiritual blessings, inner contentment, divine favor, and true flourishing that transcends external circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Acquaint now thyself with him":** This is an imperative command, urging immediate and decisive action. "Him" refers to God. The call is for a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge of God, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a transformative relationship characterized by intimacy, submission, and trust. It implies a willingness to learn God's ways, align with His character, and draw near to Him, making His presence a familiar and habitual part of one's life.
* **"and be at peace":** This clause presents the immediate consequence or outcome of "acquainting oneself with God." The state of "peace" (*shalom*) is a direct result of being in a right relationship with the Almighty. It signifies a reconciliation, an end to spiritual conflict, and the establishment of harmony and holistic well-being in one's life. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from an internal alignment and completion found in God.
* **"thereby good shall come unto thee":** This final clause promises the ultimate benefit of such a relationship. "Thereby" indicates a direct causal link. The "good" that comes is the comprehensive blessing of God—His favor, provision, guidance, and flourishing in all aspects of life. While Eliphaz's theology mistakenly tied this exclusively to material prosperity as a reward for righteousness, the deeper truth is that God's goodness, in its fullest sense, flows to those who are intimately connected with Him, regardless of their immediate external circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Acquaint now thyself" and "be at peace," which conveys a direct, urgent command from Eliphaz to Job, highlighting the perceived necessity of this action. This is followed by **Cause and Effect** or **Conditional Logic**, where the "acquaintance" is presented as the cause, leading to "peace" and ultimately "good" as the effects. This structure is typical of **Wisdom Literature**, which often presents moral and spiritual truths in a concise, propositional manner, emphasizing the practical consequences of choices. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the two outcomes ("be at peace" and "good shall come") are closely linked as benefits stemming from the initial action of "acquainting oneself with God," reinforcing the holistic nature of divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While spoken from a flawed theological framework, Job 22:21 articulates a profound and consistent biblical truth: intimacy with God is the source of ultimate peace and comprehensive good. The call to "acquaint thyself with him" resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on knowing God personally, not just knowing *about* Him. This knowledge leads to *shalom*, a holistic well-being that transcends earthly circumstances and is rooted in a reconciled relationship with the Creator. The "good" promised is not merely material prosperity, but the full scope of divine blessing—spiritual flourishing, inner contentment, and the assurance of God's presence and favor, even amidst trials. This verse, therefore, serves as a timeless invitation to seek God above all else, recognizing that true life and blessing are found in Him alone.

* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Justification")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Glory in Knowing the Lord")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 22:21, stripped of Eliphaz's judgmental context, stands as a powerful invitation to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. In a world often characterized by anxiety, division, and a relentless pursuit of fleeting "good," this verse redirects our gaze to the ultimate source of peace and true flourishing. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religious observance to a profound, experiential acquaintance with our Creator. This means intentionally seeking His presence through prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and actively listening for His voice. True peace, the *shalom* that God offers, is not merely the absence of conflict but a wholeness of being that comes from aligning our lives with His will and trusting in His character, even when circumstances are challenging. The "good" that follows is not a guarantee of material wealth, but the enduring spiritual blessings of His presence, purpose, and profound contentment that can sustain us through any season.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "acquaint myself" with God in my daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life do I lack "peace," and how might a deeper relationship with God address those areas?**
* **How do I define "good," and how does my understanding align or diverge from the biblical concept of "good" that comes from God?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally draw nearer to God and deepen my acquaintance with Him?**

### FAQ

**Was Eliphaz's advice entirely wrong, given his flawed understanding of Job's suffering?**

Answer: While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job was incorrect and insensitive—as Job was righteous and his suffering was not due to sin—the core principle articulated in Job 22:21 is profoundly true and biblically sound. The book of Job ultimately vindicates Job and rebukes his friends for their false accusations and limited understanding of God's ways ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - The Lord Rebukes Eliphaz")). However, the idea that a deep, personal relationship with God brings peace and good is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, from the wisdom literature to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The verse's enduring value lies in its universal spiritual truth, separate from Eliphaz's specific, erroneous diagnosis of Job's situation.

**What is the difference between "knowing about" God and "acquainting myself with" Him?**

Answer: "Knowing about" God is intellectual, involving facts, doctrines, and theological concepts. It's like knowing facts about a famous person from a biography or a historical figure from a textbook. "Acquainting myself with" God, as implied by the Hebrew *çâkan*, is deeply personal, experiential, and relational. It involves spending time with Him, listening to His voice, submitting to His will, experiencing His presence, and allowing Him to transform your character. It's akin to having an intimate friendship, where knowledge comes from shared experiences, trust, and mutual understanding, leading to a profound transformation of one's inner being. This deeper acquaintance leads to the holistic peace and good mentioned in the verse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 22:21, with its call to "acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity's estrangement from God, caused by sin, broke the very "acquaintance" and peace that Eliphaz speaks of. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, is the perfect revelation of God, allowing us to truly "acquaint ourselves with Him" by knowing Christ ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever has seen me has seen the Father")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the wall of hostility, making reconciliation possible and establishing a new covenant of peace between God and humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The "peace" promised in Job 22:21 is realized in the New Testament as the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Furthermore, all "good" ultimately flows from God, and in Christ, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). He is the source of eternal life, abundant life, and the true *shalom* that transcends all understanding, making the ancient call to acquaintance and peace a living reality for all who believe in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

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

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Isaiah 27:5

Or let him take hold of my strength, [that] he may make peace with me; [and] he shall make peace with me.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:14

¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.