Job 22:22

KJV

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Receive {H3947}, I pray thee, the law {H8451} from his mouth {H6310}, and lay up {H7760} his words {H561} in thine heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please! Receive instruction from his mouth, and take his words to heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.

American Standard Version

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, And lay up his words in thy heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 22:22, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite to Job, serves as a profound, timeless exhortation to humbly receive divine instruction and deeply internalize God's spoken words. Despite being delivered within the context of Eliphaz's ultimately flawed theological framework concerning Job's suffering, this particular verse transcends its immediate setting, offering universal wisdom on the transformative power of engaging with and embedding God's truth within one's innermost being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Eliphaz's third and final discourse to Job, found in [Job 22](/job/22 "Job 22 - Eliphaz's Third Discourse"). Throughout the book, Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—engage in a theological debate with him, attempting to explain his inexplicable suffering. Their central premise, rooted in the conventional wisdom of their day, is that God is just and therefore only punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous. Consequently, they conclude that Job's immense calamities must be the result of some hidden sin, urging him to repent to alleviate his afflictions. In [Job 22:5-11](/job/22-5 "Job 22:5-11 - Eliphaz Accuses Job"), Eliphaz explicitly accuses Job of various transgressions, including oppression of the poor and withholding aid. Verse 22, however, stands out as a piece of advice that, while misapplied to Job's situation, contains an enduring truth about the importance of divine revelation and its internalization. It is part of Eliphaz's plea for Job to reconcile with God to experience restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a wisdom book, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern tradition of grappling with life's profound questions, particularly the problem of suffering and divine justice. In this cultural milieu, a strong belief in the principle of divine retribution (that God directly rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked in this life) was prevalent. Friends and counselors played a significant role in offering advice and interpretation of events, often drawing upon traditional wisdom. The concept of "law" or "instruction" (Hebrew: *torah*) was foundational, referring to divine guidance that provided a framework for righteous living and societal order. The idea of internalizing wisdom was also common, as seen in Egyptian and Mesopotamian wisdom literature, where the "heart" was understood as the seat of intellect, will, and moral decision-making, not merely emotions. Eliphaz's counsel, though flawed in its application to Job, aligns with the broader ancient Near Eastern emphasis on seeking and obeying divine wisdom for a prosperous life.
* **Key Themes:** Job 22:22 contributes to several key themes within the Book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Instruction and Revelation**. Despite the friends' misinterpretations of God's ways, the verse underscores the fundamental necessity of receiving God's word as the ultimate source of truth and guidance. Secondly, it emphasizes **Internalization and Transformation**. The command to "lay up his words in thine heart" moves beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, transformative engagement with divine truth, where it shapes one's character and conduct. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the commands in [Deuteronomy 6:6](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6 - God's Words in Your Heart") to the blessedness described in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Meditating on God's Law"). Thirdly, the verse, within Eliphaz's discourse, touches on the theme of **Repentance and Restoration**, albeit with a flawed premise. Eliphaz believed that Job's repentance and adherence to God's word would lead to immediate restoration of prosperity, reflecting the conventional wisdom of the day. While this specific application was incorrect for Job's unique situation, the underlying principle that a right relationship with God involves heeding His word remains a universal biblical truth, even if the outcomes are not always as simplistic as Eliphaz assumed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Hebrew, _torah'_):** The Hebrew word תּוֹרָה (*torah*) here does not exclusively refer to the Mosaic Law, which had not yet been given in the historical setting of Job. Instead, it carries a broader meaning of "instruction," "teaching," "guidance," or "direction." It signifies divine revelation, principles, or wisdom that illuminates the path of righteousness. Eliphaz is urging Job to accept God's revealed will and wisdom, which he believes Job has disregarded.
* **Mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** The Hebrew word פֶּה (*peh*) literally means "mouth" but metaphorically represents the source of speech, command, or divine utterance. To receive "the law from his mouth" implies receiving direct, authoritative instruction from God Himself. It emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the wisdom being offered, suggesting that this is not merely human advice but God's own declaration.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev'_):** The Hebrew word לֵב (*lev*) is much more comprehensive than the English "heart," encompassing the entire inner person. It is the seat of intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral decision-making. To "lay up his words in thine heart" means to commit them to memory, meditate on them, integrate them into one's core being, and allow them to shape one's thoughts, desires, and actions. It implies a deep, transformative internalization that affects one's entire life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth":** This opening clause is an earnest plea from Eliphaz to Job, urging him to adopt a posture of humility and receptivity toward God's instruction. The imperative "Receive" (קַח, *qach*) is a direct command, softened by "I pray thee." It calls for an active, intentional acceptance of divine wisdom, recognizing its source as God's own authoritative utterance ("from his mouth"). This implies not just hearing but truly taking in and acknowledging the truth of God's revealed will and principles for living.
* **"and lay up his words in thine heart."**: This second clause builds upon the first, specifying the depth of engagement required. "Lay up" (שִׂים, *sim*) means to place, set, or store, implying careful preservation and retention. The object is "his words," which are synonymous with "the law" or instruction from the first clause. To "lay up" these words "in thine heart" signifies a profound internalization. It means to commit them to memory, meditate on them, allow them to penetrate one's intellect, emotions, and will, and to make them the guiding principles for one's life. This is more than intellectual understanding; it is a spiritual assimilation that transforms one's inner being and subsequently, one's outward conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Job 22:22 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, as Eliphaz uses direct commands ("Receive," "lay up") to convey the urgency and necessity of his counsel. This highlights the prescriptive nature of his advice, urging Job to take immediate action. Secondly, the verse utilizes **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "lay up his words in thine heart." The heart is not a literal storage container, but it serves as a powerful metaphor for the innermost being, the center of thought, will, and emotion. This metaphor vividly illustrates the depth of internalization required, suggesting that God's words should become an integral part of one's identity and decision-making. Finally, there is a clear instance of **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses express similar ideas using different but related phrasing. "Receive...the law from his mouth" is conceptually parallel to "lay up his words in thine heart," both emphasizing the intake and retention of divine instruction. This reinforces the central message and adds poetic emphasis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While originating from a flawed theological premise regarding Job's suffering, Job 22:22 articulates a timeless and universally applicable biblical truth: the profound importance of receiving and internalizing God's word. This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on divine revelation as the foundation for life, wisdom, and a right relationship with God. It highlights that true spiritual growth and obedience stem not merely from intellectual assent but from a deep, heart-level embrace of God's truth, allowing it to shape one's character, decisions, and entire worldview. The "law" or "instruction" from God's mouth is presented as life-giving and transformative, a concept consistently upheld throughout both the Old and New Testaments as essential for walking in God's ways and experiencing His blessings.

* [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6 - Words to Be on Your Heart")
* [Proverbs 3:1-3](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-3 - Do Not Forget My Teaching")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 22:22, despite its immediate context, offers vital guidance for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humble receptivity to God's word, recognizing it as divine instruction from the Creator's own mouth. This involves more than just casual reading or listening; it demands active engagement, diligent study, and prayerful meditation. The command to "lay up his words in thine heart" challenges us to move beyond superficial understanding to a deep, transformative internalization. When God's words are truly treasured in our hearts, they become a moral compass, a source of comfort in trials, a wellspring of wisdom for daily decisions, and a powerful deterrent against sin. This process of internalizing truth allows the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and transform our lives, aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with God's perfect will, leading to genuine spiritual maturity and a life that honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How actively do I "receive" God's law from His mouth in my daily life? Am I truly listening, or just hearing?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "lay up" God's words more deeply in my heart, beyond mere intellectual understanding?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need God's word to guide my thoughts, emotions, or decisions more profoundly?**
* **How does the truth of this verse challenge my approach to Bible study and spiritual formation?**

### FAQ

**Given that Eliphaz's counsel to Job was largely misguided, why is Job 22:22 considered a profound truth?**

Answer: While Eliphaz's overall premise—that Job's suffering was a direct consequence of his sin—was incorrect and ultimately rebuked by God, individual statements made by Job's friends can still contain timeless wisdom. Job 22:22 is one such instance. The instruction to "receive... the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart" is a universal biblical principle about engaging with divine revelation. It transcends the specific, flawed application to Job's unique situation and speaks to the enduring necessity of internalizing God's truth for all believers. The verse's value lies in its articulation of a fundamental spiritual discipline, regardless of the speaker's immediate context or the accuracy of their broader theological framework. It highlights the principle that God's word is always authoritative and transformative when truly embraced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 22:22, with its call to receive "the law from his mouth" and lay up "his words in thine heart," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very **Word of God Incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme revelation of God's character and will. What Eliphaz urged Job to receive from God's mouth, we now receive most fully in the person and work of Christ. Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God's instruction, taught with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Taught with Authority")) and lived out the divine law perfectly. Furthermore, the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), declares that God will "put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts." This promise is fulfilled through the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to truly internalize Christ's teachings and God's will, transforming their hearts from within ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law")). Thus, receiving God's word from His mouth today is fundamentally about receiving Christ and allowing His Spirit to inscribe His truth upon our hearts, leading to a life of obedience and communion with God.

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 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Psalms 119:11

¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 6:9

And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Jeremiah 15:16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.