Job 22:23

KJV

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou return {H7725} to the Almighty {H7706}, thou shalt be built up {H1129}, thou shalt put away {H7368} iniquity {H5766} far {H7368} from thy tabernacles {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you return to Shaddai, you will be built up. If you drive wickedness far from your tents,

Berean Standard Bible

If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents

American Standard Version

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, If thou put away unrighteousness far from thy tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 22:23, part of Eliphaz's counsel to Job, articulates a conditional promise of restoration, asserting that a sincere return to the Almighty and the removal of iniquity will lead to spiritual and material rebuilding. While Eliphaz's underlying premise that Job's suffering stemmed from hidden sin was ultimately incorrect, the verse nonetheless conveys a profound and enduring theological truth about the divine pattern of repentance, divine grace, and the transformative power of turning back to God for holistic restoration and the purification of one's life and sphere of influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Eliphaz the Temanite's third and final speech to Job, found in [Job 22](/job/22 "Job 22 - Eliphaz's Third Speech to Job"). Throughout the book, Job's three friends operate under the traditional wisdom paradigm of retribution theology, which posits a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. Having previously offered more subtle accusations, Eliphaz here becomes overtly accusatory, directly charging Job with specific sins (e.g., [Job 22:5-9](/job/22-5-9 "Eliphaz's Accusations Against Job")). Within this accusatory framework, [Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance") functions as Eliphaz's proposed solution and conditional promise: if Job repents and purifies himself, God will restore him. This speech sets the stage for Job's continued assertion of innocence and his longing for a direct encounter with God in the subsequent chapters ([Job 23-24](/job/23 "Job 23 - Job's Desire for God")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the book of Job in the land of Uz, likely in the patriarchal era, places it within a broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition. This tradition heavily emphasized the principle of divine justice, often interpreted as a direct, observable system of reward and punishment in this life. Suffering, therefore, was almost universally understood as a consequence of sin, even if unconfessed. Eliphaz's arguments are deeply rooted in this "retribution theology," which was a common cultural framework for understanding human experience in relation to the divine. The mention of "tabernacles" (tents or dwellings) reflects a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle prevalent in the ancient world, where one's home and family were central to identity and well-being. Thus, the call to cleanse one's "tabernacles" from iniquity was a comprehensive demand for purity that extended beyond the individual to the entire household and sphere of influence.

* **Key Themes:** [Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and wider biblical theology. Foremost among these is the theme of **repentance and restoration**. Eliphaz presents a clear pathway: turning away from sin and back to God is the prerequisite for divine rebuilding and renewal. This resonates with the consistent biblical call for repentance as the means to experience God's grace and blessing, as seen in passages like [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My people... will humble themselves and pray... I will heal their land") and [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way... and return to the Lord"). The verse also highlights the **sovereignty and power of God**, particularly through the use of the divine name "Almighty" (Shaddai), emphasizing His absolute capacity to both humble and exalt, to destroy and to "build up" (cf. [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up")). Finally, the imperative to "put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles" underscores the theme of **holiness and purity**, stressing the necessity of removing sin not only from one's personal life but also from one's home and sphere of influence, a principle echoed throughout Scripture's call to ethical living and separation from evil (e.g., [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come out from among them and be separate")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725 - a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again. This word signifies a fundamental change of direction, a turning around. In a spiritual context, it denotes repentance—a turning away from sin and back towards God. It implies a deliberate and conscious reorientation of one's life, attitudes, and actions.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** H7706 - from שָׁדַד; the Almighty; Almighty. This is a profound and ancient name for God, often translated as "God Almighty" or "the All-Sufficient One." It conveys God's absolute power, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency, His ability to fulfill His promises, and His abundant provision. Eliphaz invokes this name to emphasize God's supreme authority and His capacity to bring about the promised restoration.
* **built up (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** H1129 - a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. This verb literally means "to build," "to establish," or "to reconstruct." Metaphorically, it signifies restoration, prosperity, flourishing, and the re-establishment of what was lost, broken, or ruined. For Job, it would mean the comprehensive restoration of his health, family, wealth, and standing.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻevel'_):** H5766 - or עָוֶל; and (feminine) עַוְלָה; or עוֹלָה; or עֹלָה; from עֲוַל; (moral) evil; iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). This term refers to moral crookedness, perversity, or deviation from God's righteous standard. It denotes not just a mistake but a willful turning away from what is right, carrying with it the burden of guilt and the consequence of separation from God. The command to "put away iniquity" means to completely remove this moral corruption and its effects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou return to the Almighty":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental condition for the subsequent promises. The verb "return" (Hebrew, _shûwb'_) implies a turning back, a profound repentance, or a reorientation of one's life and heart towards God. Eliphaz suggests that Job has strayed or is perceived to have strayed, and his only path to restoration is a deliberate, sincere, and comprehensive turning back to the sovereign and powerful God, the "Almighty." This is a call for a radical change of mind and action, a pivotal moment of spiritual re-alignment and renewed allegiance.
* **"thou shalt be built up":** This is the first promised outcome contingent upon returning to the Almighty. As analyzed, "built up" signifies comprehensive restoration, rebuilding, and flourishing. It encompasses physical, material, and spiritual well-being. For Job, who had experienced devastating losses, this would imply the restoration of his health, family, wealth, and reputation, reversing the profound suffering he endured. It speaks to God's inherent capacity to bring wholeness, stability, and prosperity out of brokenness and ruin.
* **"thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles":** This clause presents the second promised outcome, which also functions as a further, more specific aspect of the required repentance and purification. "Put away... far from" (Hebrew, _râchaq'_) implies a complete, decisive, and radical removal and separation from sin. "Iniquity" refers to moral perversity, guilt, and unrighteousness. "Tabernacles" (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_), literally tents or dwellings, metaphorically represents one's home, family, sphere of influence, and entire life. Thus, this phrase means to cleanse one's personal life, family, environment, and all areas of influence from all forms of sin and its corrupting presence, demonstrating a profound commitment to holiness and a clean break from past wrongdoing.

#### Literary Devices
[Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance") effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Statement**, introduced by "If thou return," which establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human action (repentance and purification) and divine response (restoration). This structure is characteristic of wisdom literature, presenting principles for righteous living and their consequences. The verse also exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second and third clauses ("thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles") build upon and expand the idea of restoration and purification implied by the initial condition. The phrase "put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "tabernacles" (the dwelling) stands in for one's entire household, personal life, and sphere of influence, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the required cleansing. Finally, the use of "the Almighty" (Shaddai) is a powerful **Divine Epithet**, invoking God's supreme power, sufficiency, and ability to underscore the certainty and magnitude of the promised restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job's specific situation was flawed, the theological truth embedded in [Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance") is profound and enduring. It reveals God as a God of restoration who delights in turning sorrow into joy for those who genuinely turn to Him. This verse beautifully encapsulates the consistent biblical call to repentance as the necessary precursor to experiencing God's transforming grace and blessing. It highlights that true restoration involves not just a change of external circumstances, but a radical cleansing of one's life from sin, extending even to one's personal environment and influence. This divine pattern of humble turning to God leading to comprehensive restoration and purification is a consistent thread throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who seek His face with sincerity.

* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession of Sins and Forgiveness")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "Draw Near to God")
* [Psalm 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance"), despite its problematic origin in Eliphaz's misguided counsel, offers a timeless and deeply relevant truth for believers today. It issues a powerful call to radical self-examination and a sincere turning away from any known sin. The promise that we "shall be built up" if we "return to the Almighty" is an incredibly encouraging invitation to experience God's restorative grace in every facet of our lives. This restoration is not merely external or superficial; it involves a deep spiritual rebuilding, a renewal of purpose, and a re-establishment of our intimate relationship with God. Furthermore, the challenge to actively "put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles" compels us to cleanse our homes, our relationships, our digital spaces, our thought lives, and our inner beings from anything that dishonors God. This is a call to holistic holiness, recognizing that our spiritual health impacts every dimension of our existence. When we humbly and earnestly seek God, He promises to transform us, bringing strength out of weakness, beauty out of ashes, and wholeness out of brokenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to "return to the Almighty" with greater intentionality and sincerity, perhaps through renewed devotion or confession?**
* **What specific "iniquity" (sinful habits, attitudes, or influences) might I need to "put away far from my tabernacles" (my personal life, home, relationships, or online presence)?**
* **How does the promise of being "built up" by the Almighty encourage me in my current challenges, spiritual dry spells, or personal struggles?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate a deeper commitment to repentance and holiness in my daily thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**Was Eliphaz correct in his assessment of Job's situation?**

Answer: No, Eliphaz was ultimately incorrect in his assessment of Job's situation. While the principle he articulates in [Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance")—that returning to God and forsaking sin leads to restoration—is a fundamental biblical truth, he misapplied it to Job. The book of Job makes it clear from the outset in [Job 1-2](/job/1 "Job 1 - Job's Blamelessness and Suffering") that Job's suffering was not due to any hidden sin but was part of a divine test of his blameless integrity. God Himself testifies to Job's righteousness (e.g., [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Testimony of Job's Blamelessness")). Eliphaz and the other friends operated under a rigid retribution theology that failed to account for righteous suffering, leading them to falsely accuse Job and misinterpret his circumstances.

**What does "put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles" mean for us today?**

Answer: For us today, "putting away iniquity far from thy tabernacles" means actively and decisively removing sin and its corrupting influences from every aspect of our lives and environments. "Tabernacles" (tents/dwellings) metaphorically represents our homes, families, personal spaces, relationships, and even our digital presence. This involves a commitment to personal holiness, ensuring that our private lives align with our public profession of faith. It means being intentional about the media we consume, the conversations we engage in, the attitudes we harbor, and the influences we allow into our homes and minds. It's a call to create a spiritual sanctuary where God is honored, and sin is actively resisted and removed, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual growth and purity (cf. [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Flee Immorality and Impurity")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Job 22:23](/job/22-23 "Job 22:23 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance"), spoken by Eliphaz, is rooted in an Old Testament understanding of conditional covenant and personal righteousness, its underlying principles find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The call to "return to the Almighty" is fully realized in turning to Christ, who is the very embodiment and revelation of God (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son... has declared Him")). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus provides the perfect means for us to "put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles," not merely through human effort, but by the power of His shed blood which cleanses us from all sin (cf. [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). Furthermore, the promise "thou shalt be built up" is fulfilled in Christ's work of spiritual regeneration and transformation. We are not just rebuilt materially, but spiritually, as we are made new creations in Him (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and are progressively built up into a holy temple for the Lord, a dwelling place for God's Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, the path to true restoration, purity, and flourishing is found exclusively in repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who alone can accomplish what Eliphaz conditionally offered.

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 11:13

¶ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

Job 11:14

If iniquity [be] in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

Zechariah 1:3

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Job 8:5

If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

Job 8:6

If thou [wert] pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.