Job 22:29

KJV

When [men] are cast down, then thou shalt say, [There is] lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

KJV (with Strong's)

When men are cast down {H8213}, then thou shalt say {H559}, There is lifting up {H1466}; and he shall save {H3467} the humble {H7807} person {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when someone is brought down, you will say, 'It was pride, because [God] saves the humble.'

Berean Standard Bible

When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly.

American Standard Version

When they casttheedown, thou shalt say, There is lifting up; And the humble person he will save.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 22:29, spoken by Eliphaz, presents a profound theological truth amidst a flawed framework of retribution. It declares that even when individuals are brought low by circumstances, a declaration of "lifting up" is possible, and divine salvation is specifically extended to the humble. This verse encapsulates a core biblical principle: God opposes the proud but extends grace and elevation to those who maintain a lowly spirit, offering hope and restoration in the face of adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears near the conclusion of Eliphaz the Temanite's third and most direct speech to Job in the book of Job. Throughout their dialogues, Job's friends operate under the assumption that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, a theological stance known as retribution theology. In chapter 22, Eliphaz intensifies his accusations, directly charging Job with various unrighteous acts, such as oppressing the poor and withholding water from the thirsty, as seen in [Job 22:5-9](/job/22-5 "Job 22:5-9 - Eliphaz's Accusations Against Job"). He then urges Job to repent and reconcile with God, promising that if he does so, he will experience restoration, prosperity, and renewed favor, as outlined in [Job 22:21-30](/job/22 "Job 22 - Eliphaz's Exhortation to Job"). Verse 29 is a key component of this promise of a dramatic reversal of fortune, asserting that from a state of being "cast down," one can confidently proclaim "lifting up" through divine intervention, particularly for those who demonstrate humility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a region where wisdom literature flourished. A prevailing cultural and religious understanding of divine justice in this era often linked material prosperity and well-being directly to righteousness, and suffering to sin. This "retribution theology" was deeply ingrained, leading Job's friends to interpret his immense suffering as irrefutable proof of his hidden wickedness. However, the book of Job ultimately challenges and refines this simplistic view, revealing the complexities of divine sovereignty and human suffering. The concept of humility, often expressed as a "lowly spirit" or "lowly eyes," was also understood as a virtue, contrasting with the hubris and arrogance that were seen as an affront to both human and divine order.

* **Key Themes:** Job 22:29 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it touches upon the theme of **suffering and divine justice**, albeit from Eliphaz's limited perspective, by proposing a path out of affliction through repentance and humility. Secondly, it highlights the theme of ** divine restoration and reversal of fortunes**, emphasizing God's power to elevate those who are brought low. This "lifting up" is not self-generated but is a divine act. Most importantly, the verse underscores the profound biblical principle of **humility as a prerequisite for divine favor**. It explicitly states that God "shall save the humble person," aligning with the broader biblical truth that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, a principle echoed in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud") and [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility and God's Grace"). While Eliphaz's overall theological framework is later corrected by God, this particular statement on humility rings true and anticipates deeper New Testament teachings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast down (Hebrew, _shaphal'_):** This verb means "to be low," "to be abased," "to be humbled," or "to sink." It describes a state of being brought low, whether by external circumstances (like adversity, misfortune, or defeat) or by one's own internal spirit (as in humility). In this context, it refers to a person experiencing a profound state of despair, affliction, or humiliation.
* **Lifting up (Hebrew, _gevah'_):** While often translated as "pride" or "haughtiness" elsewhere in Scripture, in Job 22:29, *gevah* carries the sense of "exaltation," "loftiness," or "a high place." It stands in direct antithesis to "cast down," signifying a reversal of fortune, a state of elevation, or a declaration of hope and triumph over adversity. The context demands this positive interpretation, indicating a divine act of raising someone from a low state.
* **Humble person (Hebrew, _shephal-einayim'_):** This is a compound phrase literally meaning "low of eyes." It is an idiomatic expression conveying modesty, lowliness of spirit, and the absence of arrogance or haughtiness. Someone "low of eyes" is not proud or self-exalting but acknowledges their dependence on God and maintains a contrite spirit, especially in the face of suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When [men] are cast down":** This clause sets the scene, describing a common human experience of profound suffering, abasement, or despair. It acknowledges the reality of life's trials and the moments when individuals feel utterly defeated or humiliated by circumstances.
* **"then thou shalt say, [There is] lifting up":** This is a powerful declaration of faith and hope. The "thou" refers to the one who is "cast down" or perhaps to the righteous observer. It implies an active, verbal proclamation of a positive reversal, a confident assertion that despite the low state, elevation and restoration are possible. This is not mere wishful thinking but a prophetic utterance rooted in trust in God's power.
* **"and he shall save the humble person":** This final clause reveals the condition and the agent of this "lifting up." The "he" refers to God, indicating that the salvation or deliverance is divinely initiated and executed. Crucially, this divine intervention is specifically directed towards "the humble person"—the one who is "low of eyes." This highlights that God's grace and redemptive power are extended not to the proud or self-sufficient, but to those who acknowledge their need and maintain a spirit of lowliness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis** and **Paradox**. The most striking use of **Antithesis** is the direct opposition between "cast down" (*shaphal*) and "lifting up" (*gevah*). This stark contrast vividly portrays a complete reversal of circumstances, emphasizing God's power to transform despair into hope and humiliation into exaltation. The **Paradox** lies in the idea that true elevation and salvation are not achieved through self-assertion or pride, but rather through the cultivation of humility. The path to being "lifted up" is through being "low of eyes," a counter-intuitive principle that runs throughout biblical wisdom literature. The verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about divine justice and the character of God's interaction with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While spoken by Eliphaz, whose overall theological framework is eventually corrected by God, Job 22:29 contains a profound and enduring truth about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It articulates the consistent biblical theme that God actively opposes the proud and self-sufficient but extends His grace, favor, and salvation to those who humble themselves before Him. This principle is not merely about a reversal of earthly fortunes but points to a deeper spiritual reality where true exaltation comes through a posture of humility and dependence on God. It underscores divine sovereignty in deliverance and the counter-cultural wisdom of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first and the humble shall be exalted.

* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility Under God's Mighty Hand")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalm/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord Is Near the Brokenhearted")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 22:29 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual discipline for believers facing life's inevitable seasons of being "cast down." It calls us to a radical posture of faith and humility, even when circumstances seem dire. Instead of succumbing to despair or adopting a spirit of prideful self-reliance, we are invited to declare, by faith, that "there is lifting up" – a confident affirmation of God's power to intervene and restore. This declaration is not a denial of our pain but an act of trust in a God who is sovereign over all situations. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes that God's saving hand is extended specifically to the "humble person." This reminds us that true spiritual elevation and deliverance are often contingent upon our willingness to humble ourselves, acknowledge our dependence on God, and adopt a "lowly of eyes" disposition. In our trials, rather than becoming resentful or self-exalting, cultivating humility allows God to work His transformative power within us, aligning our hearts with His kingdom principles where true strength is found in weakness and true exaltation in humility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel "cast down" by life's circumstances or personal failures? Do I declare hope or succumb to despair?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more "humble person" (low of eyes) spirit in my daily life, especially when facing adversity or perceived injustice?**
* **How does the promise that God "shall save the humble person" challenge my natural inclination towards self-reliance or pride in my achievements?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God will always make my life prosperous if I'm humble?**

Answer: Not necessarily in a material or worldly sense, as Eliphaz's theology often implied. While the Bible does speak of God blessing the humble, the "lifting up" in this verse, and throughout Scripture, refers more broadly to spiritual elevation, divine favor, inner peace, and ultimate salvation, which may or may not include material prosperity. The book of Job itself ultimately corrects the simplistic view that suffering is always a direct result of sin and that righteousness always guarantees earthly wealth. God's "saving" of the humble person is primarily about their spiritual well-being, their relationship with Him, and His faithfulness to them, even in the midst of ongoing trials. True prosperity in God's kingdom is often found in spiritual richness and closeness to Him, as seen in passages like [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit").

**How can I "say, 'There is lifting up'" when I feel completely hopeless?**

Answer: This declaration is an act of faith, not a denial of your current feelings. It's about speaking God's truth into your situation, even when your emotions contradict it. It's a prophetic utterance, aligning yourself with God's character as the one who raises the dead and brings hope to the hopeless. It means choosing to believe that God is capable of reversing your circumstances or, more profoundly, changing your perspective and spirit within those circumstances. It's a declaration that God's power is greater than your despair, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 42:5](/psalm/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?").

**Is Eliphaz's advice in Job 22 entirely trustworthy?**

Answer: No, not entirely. While Job 22:29 contains a profound and biblically sound truth about humility and God's character, it is spoken within Eliphaz's broader theological framework, which God later critiques. Eliphaz, along with Job's other friends, wrongly assumes that Job's suffering is a direct punishment for specific sins, urging him to repent of transgressions he did not commit. God explicitly rebukes the friends for not speaking what is right about Him, as stated in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends"). Therefore, while individual statements like Job 22:29 can contain truth, they must be interpreted within the full context of the book of Job, which challenges simplistic retribution theology and highlights God's sovereign and often mysterious ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 22:29 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "humble person" who was "cast down" in the most profound sense, yet was ultimately "lifted up" by God. The Son of God, though existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but instead emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, [He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). This ultimate act of being "cast down" into suffering and death on behalf of humanity was met with God's ultimate "lifting up." Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, as declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). Through His humility and sacrifice, Jesus became the means by which all who humble themselves before God, acknowledging their sin and trusting in Him, can experience true "lifting up"—spiritual salvation, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest for their souls, for [His yoke is easy and His burden is light](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Thus, Christ embodies the promise of Job 22:29, demonstrating that true exaltation comes through humble obedience and offering salvation to every person who comes to Him in humility and faith.

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

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Job 5:19

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Job 5:27

Lo this, we have searched it, so it [is]; hear it, and know thou [it] for thy good.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Matthew 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.