Job 22:30

KJV

He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall deliver {H4422} the island {H336} of the innocent {H5355}: and it is delivered {H4422} by the pureness {H1252} of thine hands {H3709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"He delivers even the unclean; so if your hands are clean, you will be delivered."

Berean Standard Bible

He will deliver even one who is not innocent, rescuing him through the cleanness of your hands.”

American Standard Version

He will deliverevenhim that is not innocent: Yea, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of thy hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 22:30, a pivotal verse in Eliphaz the Temanite's final address to Job, articulates a conditional promise: should Job repent and embrace a life of purity, he would not only experience personal restoration but would also become a divine instrument for the deliverance of others. This verse, particularly in its King James Version rendering, suggests that the integrity and righteous conduct of an individual can lead to the salvation or rescue of those in dire need, even those who might otherwise be considered beyond hope, thereby underscoring Eliphaz's deeply held belief in a direct, causal relationship between human righteousness and the bestowal of divine favor and influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 22:30 serves as the culminating promise within Eliphaz's third and final discourse to Job, which encompasses the entirety of [Job 22](/job/22 "Job 22 - Eliphaz's Third Speech"). Throughout this chapter, Eliphaz escalates his accusations, directly implying that Job's profound suffering is an undeniable consequence of unconfessed and significant sin. He earnestly implores Job to reconcile with God, to repent of his wickedness, and to forsake his perceived transgressions, vividly portraying the abundant blessings and comprehensive restoration that would inevitably follow such a turning. This particular verse functions as the rhetorical climax of Eliphaz's argument, offering a compelling incentive for Job to confess and alter his ways, promising not only personal prosperity but also the profound capacity to intercede effectively on behalf of others. It stands in stark contrast to Job's unwavering declarations of innocence and his profound struggle to reconcile his inexplicable suffering with the justice and character of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dramatic narrative of the Book of Job is situated in the ancient Near East, a region where a pervasive **retribution theology** was a dominant intellectual and spiritual framework. This worldview posited a direct, mechanistic correlation between an individual's actions and their ultimate destiny: righteousness was believed to invariably lead to prosperity, blessing, and well-being, while wickedness was seen as the direct cause of suffering, calamity, and misfortune. Job's friends, including Eliphaz, are fervent adherents to this traditional wisdom. Their arguments are firmly rooted in the conviction that God is inherently just and, therefore, *must* punish the wicked and reward the righteous. Their counsel to Job meticulously reflects this cultural understanding, as they relentlessly urge him to identify and confess the specific sin they are absolutely convinced he has committed. The concept of intercession, where a righteous individual could powerfully plead on behalf of others, was also a recognized and valued aspect of ancient Near Eastern thought, as powerfully exemplified by figures such as [Abraham interceding for the city of Sodom](/genesis/18-23-33 "Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom").
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes that are central to the Book of Job and, specifically, to Eliphaz's speeches. Foremost is the theme of **Retribution Theology**, which Eliphaz vigorously champions, asserting that divine deliverance and blessing are strictly conditional upon human repentance and "pureness of hands." This perspective stands in sharp theological contrast to the book's ultimate revelation of God's sovereign wisdom and unsearchable grace, which demonstrably transcend simplistic human understandings of cause and effect. Another significant theme is **Intercession and Influence**, wherein the righteous individual is portrayed as a chosen instrument through whom God actively works deliverance for others. Eliphaz suggests that a restored and righteous Job could even bring salvation to those who are "not innocent," thereby highlighting the far-reaching and transformative impact of a life lived in alignment with God. Finally, the theme of **Purity and Righteousness** is undeniably central, as Eliphaz emphatically emphasizes blameless conduct and unwavering integrity as indispensable prerequisites for receiving divine favor and exercising effective spiritual influence, resonating deeply with broader biblical calls for [clean hands and a pure heart](/psalms/24-4 "Psalm 24:4 - The Ascent to God's Holy Hill").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** This verb (H4422) is a primitive root signifying "to be smooth," which by implication leads to the idea of escaping, as if by slipperiness. Causatively, it means "to release or rescue." In the context of Job 22:30, it conveys the active bringing forth of salvation or liberation, implying a divine or divinely-enabled act of rescue from peril or distress.
* **Island (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** This noun (H336) typically refers to a "coast," "island," or "region." However, its usage in Job 22:30 is highly debated. While the KJV renders it as "island," many scholars propose an alternative derivation from a similar-sounding root, suggesting meanings like "woe," "misfortune," or "one who is not innocent." This ambiguity is central to the verse's interpretation, as it dramatically shifts the identity of those being delivered.
* **Pureness (Hebrew, _bôr'_):** This noun (H1252), derived from a root meaning "to purify," denotes a state of cleanness, purity, or blamelessness. In Eliphaz's argument, it refers to Job's moral and spiritual integrity, suggesting a life free from sin and lived in accordance with divine standards, which Eliphaz insists is the prerequisite for divine favor and the ability to be an agent of deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall deliver the island of the innocent":** This initial clause presents a promise of divine deliverance. The "He" most naturally refers to God, who is the ultimate source of salvation. The phrase "the island of the innocent" is the primary interpretive challenge. If "island" is taken literally, it suggests a group of people or a place characterized by innocence. However, if the alternative scholarly interpretation of _'îy_ (H336) as "the guilty" or "one who is not innocent" is adopted, then the clause implies that God will deliver the guilty *through* the righteous individual (Job). Eliphaz's core assertion is that a repentant and purified Job would become an active agent of divine rescue, extending salvation even to those who might not inherently deserve it.
* **"and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands":** This second clause clarifies the *means* by which the aforementioned deliverance is achieved: "by the pureness of thine hands." This is Eliphaz's explicit conditional statement, directly linking the promised act of deliverance to Job's moral purity and blameless conduct. For Eliphaz, Job's righteous actions and unblemished integrity are the essential conditions for God to work through him to bring about salvation for others. It powerfully emphasizes the human role in facilitating divine activity, a foundational tenet of the friends' retribution theology.

#### Literary Devices
Job 22:30 prominently features a **Conditional Statement**, as Eliphaz's promise of deliverance is explicitly contingent upon Job's repentance and the "pureness of thine hands." This structure perfectly encapsulates the friends' legalistic and merit-based framework for understanding God's interactions with humanity. The phrase "pureness of thine hands" functions as a powerful **Synecdoche**, where "hands" (H3709, _kaph_) represent not merely physical actions but the entirety of Job's moral conduct, integrity, and spiritual state. Furthermore, the highly debated translation of "the island of the innocent" introduces significant **Ambiguity** and potential **Metaphor**. If "island" (H336, _ʼîy_) is not taken literally, it could metaphorically represent a group of people isolated in their guilt or suffering, desperately in need of rescue, thereby highlighting the universal scope of potential deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's theological framework in Job 22:30 is ultimately revealed by God to be flawed and incomplete ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Eliphaz")), the verse nonetheless touches upon profound biblical truths concerning the power of intercession and the transformative impact of a righteous life. Eliphaz correctly perceives that God *does* indeed use His people as instruments of blessing and deliverance in the world. However, he errs significantly in presenting this as a transactional outcome of human merit rather than an overflowing expression of divine grace. The verse highlights the inherent tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty, serving as a poignant reminder that while God calls us to pursue purity and engage in fervent prayer, our ultimate deliverance—and the deliverance of others—rests entirely upon His unmerited favor, not on our earned righteousness. Nevertheless, a life genuinely aligned with God's will undeniably positions an individual to be a more effective and willing vessel for His redemptive purposes.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Proverbs 11:11](/proverbs/11-11 "Proverbs 11:11 - The Blessing of the Upright")
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I Regard Iniquity in My Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 22:30, despite the problematic theological underpinnings of Eliphaz's argument, compels us to reflect deeply on the profound influence of a life lived with integrity and unwavering devotion to God. While the New Testament unequivocally teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, it simultaneously calls believers to a life of holiness and to be active agents of God's love, truth, and justice in a broken world. This verse challenges us to consider how our own "pureness of hands"—our sincere commitment to ethical conduct, genuine faith, and heartfelt prayer—can become a vital channel through which God orchestrates deliverance and pours out His blessings into the lives of others. It serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey is not solely for our individual benefit; it possesses a far-reaching ripple effect, empowering us to intercede fervently for those who are lost, suffering, or desperately in need of God's miraculous intervention. Furthermore, it stands as a crucial caution against judgmentalism, urging us to approach others with profound compassion and a fervent desire for their deliverance, rather than hastily assuming their suffering is a direct consequence of their personal sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Eliphaz's conditional promise challenge or affirm your understanding of God's grace and human responsibility in the process of deliverance?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to intercede for others in your life, particularly those who seem "guilty" or "without hope"?**
* **Beyond mere outward conformity, what does "pureness of hands" truly mean for your daily life and your ongoing spiritual walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV say "island of the innocent" when other translations differ significantly?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation of "the island of the innocent" for [Job 22:30](/job/22-30 "Job 22:30 - Deliverance by Pure Hands") is indeed distinctive and has been a consistent subject of extensive scholarly discussion and debate. The underlying Hebrew word in question is _'îy_ (H336). While _'îy_ commonly translates to "island," "coast," or "region" in other biblical contexts, many modern scholars and contemporary translations (such as the ESV, NIV, and NASB) interpret it differently within this specific verse. These alternative renderings often translate it as "the guilty," "the one who is not innocent," or "the one for whom no deliverance is found." This alternative understanding typically stems from a proposed etymological connection to a similar-sounding Hebrew root that conveys ideas of "woe" or "misfortune," or by interpreting _'îy_ here as an elliptical expression referring to someone in a desperate, isolated, or condemned state. The KJV's rendering may reflect a less common, perhaps more poetic or symbolic, interpretation of the word, or it could be based on a different textual tradition or a particular exegetical choice made by the original translators. Regardless of the precise rendering, the overarching message Eliphaz intends to convey is that a righteous person, through their purity and integrity, can serve as a divine instrument for God's deliverance of others, whether those others are perceived as innocent or guilty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 22:30, with its profound emphasis on deliverance achieved through "pureness of hands," finds its ultimate, perfect, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Eliphaz mistakenly posited a human purity as the prerequisite for divine deliverance, the New Testament unequivocally reveals that true and ultimate salvation comes exclusively through the perfect and unblemished purity of Christ Himself. He is the truly "innocent" one who, by His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, delivers the "guilty"—all of humanity. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") powerfully declares, "[For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God!](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")" Christ's "pureness of hands" was not merely moral integrity but divine perfection, enabling Him to be the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He willingly became our perfect substitute, bearing our guilt and condemnation, so that we might be declared righteous and receive true, eternal deliverance. Furthermore, Jesus is our ultimate and perpetual intercessor, continually pleading for us before the Father, thereby ensuring our ongoing deliverance, sanctification, and ultimate salvation ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). Through faith in Him, we are not only delivered from sin and its consequences but are also imputed with His righteousness, enabling us to participate in His divine mission of bringing light, hope, and saving grace to a world desperately in need of His transformative power.

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 42:7

¶ And it was [so], that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me [the thing that is] right, as my servant Job [hath].

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Genesis 18:26

And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

Genesis 18:32

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

Psalms 18:20

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.