Job 35:7

“If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?”

This verse is a part of a speech by Elihu, one of Job’s friends who is responding to Job’s complaints and questions about his suffering. Elihu’s speeches can be found in Job 32-37.

To understand the context of Job 35:7, it’s important to know that the Book of Job primarily focuses on the topic of human suffering and the question of why righteous people often face hardships. Job, the central character, is a righteous man who goes through immense suffering, losing his wealth, health, and even his family. Throughout the book, Job is wrestling with his own pain and searching for answers.

In this specific verse, Elihu is speaking to Job and making a point about righteousness. He questions Job, saying, “If thou be righteous, what givest thou him?” This question can be interpreted as Elihu asking Job what he has actually given to God as a result of his righteousness. Elihu suggests that righteousness itself does not add anything to God or provide any advantage to Him. Elihu continues, “or what receiveth he of thine hand?” In other words, Elihu is asking Job what God has received from him as a result of his righteous actions.

Elihu’s point here seems to be a challenge to Job’s understanding of righteousness. He is implying that righteousness is not a means to gain favor with God or to earn rewards from Him. Instead, righteousness is seen as a natural response to God’s character and His goodness. Elihu seems to be highlighting the fact that God is self-sufficient and does not depend on anything humans can offer Him.

This verse prompts us to consider the true nature of righteousness and our motives behind it. Righteousness should flow from a genuine love for God and a desire to align our lives with His principles. It is not a transactional relationship where we seek to earn something from God, but rather an expression of our gratitude and devotion to Him.

In the broader context of the Book of Job, Elihu’s speeches serve as a preparation for God’s own response to Job’s questions later in the narrative. God’s answer, given in chapters 38-41, emphasizes His wisdom, power, and sovereignty, reminding Job that human understanding is limited in the face of God’s greatness.