What does Job 22:21 mean?
"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." - Job 22:21

Job 22:21 (KJV) says, "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Job's friend Eliphaz is speaking to Job, urging him to repent and submit himself to God in order to find peace and restoration.
The theme of this verse is the importance of seeking and knowing God. The word "acquaint" in this context means to become familiar with or to have a personal relationship with someone. Eliphaz is admonishing Job to seek God, to come to know Him intimately, and to find peace in His presence. The underlying message is that true peace and blessings come from being in a right relationship with God.
The context surrounding this verse is important to understand its full implications. Job is a righteous man who has been struck with unimaginable suffering. His three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, visit him and attempt to offer explanations for his suffering, often attributing it to some sin or failing on Job's part. However, despite their well-intentioned counsel, they ultimately misunderstand the depth and complexity of Job's situation. Job, on the other hand, is wrestling with his suffering and trying to make sense of it in the context of his faith.
In this particular passage, Eliphaz is expressing his belief that Job's suffering is a result of his perceived distance from God. He encourages Job to turn back to God, to repent, and to seek peace and restoration in His presence. Eliphaz believes that if Job were to do this, good things would come to him. This reflects a common theme in the Old Testament, where blessings are often connected to obedience and faithfulness to God.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The idea of being at peace with God and the promise of good things coming unto thee are powerful symbols of the hope and restoration that come from a relationship with God. The concept of peace is often associated with the completeness and wholeness that comes from being in harmony with God. Additionally, the promise of good things conveys the idea of blessings and prosperity that flow from a life lived in alignment with God's will.
From a broader theological perspective, this verse raises questions about the nature of suffering, the relationship between God and humanity, and the role of repentance in finding peace and restoration. It invites us to consider how our own relationship with God may influence the presence of peace and blessings in our lives.
In summary, Job 22:21 (KJV) offers a powerful message about the importance of seeking and knowing God, the promise of peace and blessings that come from a right relationship with Him, and the potential for restoration and wholeness that can be found in His presence. It is a verse that speaks to the universal human experience of suffering and the deep longing for peace and tranquility. Ultimately, it points to the transformative power of a personal relationship with God.
Have questions about Job 22:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Job 22:21 Artwork
Job 22:21 - "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."
"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." - Job 22:21
Job 21:22 - "Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high."
"Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high." - Job 21:22
Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"
Job 1:22 - "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
"But Job answered and said," - Job 21:1
Job 1:21
Job 1:21
Job 3:20-21 - "Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?"
Job 22:1 - "Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,"
Matthew 9:21-22
Job 22:22 - "Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart."
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
"In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." - Job 1:22
Job 21:21 - "For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?"
Genesis 21:22
Genesis 22-21
Job 22:5 - "Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?"
Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."
Job 22:19 - "The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn."
Job 21:8 - "Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes."
Job 21:2 - "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations."
Job 41:22 - "In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him."
Job 21:13 - "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave."
Job 21:18 - "They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away."
Job 18:21 - "Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God."