What does Job 35:7 mean?
"If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?" - Job 35:7

The Bible verse Job 35:7 from the King James Version (KJV) states: "If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?" This verse is part of a dialogue between Job and his friends, as they seek to understand the reasons for Job's suffering.
The book of Job is a complex and challenging piece of literature, dealing with themes of suffering, righteousness, and the nature of God. The verse in question is spoken by Elihu, one of Job's friends, as he attempts to explain to Job the reasons for his suffering. Throughout the book, Job expresses his frustration and confusion over his plight, questioning why he is experiencing such profound suffering despite living a righteous and blameless life.
In this verse, Elihu is essentially asking Job what he has to offer to God, or what he could possibly give that would be of value to Him. This points to a larger theological question concerning the nature of righteousness and its relationship to God. Elihu seems to be suggesting that righteousness does not entitle a person to anything from God, as if it were a transactional relationship. Instead, righteousness should be seen as an inherent good in itself, rather than a means to an end.
The verse raises profound questions about the nature of righteousness and the character of God. It also reflects the broader theme of suffering in the book of Job, as it speaks to the deeper theological question of why there is suffering in the world, particularly for those who are deemed righteous.
The context of the verse is important for understanding its significance within the larger narrative of the book of Job. Job's suffering is a central theme throughout the story, and it serves as the backdrop for the various dialogues and debates that take place within the text. Job's friends attempt to elucidate the reasons for his suffering, with each offering different perspectives on the matter. Elihu's speech is generally seen as a response to the earlier arguments put forth by Job's other friends, and it sets the stage for God's eventual response to Job's questions and complaints.
Symbolism also plays a role in understanding the verse. The concept of righteousness is a central theme in the book of Job, and it is often symbolized by Job himself. Despite his suffering, Job is portrayed as a righteous and blameless man who remains faithful to God, even in the midst of his trials. The verse speaks to the larger symbolism of righteousness and its relationship to God. It suggests that righteousness is not a means to an end, but rather a state of being that is inherently valuable in and of itself, regardless of the outcomes or rewards it may bring.
Overall, the verse Job 35:7 from the King James Version grapples with complex and profound questions about the nature of righteousness, the character of God, and the problem of suffering. It is part of a larger dialogue within the book of Job that seeks to understand these deep theological issues. As such, it offers a thought-provoking and challenging meditation on the nature of righteousness and its relationship to God, and it remains an important and relevant passage within the broader context of the biblical text.
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Job 35:7 - "If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?"
"If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?" - Job 35:7
Job 34:35 - "Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom."
Job 35:16 - "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge."
Job 35:1 - "Elihu spake moreover, and said,"
Job 35:4 - "I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee."
Job 15:35 - "They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit."
Job 9:35 - "Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me."
Job 35:13 - "Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it."
Job 35:12 - "There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men."
Job 35:5 - "Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou."
Job 35:2 - "Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?"
"Elihu spake moreover, and said," - Job 35:1
Job 38:35 - "Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?"
Job 35:10 - "But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;"
"Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom." - Job 34:35
Job 35:9 - "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty."
Job 35:15 - "But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:"
Job 35:11 - "Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?"
"I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee." - Job 35:4
Job 35:8 - "Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man."
Nehemiah 7:35 - "The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty."
Job 35:6 - "If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?"
Job 35:14 - "Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him."
Luke 7:35 - "But wisdom is justified of all her children."
"Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge." - Job 35:16
Job 31:35 - "Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book."
Job 35:3 - "For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?"
"Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it." - Job 35:13
"Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me." - Job 9:35