Job 22:2

King James Version with Strong's Numbers

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

📖 Grammatical Analysis

Original Text

הַלְאֵ֥ל יִסְכָּן־גָּ֑בֶר כִּֽי־יִסְכֹּ֖ן עָלֵ֣ימוֹ מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃

Transliteration

ha-lə-ʾēl yiskan-gāber kî-yiskōn ʿālēymô maśkîl

Grammar Details

• *ha-lə-ʾēl*: interrogative + preposition + noun, masculine singular - to God?
• *yiskan*: Qal imperfect, 3rd masculine singular - he profits/benefits
• *gāber*: noun, masculine singular - man/mighty man
• *kî-yiskōn*: conjunction + Qal imperfect, 3rd masculine singular - for/when he profits/benefits
• *ʿālēymô*: preposition + 3rd masculine singular suffix (poetic form) - upon himself
• *maśkîl*: Hiphil participle, masculine singular - one acting wisely/prudently

Word Meanings

• *yiskan*: to profit/benefit/be useful to
• *gāber*: man/strong one/hero
• *yiskōn*: to profit/benefit/be useful to
• *maśkîl*: one who is wise/prudent/acting wisely

Referenced Verses

• Luke 17:10 : 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
• Gal 6:7-8 : 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
• Deut 10:13 : 13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?
• Job 21:15 : 15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
• Job 35:6-8 : 6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? 7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? 8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.
• Ps 16:2 : 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
• Prov 3:13-18 : 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
• Prov 4:7-9 : 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
• Prov 9:12 : 12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
• Eccl 7:11-12 : 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
• Matt 5:29 : 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.