Job 22:17 Meaning: When We Push God Away
who said to God, ‘Depart from us!’ and, ‘What can the Almighty do for us?’
Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?
Who said unto God, Depart from us; And, What can the Almighty do for us?
Those saying to God, `Turn aside from us,' And what doth the Mighty One to them?
Who said unto God, Depart from us! and what could the Almighty do to them?
Meaning in one sentence
Eliphaz quotes the wicked saying 'Depart from us' and asks what the Almighty can do. Explore this verse and its role in Job's struggle with God's justice.
Context
Eliphaz is speaking in this chapter, and he has run out of patience with Job. He accuses Job of specific sins and now holds up words that wicked people have said. The quotation, 'Depart from us' and 'What can the Almighty do for us?', is actually something Job himself had put in the mouths of the wicked back in chapter 21. But Eliphaz uses it for a different purpose. He argues that people who talk like that are cut off early, as if to say, 'See what happens to those who speak this way.' He is trying to prove that disaster comes only to the guilty, and therefore Job must be guilty. The whole debate turns on this question: does suffering prove sin?
Key Words
The Hebrew word behind 'depart' is sur, a verb that means to turn aside, to remove oneself. These are not people asking God to step back politely. They are telling Him to leave their lives entirely. The second part uses the verb pa'al, to work or accomplish. They are saying God can do nothing for them. And the name 'Almighty' here is Shaddai, the God of enough, the All‑Sufficient One. The tragedy is that they are pushing away the very source of strength they need.
Notice the force of sur. It is the same word used when someone turns aside from the path, or when a servant is dismissed. These wicked people want no instructions, no worship, no government from God. They want to be their own masters. And they doubt Shaddai can add anything to what they already have. It is practical atheism: living as if God has nothing to offer.
How Christians Read This Verse
Barnes calls this verse 'a most sarcastic retort' on Job's own words. He sees Eliphaz taking what Job said about the wicked and applying it to the old world before the flood. The Cambridge Bible suggests Eliphaz is implying that Job thought God so far removed that He does not see human conduct. Gill emphasizes that these wicked refused instruction, repentance, and worship. Matthew Henry points to the flood and Sodom as examples of God's wrath against such attitudes. Wesley notes that Eliphaz uses Job's words 'to a contrary purpose.' Across traditions, commentators agree that this verse exposes a heart that has no room for God, and that such a posture leads to ruin, whether immediately or ultimately.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
It is easy to push God away when we do not see Him working. Maybe you have been praying for something and nothing changes. The quiet thought creeps in: 'What is the point? What can God really do?' That is exactly the attitude this verse describes. But here is the truth: God is not someone we can afford to dismiss. When we turn from Him, we lose our only hope. This week, notice the moments you are tempted to think God has nothing for you. Instead of turning away, consider turning toward Him, even with your questions. He can handle them.
Main takeaway: Pushing God away and claiming He has nothing to offer is the oldest road to ruin.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The people in this verse told God to go away. They didn't think He could help them. But God is the one who gives us everything good.
For ages 9, 12
Eliphaz is quoting people who rejected God completely. They didn't want God in their lives, and they thought He was powerless. But the whole book of Job shows us that God is always at work, even when we don't understand. Don't be like those who push God away. Instead, bring your questions to Him.
Questions People Ask
Is Job 22:17 Job's own words or Eliphaz's?
The verse is spoken by Eliphaz, but he is quoting the wicked. Interestingly, Job used almost the same words in Job 21:14-15 to describe how the wicked talk, even though they prosper. Eliphaz takes that quote and uses it against Job.
What does 'Depart from us' mean in this context?
It is a rejection of God and His authority. The wicked are essentially saying they don't want God in their lives. They want to be free from His rule and instruction.
What does 'What can the Almighty do for us?' mean?
This expresses a lack of dependence on God. They feel self-sufficient and doubt that God can add anything to their lives. It is a practical denial of God's power and goodness.
How does this verse relate to Job 21:14-15?
Job first put these words in the mouths of the wicked to argue that they prosper despite their rebellion. Eliphaz then uses the same words to argue that such people are eventually destroyed. This shows the central debate: does wickedness always lead to visible punishment?
What is the 'Almighty' in this verse?
The Hebrew word is Shaddai, a name for God that emphasizes His power and sufficiency. It is ironic that the wicked question what Shaddai can do, because His name means He is more than able.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study