Job 22:20-22

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Job 22:20 tc The word translated “our enemies” is found only here. The word means “hostility,” but used here as a collective for those who are hostile—“enemies.” Some commentators follow the LXX and read “possessions,” explaining its meaning and derivation in different ways. Gordis simply takes the word in the text and affirms that this is the meaning. On the other hand, to get this, E. Dhorme (Job, 336) repoints קִימָנוּ (qimanu) of the MT to יְקוּמַם (y^equmam), arguing that יְקוּם (y^equm) means “what exists [or has substance]” (although that is used of animals). He translates: “have not their possessions been destroyed.”
2. Job 22:21 tn The verb סָכַן (sakhan) meant “to be useful; to be profitable” in v. 2. Now, in the Hiphil it means “to be accustomed to” or “to have experience with.” Joined by the preposition “with” it means “to be reconciled with him.” W. B. Bishai cites Arabic and Ugaritic words to support a meaning “acquiesce” (“Notes on hskn in Job 22:21, ” JNES 20 [1961]: 258-59).
3. Job 22:21 tn Heb “him”; the referent (God) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4. Job 22:21 tn The two imperatives in this verse imply a relationship of succession and not consequence.
5. Job 22:22 tn The Hebrew word here is תּוֹרָה (torah), its only occurrence in the book of Job.
6. Job 22:22 tc M. Dahood has “write his words” (“Metaphor in Job 22:22, ” Bib 47 [1966]: 108-9).