Job 22:7 - You haven’t given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry.

Generated Verse: Job 22:7

What does "Job 22:7" mean?


This verse, Job 22:7, is part of Eliphaz's accusations against Job. Eliphaz is one of Job's friends who believes Job is suffering because he has committed some great sin. He's essentially saying, "You must have done something terrible to deserve this suffering."

Specifically, Job 22:7 accuses Job of being uncharitable and lacking compassion. It suggests that Job, despite having the means to help, neglected to provide basic necessities to those in need:

"You haven't given water to the weary to drink..." This implies Job failed to offer refreshment and support to those exhausted by labor or travel. In a hot, arid climate, water was a vital resource, and refusing it was a serious act of unkindness.
"...and you have withheld bread from the hungry." This suggests Job refused to share his food with those starving. Bread was the staple food, and withholding it meant letting people go hungry.

The Meaning and Context:

Eliphaz accuses Job of being selfish and uncaring. He's implying that Job, due to his own wealth and power, had turned a blind eye to the suffering of others. Eliphaz believes that Job's current suffering is a direct consequence of his past neglect of the poor and needy.

It's important to understand that Eliphaz is wrong. Throughout the Book of Job, it's emphasized that Job was a righteous man. God himself acknowledges Job's integrity. The verse is a false accusation, highlighting the flawed thinking of Job's friends who believe suffering is always a punishment for sin.

In summary, Job 22:7 is an accusation that Job lacked compassion and refused to help those in need by withholding water and bread from the weary and hungry, respectively. However, this is a false accusation, and it does not reflect Job's true character or the reason for his suffering.