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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 35:3 For you ask, 'What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/35-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/18_Job_35_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 35:3 - Elihu Reminds Job of God's Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you ask, 'What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/35-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/35-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/35.htm">Chapter 35</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/35-2.htm" title="Job 35:2">◄</a> Job 35:3 <a href="/job/35-4.htm" title="Job 35:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/35.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/35.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Yet you ask him, &#8216What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For you also ask, ‘What’s in it for me? What’s the use of living a righteous life?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />that you ask, ‘What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? <i>and</i>, What profit shall I have, <i>if I be cleansed</i> from my sin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than <i>if</i> I had sinned?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You? What benefit will I have, more than <i>if</i> I had sinned?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For you say, &#8216What advantage will it be to You? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For you say, ‘What use will it be to You? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“For you say, ‘What advantage have you [by living a righteous life]? What profit will I have, more [by being righteous] than if I had sinned?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you ask, “What does it profit you, and what benefit comes to me, if I do not sin? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you ask, &#8220What does it profit You, and what benefit comes to me, if I do not sin?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That thou sayest, What advantage will it be unto thee? And, What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't you honestly believe it pays to obey him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />That thou sayest, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />when you ask, 'What benefit is it to you?' and, 'What would I gain by sinning?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />or to ask God, "How does my sin affect you? What have I gained by not sinning?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />After all, you've asked what your benefit will be: 'What will I profit from refraining from sin?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you ask, ?What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But you say, 'What will it profit you,' and, 'What do I gain by not sinning?' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />That you ask, 'What advantage will it be to you? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For thou saidst, What advantage will it be to thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that you ask, ‘What advantage will it be to you? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For you say, What does it profit You? What do I profit from my sin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For thou sayest, 'What doth it profit Thee! What do I profit from my sin?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For thou wilt say, What shall it profit to thee? what shall I profit from my sin?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For thou saidst : That which is right doth not please thee : or what will it profit thee if I sin? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For you said, “Having done what is right does not please you,” and, “How will it benefit you, if I sin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you ask what it profits you, “What advantage do I have from not sinning?” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you ask, ‘What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If you have said it, what advantage will it be to you? And what should I gain if I should condemn you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If you spoke, what did it avail you for your soul? And what use that I would condemn you?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That thou inquirest: 'What advantage will it be unto Thee?' And: 'What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I will answer thee, and thy three friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/35-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=5420" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/35.htm">Elihu Reminds Job of God's Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’ <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ṯō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you ask,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">‘What</a> <a href="/hebrew/5532.htm" title="5532: yis·kān- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary.">does it profit</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">and what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3276.htm" title="3276: ’ō·‘îl (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To confer or gain profit or benefit. A primitive root; properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable.">benefit do I gain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2403.htm" title="2403: mê·ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯî (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Or chattacth; from chata'; an offence, and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also an offender.">apart from sin?’</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>I will reply to you and to your friends as well.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Romans 3:5-8</a></span><br />But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. / Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? / However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13-14</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. / For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14-15</a></span><br />You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? / So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3</a></span><br />“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-25.htm">Ezekiel 18:25-29</a></span><br />Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? / If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has committed. / But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></span><br />Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14</a></span><br />There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. / For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-12.htm">Psalm 49:12-13</a></span><br />But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. / This is the fate of the foolish and their followers who endorse their sayings. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Matthew 5:45</a></span><br />that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a></span><br />But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Romans 2:6-11</a></span><br />God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For you said, What advantage will it be to you? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?</p><p class="hdg">what advantage</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-21.htm">Job 9:21,22</a></b></br> <i>Though</i> I <i>were</i> perfect, <i>yet</i> would I not know my soul: I would despise my life… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/10-15.htm">Job 10:15</a></b></br> If I be wicked, woe unto me; and <i>if</i> I be righteous, <i>yet</i> will I not lift up my head. <i>I am</i> full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-15.htm">Job 21:15</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?</p><p class="hdg">If I be cleansed from my sin.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/22-3.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/job/10-18.htm">Better</a> <a href="/job/9-30.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/job/30-2.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/job/10-6.htm">Inquirest</a> <a href="/job/34-9.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/job/34-37.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/job/33-27.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-27.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/job/22-17.htm">What</a> <a href="/job/34-32.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/job/41-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-10.htm">Inquirest</a> <a href="/job/35-8.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/job/35-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/job/35-6.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/psalms/78-17.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">What</a> <a href="/job/35-6.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Job 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/35-1.htm">Comparison is not to be made with God, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/35-6.htm">because our good or evil cannot extend unto him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/35-9.htm">Many cry in their afflictions, but are not heard for lack of faith</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/35.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For you ask,</b><br>This phrase introduces a rhetorical question posed by Elihu, one of Job's friends. Elihu is addressing Job's complaints and questions about the justice of God. In the context of the Book of Job, Job has been questioning the reasons for his suffering and the apparent lack of divine justice. Elihu's role is to offer a different perspective, suggesting that Job's questioning of God's justice is misguided. This reflects a common theme in wisdom literature, where questioning and seeking understanding are central, yet the ultimate wisdom is seen as trusting in God's sovereignty.<p><b>‘What does it profit me,</b><br>This part of the verse reflects a common human concern about the value of righteousness and obedience to God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prosperity and well-being were often seen as signs of divine favor. Job's suffering challenges this notion, as he is a righteous man who experiences great loss. The question of profit or benefit from righteousness is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, where the psalmist struggles with the prosperity of the wicked. The underlying issue is the tension between temporal and eternal perspectives on reward and justice.<p><b>and what benefit do I gain</b><br>Here, the focus is on the tangible benefits of living a righteous life. In the cultural context of the time, blessings were often understood in material terms—wealth, health, and family. Job's experience challenges this understanding, as he loses all these despite his righteousness. This phrase invites readers to consider the deeper, spiritual benefits of righteousness that may not be immediately visible. The New Testament further develops this idea, emphasizing spiritual rewards and eternal life as the ultimate benefits of faithfulness to God (e.g., <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).<p><b>apart from sin?’</b><br>This phrase highlights the contrast between living a life of righteousness and one of sin. Elihu suggests that Job's questioning implies that there is no benefit to righteousness if it does not lead to immediate, tangible rewards. Theologically, this touches on the concept of sin as separation from God and the ultimate source of human suffering. The question challenges readers to consider the intrinsic value of righteousness and the inherent consequences of sin. In the broader biblical narrative, this points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who offers reconciliation with God and eternal life, transcending the temporal benefits or sufferings of this world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elihu.htm">Elihu</a></b><br>A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a different perspective on Job's suffering. Elihu is portrayed as being passionate and somewhat indignant about the way Job has questioned God's justice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and questions the reasons behind his trials. Job's integrity and faith are tested throughout the account.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and sovereign being whose justice and righteousness are central themes in the Book of Job. Elihu seeks to defend God's justice in his speeches.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/friends_of_job.htm">Friends of Job</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, often suggesting that Job's suffering is a result of sin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heavens.htm">The Heavens</a></b><br>Often referenced in the Book of Job as a symbol of God's majesty and the divine order, contrasting human understanding with divine wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_righteousness.htm">Understanding Righteousness</a></b><br>Righteousness is not about personal gain but about aligning with God's will and character. Our actions should reflect a desire to honor God rather than seeking what we can get from Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_god's_justice.htm">The Nature of God’s Justice</a></b><br>God's justice is not transactional. Elihu reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His justice is perfect, even when it is beyond our understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_suffering.htm">The Purpose of Suffering</a></b><br>Suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. It can be a means through which God refines our character and deepens our reliance on Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/q/questioning_god.htm">Questioning God</a></b><br>While it is natural to question during times of suffering, we must approach God with humility, recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_for_god's_glory.htm">Living for God’s Glory</a></b><br>Our lives should be lived for the glory of God, not for personal benefit. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_35.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 35</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_all_sin_(rom_3_23_vs._job_1_1).htm">Does everyone sin? (Romans 3:23 vs. Job 1:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_job_sinless_if_all_have_sinned.htm">Given Job 16:17, how does the text account for Job's apparent sinlessness despite broader biblical teachings that 'all have sinned' (Romans 3:23)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job's_innocence_fit_with_sin.htm">If Job's firm claim of innocence in Job 27:5-6 is correct, how do we reconcile this with Biblical teachings on universal human sin (e.g., Romans 3:23)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_let_innocents_suffer.htm">How can a just God allow the innocent to suffer alongside the wicked, as implied in Job 35:14-16?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For thou saidst What advantage will it be unto thee?</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> What advantage will thy righteousness be unto thee? Job had certainly argued that his righteousness brought him no <span class="accented">temporal</span> advantage; but he had always a conviction that he would ultimately be the better for it. Elihu, however, does not acknowledge this; and, assuming that Job expects to receive no advantage at all from his integrity, argues that God is not bound to afford him any. And, <span class="cmt_word">What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?</span> rather, <span class="accented">And what profit shall f have</span>, <span class="accented">more than if I had sinned?</span> (see the Revised Version, and compare the comments of Rosenmuller and Canon Cook). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/35-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you ask,</span><br /><span class="heb">תֹ֭אמַר</span> <span class="translit">(ṯō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">does it profit</span><br /><span class="heb">יִּסְכָּן־</span> <span class="translit">(yis·kān-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be familiar with, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֑ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and what</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(māh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">benefit do I gain</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹ֝עִ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·‘îl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3276.htm">Strong's 3276: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confer or gain profit or benefit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">apart from sin?’</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2403.htm">Strong's 2403: </a> </span><span class="str2">An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/35-3.htm">OT Poetry: Job 35:3 That you ask 'What advantage will it (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/35-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 35:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 35:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/35-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 35:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 35:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>