complete verse (Job 22:26)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 22:26:

  • Kupsabiny: “That is when you will trust in the God of power,
    and know that he is the one who gives happiness.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then you will have joy from The Almighty.
    You will lift up your eyes to God” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then you (sing.) will-find joy that comes from the Almighty God, and you (sing.) will- not -be-ashamed to come-near to him.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “you will be happy because of your close relationship with God,
    and you will be able to approach him confidently.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Job 22:26

Verse 26 in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation is the consequence of verses 23-25. Then you will delight yourself in the Almighty: delight yourself translates the reflexive form of a Hebrew verb meaning “to find joy, to take pleasure, to be happy.” It is used in regard to Yahweh in Isaiah 58.14; Psalm 37.4. Good News Translation has reversed lines a and b but has not gained any particular advantage by doing so.

And lift up your face to God: this Hebrew expression was also used in verse 8b, where Revised Standard Version translates “favored man.” For comments on this expression see 11.15. Good News Translation “Then you will always trust in God” is a loose rendering and would be better rendered “Then you will face God with a clear conscience” or “Then you will not be ashamed before God.” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “and you can look at him with confidence.” Verse 26 may also be expressed, for example, “As a result the Almighty God will give you great joy, and you can look at him with a clear conscience” or “Then the Almighty God will fill you with joy, and you will look at him with a clean heart.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .