King James Version

What Does Job 34:10 Mean?

Job 34:10 in the King James Version says “Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almig...” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. men: Heb. men of heart”

Job 34:10 · KJV

Context

8

Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

9

For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

10

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. men: Heb. men of heart

11

For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

12

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu declares: 'Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.' This defense of divine righteousness is orthodox but misses Job's point - Job questions how to understand God's ways, not God's character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient theodicy defended God's justice. Elihu's statement contains truth but addresses a claim Job never made.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you defend God's character while acknowledging mysterious providence?
  2. What's the difference between questioning God's ways and accusing God of wickedness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לָכֵ֤ן׀1 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י2 of 10
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לֵבָ֗ב3 of 10

“of understanding”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

שִׁמְע֫וּ4 of 10

“Therefore hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לִ֥י5 of 10
H0
חָלִ֖לָה6 of 10

“far be it”

H2486

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לָאֵ֥ל7 of 10

“from God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

מֵרֶ֗שַׁע8 of 10

“that he should do wickedness”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

וְשַׁדַּ֥י9 of 10

“and from the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

מֵעָֽוֶל׃10 of 10

“that he should commit iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 34:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 34:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 9:14Deuteronomy 32:42 Chronicles 19:7Job 8:3James 1:13Genesis 18:25

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