King James Version

What Does Job 34:13 Mean?

Job 34:13 in the King James Version says “Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? the whole: Heb. all of it?” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? the whole: Heb. all of it?”

Job 34:13 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? the whole: Heb. all of it?

14

If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; man: Heb. him

15

All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu defends God's justice: "Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?" These rhetorical questions expect the answer: no one. The Hebrew paqad (פָּקַד, "given charge") means to appoint or entrust. The verb sum (שׂוּם, "disposed") means to set or establish. Elihu argues that God's sovereignty is underived—no higher authority commissioned Him. From a Reformed perspective, this establishes God's aseity (self-existence) and independent sovereignty. God rules by inherent right, not delegated authority. This truth grounds divine justice: God is accountable to no one because no one stands above Him to establish standards He must meet. Yet this creates tension: how can creatures evaluate divine justice? The answer lies in God's self-revelation—He voluntarily discloses His character and ways, making Himself known. Job seeks not to judge God but to understand Him, a legitimate longing God will honor by appearing directly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern religions depicted gods receiving domains from higher deities (Marduk appointed by Anu, Zeus by Cronus). Biblical monotheism rejects such hierarchies—Yahweh alone is ultimate, accountable to none. This radical theology distinguished Israel from surrounding nations and prevented subjecting God to external standards. Yet God voluntarily enters covenant, binding Himself by promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's underived authority relate to His trustworthiness and moral character?
  2. What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and His self-imposed covenant obligations?
  3. How can we question God's ways while acknowledging He's accountable to no higher authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מִֽי1 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

פָקַ֣ד2 of 8

“Who hath given him a charge”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עָלָ֣יו3 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אָ֑רְצָה4 of 8

“over the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמִ֥י5 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

שָׂ֝֗ם6 of 8

“or who hath disposed”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

תֵּבֵ֥ל7 of 8

“the whole world”

H8398

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

כֻּלָּֽהּ׃8 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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 34:13 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 34:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:11Isaiah 40:13-14Romans 11:34-36Job 36:23Job 38:4-41Job 40:8-11

Test Your Knowledge

Job 34 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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