King James Version

What Does Job 34:21 Mean?

Job 34:21 in the King James Version says “For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.”

Job 34:21 · KJV

Context

19

How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

20

In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight , and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. the mighty: Heb. they shall take away the mighty

21

For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

22

There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23

For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. enter: Heb. go

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu declares God's omniscience: "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings." The noun ayin (עַיִן, "eyes") represents divine observation. The verb ra'ah (רָאָה, "seeth") means comprehensive seeing, not mere glancing. The phrase "all his goings" (kol-tse'adav, כָּל־צְעָדָיו) includes every step, every action. Elihu affirms divine omniscience as basis for perfect justice—God judges based on complete knowledge, not partial information. From a Reformed perspective, God's omniscience ensures no injustice goes unnoticed and no righteousness goes unrewarded, even if timing differs from our expectations. This truth comforts the suffering righteous (God knows the truth) while warning the prospering wicked (nothing is hidden). Hebrews 4:13 echoes this: "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Yet Elihu misapplies this truth to Job—knowing God sees all should comfort Job, not imply hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Divine omniscience appears throughout biblical and ancient Near Eastern thought. Egyptian Ma'at included divine surveillance, Mesopotamian gods recorded deeds. However, biblical omniscience is unique in its comprehensive, intimate nature—God knows not only actions but thoughts and motives (Psalm 139). This undergirds biblical ethics as answerable to One who sees completely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's complete knowledge of our ways affect our understanding of divine justice?
  2. What comfort does divine omniscience offer when we're misunderstood or falsely accused?
  3. How should awareness of God seeing all our steps shape our daily conduct?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּי1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵ֭ינָיו2 of 8

“For his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עַל3 of 8
H5921

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

דַּרְכֵי4 of 8

“are upon the ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אִ֑ישׁ5 of 8

“of man”

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)

וְֽכָל6 of 8
H3605

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

צְעָדָ֥יו7 of 8

“all his goings”

H6806

a pace or regular step

יִרְאֶֽה׃8 of 8

“and he seeth”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 34:21 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 34:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 15:3Job 31:4Jeremiah 16:17Proverbs 5:21Jeremiah 32:19Psalms 139:23

Test Your Knowledge

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