King James Version

What Does Job 34:23 Mean?

Job 34:23 in the King James Version says “For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. enter: Heb. go” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 34:23 · KJV

Context

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

24

He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. number: Heb. searching out

25

Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. destroyed: Heb. crushed

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he will not lay upon man more than right (כִּי לֹא עַל־אִישׁ יָשִׂים עוֹד)—Elihu affirms God's justice never exceeds what is appropriate. The verb yasim (to set, place, lay) with 'od (more, again) indicates God doesn't impose excessive burden. This directly addresses Job's complaint that his suffering exceeds his sin. Elihu argues God's judgments are precisely calibrated to righteousness—never arbitrary or excessive.

That he should enter into judgment with God (לַהֲלֹךְ אֶל־אֵל בַּמִּשְׁפָּט)—The infinitive construct lahalokh (to walk, to go) with el-El (unto God) pictures entering into legal proceedings. Mishpat denotes formal judgment or legal case. Elihu's point: because God's dealings are inherently just, humans need not exhaustively investigate or second-guess divine actions before submitting to judgment. This anticipates Paul's rhetorical question in Romans 9:20: 'Who art thou that repliest against God?' God's justice is self-authenticating, requiring no defense before human tribunals.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elihu's argument engages ancient Near Eastern legal concepts where disputants could challenge verdicts before higher authorities. However, Elihu insists no higher court exists above God—His judgments are final and self-justifying. This theological position counters Job's earlier demands for a mediator (9:33) or legal advocate (16:19-21). The wisdom literature tradition emphasized accepting divine sovereignty rather than demanding exhaustive explanations for suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has questioning God's justice actually been a disguised demand that He justify Himself to you?
  2. How can we distinguish between honest wrestling with God's ways (like Job) and arrogant challenging of divine authority?
  3. What comfort comes from knowing God never lays upon us 'more than right,' even when suffering feels overwhelming?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

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

לֹ֣א2 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עַל3 of 10
H5921

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

אִ֭ישׁ4 of 10

“upon 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)

יָשִׂ֣ים5 of 10

“For he will not lay”

H7760

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

ע֑וֹד6 of 10
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לַהֲלֹ֥ךְ7 of 10

“more than right that he should enter”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל8 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֝֗ל9 of 10

“with God”

H410

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

בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃10 of 10

“into judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 34:23 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 34:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 9:13Psalms 119:137Daniel 9:7-9Romans 9:20Isaiah 42:3Jeremiah 2:5

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