What is the context of Job 34:29?

Job 34:29 is part of Job chapter 34, which contains 37 verses. This verse has 6 cross-references to other scriptures, showing its connections throughout the Bible.

King James Version

What Does Job 34:29 Mean?

Q: What does Job 34:29 mean?

Job 34:29 says: "When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or aga..." Elihu observes: 'When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?' This acknowledges divine sovereignty over both blessing and hiddenness. Yet asserting God's power doesn't answer why He hides His face from the righteous.

Job 34:29 in the King James Version says “When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be...” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:”

Job 34:29 · KJV

Context

Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: him: Heb. after him

So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

Elihu observes: 'When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?' This acknowledges divine sovereignty over both blessing and hiddenness. Yet asserting God's power doesn't answer why He hides His face from the righteous.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern theology recognized divine hiddenness as judgment. Elihu assumes Job's suffering stems from sin requiring God to hide His face.

Reflection Questions

How do you maintain faith when God hides His face?
What does divine hiddenness teach beyond judgment for sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words

וְה֤וּא1 of 13

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַשְׁקִ֨ט׀2 of 13

“When he giveth quietness”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

וּמִ֥י3 of 13

H4310

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

יַרְשִׁ֗עַ4 of 13

“who then can make trouble”

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

וְיַסְתֵּ֣ר5 of 13

“and when he hideth”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָּ֭נִים6 of 13

“his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וּמִ֣י7 of 13

H4310

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

יְשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ8 of 13

“who then can behold”

H7789

to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for

וְעַל9 of 13

H5921

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

גּ֖וֹי10 of 13

“him whether it be done against a nation”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְעַל11 of 13

H5921

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

אָדָ֣ם12 of 13

“or against a man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יָֽחַד׃13 of 13

“only”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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 34:29 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 34:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 23:13 Romans 8:31-34 Psalms 27:9 John 14:27 Isaiah 26:3 Philippians 4:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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