King James Version

What Does Job 34:33 Mean?

Job 34:33 in the King James Version says “Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse , or whether thou choose; and not I: ther...” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse , or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. according: Heb. from with thee?”

Job 34:33 · KJV

Context

31

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

32

That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

33

Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse , or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. according: Heb. from with thee?

34

Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. of: Heb. of heart

35

Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Should it be according to thy mind? (הֲמֵעִמְּךָ יְשַׁלְּמֶנָּה, hame'immekha yeshallemennah)—Elihu challenges Job: should God govern according to Job's standards? The phrase he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose (כִּי־אַתָּה מָאַסְתָּ כִּי־אַתָּה תִבְחַר, ki-attah ma'asta ki-attah tivchar) uses ma'as (מָאַס, "to reject") and bachar (בָּחַר, "to choose"). God's justice operates independently of human approval or rejection. The phrase and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest (וְלֹא־אָנִי וּמַה־יָדַעְתָּ דַּבֵּר) shifts burden to Job—if you know better, speak.

This is theodicy's central question: does God answer to human moral intuitions, or do we submit to His revealed character? Isaiah 55:8-9 answers: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Romans 9:20 challenges: "Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" Yet Scripture also validates lament and questioning (Habakkuk, Psalms). The gospel resolves this: the cross reveals God's justice and mercy united (Romans 3:25-26)—satisfying both divine righteousness and human need.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern texts (e.g., Babylonian Theodicy) featured dialogues questioning divine justice. Biblical faith uniquely permits questioning God while ultimately requiring submission. Prophets challenged God (Jeremiah 12:1, Habakkuk 1:2-4) but bowed to divine sovereignty (Jeremiah 12:5-6, Habakkuk 2:4). Job's friends demanded immediate submission; Elihu permits questions but ultimately points to God's incomprehensibility. This prepares for divine answer that neither explains nor condemns Job's questioning but reveals God's transcendent majesty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we balance honest questioning with submission to divine sovereignty?
  2. What does the cross reveal about God's character that answers theodicy's questions?
  3. How should we respond when God's ways contradict our moral intuitions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הֲֽמֵעִמְּךָ֬1 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְשַׁלְמֶ֨נָּה׀2 of 12

“Should it be according to thy mind he will recompense”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

כִּי3 of 12

“it whether thou refuse”

H3588

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

מָאַ֗סְתָּ4 of 12
H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

כִּי5 of 12

“it whether thou refuse”

H3588

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

אַתָּ֣ה6 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִבְחַ֣ר7 of 12

“or whether thou choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

וְלֹא8 of 12
H3808

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

אָ֑נִי9 of 12
H589

i

וּֽמַה10 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יָדַ֥עְתָּ11 of 12

“what thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

דַבֵּֽר׃12 of 12

“and not I therefore speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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 34:33 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 34:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 33:32Psalms 135:6Job 34:11Proverbs 11:31Isaiah 45:9Romans 9:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Job 34 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes