King James Version

What Does Job 34:36 Mean?

Job 34:36 in the King James Version says “My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. My: or, My father, let Job be tri...” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. My: or, My father, let Job be tried”

Job 34:36 · KJV

Context

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.

36

My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. My: or, My father, let Job be tried

37

For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end (אָבִי יִבָּחֵן אִיּוֹב עַד־נֶצַח, avi yivachen Iyyov ad-netzach)—The noun av (אָב, father) here likely means "my desire" (ancient versions interpret variously). The verb bachan (בָּחַן, "to test, examine") and netzach (נֶצַח, end, perpetuity) suggest thorough testing. The phrase because of his answers for wicked men (עַל־תְּשֻׁבֹת בְּאַנְשֵׁי־אָוֶן) uses teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה, answer, reply) and aven (אָוֶן, wickedness, iniquity). Elihu wants Job tested exhaustively because his words align with the wicked's theology—questioning God's justice.

Elihu's desire for Job's continued testing is harsh, even cruel. Yet God permits Job's testing for redemptive purposes (42:5, "now mine eye seeth thee"). Peter explains: trials test faith like fire refines gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). James adds: testing produces perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4). Yet we must not desire others' prolonged suffering—that's vindictiveness. God alone knows the proper measure and duration of trials. Christ endured ultimate testing (Hebrews 4:15, tempted in all points) to sympathize with our testing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom tradition valued testing/proving righteousness (Abraham tested in Genesis 22, Israel tested in wilderness, Deuteronomy 8:2). Yet Job's friends and Elihu wrongly assume all testing reveals hidden sin. NT clarifies: testing can prove faith genuine (1 Peter 1:7), produce perseverance (James 1:3), or conform to Christ's image (Romans 8:28-29). Job's testing ultimately served apologetic purposes (Job 1-2, answering Satan's accusation) and revelatory purposes (Job 42:5, deepening knowledge of God).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we understand the purpose of prolonged trials in light of God's goodness?
  2. What is appropriate versus inappropriate response to others' suffering?
  3. How does Christ's experience of testing (Hebrews 2:18, 4:15) provide comfort in trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אָבִ֗י1 of 9

“My desire”

H15

longing

יִבָּחֵ֣ן2 of 9

“may be tried”

H974

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

אִיּ֣וֹב3 of 9

“is that Job”

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

עַד4 of 9
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נֶ֑צַח5 of 9

“unto the end”

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

עַל6 of 9
H5921

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

תְּ֝שֻׁבֹ֗ת7 of 9

“because of his answers”

H8666

a recurrence (of time or place); a reply (as returned)

בְּאַנְשֵׁי8 of 9
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)

אָֽוֶן׃9 of 9

“for wicked”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

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 34:36 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 34:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 34:8-9James 5:11Psalms 26:2Job 23:16Job 21:7Job 24:1

Test Your Knowledge

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