King James Version

What Does Job 34:6 Mean?

Job 34:6 in the King James Version says “Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. my wound: Heb. mine arrow” — study this verse from Job chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. my wound: Heb. mine arrow”

Job 34:6 · KJV

Context

4

Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.

5

For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.

6

Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. my wound: Heb. mine arrow

7

What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?

8

Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

Read Job 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. Elihu here articulates Job's dilemma with precision. The phrase "lie against my right" (akazzev al-mishpati, אֲכַזֵּב עַל־מִשְׁפָּטִי) means to deny or betray one's own righteous cause. Job feels trapped: maintaining his innocence appears to accuse God of injustice, yet confessing false guilt would violate truth. The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means both "right" and "justice," emphasizing Job's consciousness of moral rectitude.

My wound is incurable without transgression uses chets (חֵץ) for "wound" (literally "arrow"), evoking divine warfare imagery—Job feels targeted by God. The phrase "without transgression" (beli-pesha, בְּלִי־פָשַׁע) asserts innocence from willful rebellion. Elihu grasps Job's theological crisis: suffering of this magnitude seems to require corresponding sin, yet Job knows he hasn't committed such transgression. This anticipates Christ, the only truly innocent sufferer, whose "wound was without transgression" yet bore our sins (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:22-24). The verse exposes the limitations of retribution theology—righteous suffering exists and demands explanation beyond simple cause-and-effect moralism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elihu speaks as a younger observer (32:6-7) after Job's three friends have exhausted their arguments. His speech (chapters 32-37) bridges the dialogue and divine speeches, introducing themes God will develop. Written during the patriarchal period, this reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition where counselors analyzed suffering through retribution theology. Elihu's analysis, though more sophisticated than the three friends', still fails to grasp the cosmic dimensions revealed in chapters 1-2.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you ever felt caught between maintaining your integrity and appearing to question God's justice?
  2. How does Christ's innocent suffering illuminate the mystery of undeserved pain in ways Job couldn't yet understand?
  3. What does this verse teach about the inadequacy of simplistic cause-and-effect theology in explaining suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עַל1 of 7
H5921

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

מִשְׁפָּטִ֥י2 of 7

“against my right”

H4941

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

אֲכַזֵּ֑ב3 of 7

“Should I lie”

H3576

to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively

אָנ֖וּשׁ4 of 7

“is incurable”

H605

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

חִצִּ֣י5 of 7

“my wound”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

בְלִי6 of 7
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

פָֽשַׁע׃7 of 7

“without transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

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 34:6 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 34:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 6:4Job 27:4-6Job 16:13

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