King James Version
What Does Job 35:4 Mean?
“I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. answer: Heb. return to thee words”
Job 35:4 · KJV
Context
2
Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
3
For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? if: or, by it more than by my sin
4
I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. answer: Heb. return to thee words
5
Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
6
If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryI will answer thee, and thy companions with thee—Elihu directly addresses Job and indirectly the three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar). The verb shiv (שִׁיב), 'to answer' or 'to respond,' indicates Elihu's confidence in providing what the others couldn't—satisfying explanation of Job's suffering. The phrase reeka (רֵעֶיךָ), 'your companions,' acknowledges the failed counselors.
Elihu's youthful boldness claims ability to answer what confounded his elders. This represents either admirable courage or presumptuous pride—the text's ambiguity forces readers to judge. His subsequent argument (verses 5-8) emphasizes God's transcendence: human sin cannot harm God, nor human righteousness benefit Him. Therefore, Job's claim to deserve better treatment misconstrues the divine-human relationship.
Elihu's answer contains truth—God's aseity (self-existence) means He needs nothing from creatures. Yet this truth incompletely addresses Job's situation. God's transcendence doesn't negate His covenant faithfulness or diminish the problem of innocent suffering. Later, God will vindicate Job's protest over the friends' false accusations (42:7), suggesting Elihu's answer, while theologically accurate regarding divine transcendence, misses the relational dimension of covenantal suffering.
Elihu's youthful boldness claims ability to answer what confounded his elders. This represents either admirable courage or presumptuous pride—the text's ambiguity forces readers to judge. His subsequent argument (verses 5-8) emphasizes God's transcendence: human sin cannot harm God, nor human righteousness benefit Him. Therefore, Job's claim to deserve better treatment misconstrues the divine-human relationship.
Elihu's answer contains truth—God's aseity (self-existence) means He needs nothing from creatures. Yet this truth incompletely addresses Job's situation. God's transcendence doesn't negate His covenant faithfulness or diminish the problem of innocent suffering. Later, God will vindicate Job's protest over the friends' false accusations (42:7), suggesting Elihu's answer, while theologically accurate regarding divine transcendence, misses the relational dimension of covenantal suffering.
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Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern wisdom dialogues, younger speakers typically deferred to elders. Elihu's assertiveness (32:6-10) breaks convention, claiming inspiration beyond aged wisdom. His mediating position—criticizing both Job's self-justification and the friends' false accusations—attempts synthesis of opposing views, a common wisdom literature technique.
Reflection Questions
- How do we balance theological correctness with relational sensitivity when counseling the afflicted?
- What does Elihu's confidence in answering what stumped his elders teach about humility and presumption in theological discourse?
- When is emphasizing God's transcendence helpful, and when does it inappropriately distance God from human suffering?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsאֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֣2 of 6
“I will answer”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְֽאֶת4 of 6
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִמָּֽךְ׃6 of 6
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
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 35:4 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 35:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge