King James Version

What Does Job 35:6 Mean?

Job 35:6 in the King James Version says “If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?” — study this verse from Job chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?”

Job 35:6 · KJV

Context

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?

7

If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?

8

Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.

Read Job 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu asks: "If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?" These rhetorical questions probe whether human sin harms God. The verb pa'al (פָּעַל, "doest") means to work or accomplish. Elihu argues that sin doesn't damage God's being—a true insight. God's perfection and self-sufficiency mean He doesn't suffer diminishment from our rebellion. However, Elihu draws a faulty conclusion: that God is therefore indifferent to sin. Reformed theology distinguishes between God's essential being (unaffected by creatures) and His relational disposition (genuinely grieved by sin). Ephesians 4:30 commands, "Grieve not the holy Spirit of God." While sin doesn't harm God's essence, it violates His holy character and grieves His covenant love. The cross demonstrates sin's seriousness—though God needed not suffer, He chose to in Christ to remedy sin's offense against His holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient philosophy debated whether gods could be affected by human actions. Aristotle's "Unmoved Mover" was utterly transcendent and unaffected. Some Stoics believed divine apatheia (freedom from passion). Biblical theology presents God as both transcendent (unchanging in essence) and immanent (genuinely engaged with creation). God's grief over sin (Genesis 6:6) coexists with His immutability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we reconcile God's unchanging nature with biblical descriptions of Him being grieved by sin?
  2. What does the cross reveal about how seriously God takes sin even though it doesn't harm His essence?
  3. How should understanding God's transcendence and immanence shape our view of sin's significance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אִם1 of 10
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

חָ֭טָאתָ2 of 10

“If thou sinnest”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

מַה3 of 10
H4100

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

תִּפְעָל4 of 10

“what doest”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

בּ֑וֹ5 of 10
H0
וְרַבּ֥וּ6 of 10

“be multiplied”

H7231

properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad

פְ֝שָׁעֶ֗יךָ7 of 10

“thou against him or if thy transgressions”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

מַה8 of 10
H4100

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

תַּעֲשֶׂה9 of 10

“what doest”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לּֽוֹ׃10 of 10
H0

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 35:6 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 35:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 7:19Proverbs 8:36Proverbs 9:12

Test Your Knowledge

Job 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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