Job 34:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to [his] ways.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For he pays people back for what they do and sees that each gets what his conduct deserves.

Berean Standard Bible:

For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.

American Standard Version:

For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For the work^{H6467} of a man^{H120} shall he render^{H7999} unto him, and cause every man^{H376} to find^{H4672} according to his ways^{H734}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Job 34:11

Job 34:11 is part of the dialogue in the Book of Job, a poetic narrative that grapples with the problem of suffering and the justice of God. The verse is spoken by Elihu, one of Job's friends, who enters the conversation late in the book to offer his perspective on Job's afflictions. The themes of this verse revolve around divine retribution and the belief that God rewards or punishes individuals according to their actions—essentially, that there is a moral order to the universe.

In the historical context of the ancient Near East, the idea that one's actions directly influenced one's fate was common. This concept is known as the doctrine of retribution, which posits that good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is punished, often within one's own lifetime. Elihu's statement in Job 34:11 reflects this belief, asserting that God will repay each person according to their deeds. The verse suggests that there is a direct correlation between human actions and divine response, implying that Job's suffering must be a consequence of his own misdeeds, a conclusion that the narrative as a whole challenges.

The Book of Job, while not easily dated, is thought to have been written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period when the Israelites were forced to re-evaluate their understanding of God's justice in the face of national calamity. The dialogue in the book, including Elihu's speeches, represents the diverse and complex theological discussions of that time, as the people of Israel sought to reconcile their traditional beliefs with the harsh realities of their situation.

In summary, Job 34:11 encapsulates the theme of divine justice and retribution, reflecting a widespread ancient belief that God's rewards and punishments are distributed in direct proportion to an individual's moral conduct. This verse is part of a larger discourse in the Book of Job that ultimately questions and transcends simplistic explanations for human suffering.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6467
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֹּעַל
   Transliteration: pôʻal
   Pronunciation: po'-al
   Description: from פָּעַל; an act or work (concretely); act, deed, do, getting, maker, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H120
   There are 581 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָדָם
   Transliteration: ʼâdâm
   Pronunciation: aw-dawm'
   Description: from אָדַם; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.); [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7999
   There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַם
   Transliteration: shâlam
   Pronunciation: shaw-lam'
   Description: a primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications); make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely.
   
4. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); 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); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
   
6. Strong's Number: H734
   There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹרַח
   Transliteration: ʼôrach
   Pronunciation: o'-rakh
   Description: from אָרַח; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan; manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way.