Job 21:14

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Therefore they say {H559} unto God {H410}, Depart {H5493} from us; for we desire {H2654} not the knowledge {H1847} of thy ways {H1870}.

"Yet to God they said, 'Leave us alone! We don't want to know about your ways.

Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways.

And they say unto God, Depart from us; For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Commentary on Job 21:14 (KJV)

Job 21:14 captures a shocking statement of outright rebellion against God, spoken by the wicked whom Job describes. It reveals a profound spiritual apathy and a deliberate choice to live independent of divine guidance.

Context

In Job chapter 21, Job challenges the conventional wisdom of his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who insist that suffering is always a direct result of sin and prosperity a sign of righteousness. Job argues forcefully that this is not always the case in earthly experience, highlighting that the wicked often prosper, live long lives, and even die peacefully, contrary to the friends' simplistic theology. This verse is part of Job's observation of such individuals who not only thrive but openly express their disdain for God and His guidance. He portrays them as overtly rejecting divine authority because they perceive no immediate negative consequences for their actions.

Key Themes

  • Blatant Rejection of God: The core message is a bold, defiant rejection of God's presence and principles. The phrase "Depart from us" is a direct command, indicating a desire to be free from any divine influence or accountability. This is not mere ignorance, but an active pushback against the Creator.
  • Apathy Towards Divine Wisdom: They explicitly state, "for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways." This signifies an active *unwillingness* to learn or follow God's moral and spiritual paths. It's a preference for self-determination and human autonomy over divine wisdom and instruction, leading to a deliberate ignorance of truth.
  • The Prosperity of the Wicked: This verse is embedded within Job’s larger argument about the seemingly unjust reality where the wicked often flourish, leading them to believe they don't need God. This challenging theme is explored elsewhere in scripture, such as in Psalm 73, where the psalmist Asaph struggles with the same observation before finding resolution in God's ultimate justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "knowledge of thy ways" refers to understanding God's moral laws, His decrees, His methods of governance, and His character. It encompasses His entire divine system and expectations for humanity. To "desire not the knowledge" implies a deliberate choice to remain ignorant of or actively disregard God's moral framework and His will for their lives. It's a rejection of both divine revelation and divine authority.

Practical Application

Job 21:14 serves as a stark warning. While the wicked described by Job may have outwardly prospered for a time, their rejection of God's ways ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness and a future of judgment. In modern times, this verse speaks to those who, perhaps in pursuit of worldly success or personal autonomy, deliberately shut out spiritual truth or dismiss the relevance of biblical principles. It highlights the danger of spiritual apathy and the human tendency to embrace ignorance when knowledge demands change or accountability. The verse contrasts sharply with the biblical call to seek God earnestly and to walk in His light, emphasizing the eternal consequences of choosing rebellion over relationship.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 22:17

    Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

  • Romans 8:7

    Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12

    That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

  • Psalms 10:4

    The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.

  • John 15:23

    He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

  • John 15:24

    If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

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