Job 34:10

KJV

¶ Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore hearken {H8085} unto me, ye men {H582} of understanding {H3824}: far be it {H2486} from God {H410}, that he should do wickedness {H7562}; and from the Almighty {H7706}, that he should commit iniquity {H5766}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So listen to me, you men with sense! Far be it from God to do anything wicked!

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.

American Standard Version

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:10 presents Elihu's emphatic declaration of God's absolute righteousness and moral impeccability. As a pivotal statement in his discourse, this verse asserts that it is utterly inconceivable for God, the Almighty, to engage in wickedness or commit iniquity. This foundational theological premise serves to correct the flawed perspectives of both Job, who felt God was unjust in his suffering, and his friends, who erroneously attributed Job's plight to specific sin, thereby laying a crucial groundwork for understanding divine justice in the face of human suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a crucial point in the book of Job, specifically within Elihu's extensive contribution (chapters 32-37). Elihu enters the narrative after Job and his three friends have exhausted their arguments, each failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for Job's suffering. Elihu positions himself as a younger, yet divinely inspired, voice of reason, claiming to speak impartially and with greater understanding than his elders (cf. [Job 32:6-9](/job/32-6 "Job 32:6-9 - Elihu's Claim to Speak")). His discourse begins by critiquing both Job's self-righteousness and the friends' rigid, accusatory theology. Job 34:10 serves as Elihu's foundational theological premise, an unshakeable truth about God's character, upon which he builds his subsequent arguments concerning God's justice, sovereignty, and the purpose of suffering. It directly refutes any notion, implied by Job's laments, that God could be unjust or arbitrary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a region where the problem of suffering (theodicy) was a pervasive philosophical and theological challenge. In many ANE cultures, suffering was often directly attributed to divine punishment for sin, a view largely held by Job's friends. However, Job's narrative challenges this simplistic retributive theology. Elihu's statement in [Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God's Impeccability") resonates with a broader biblical understanding of God's character that transcends typical ANE polytheistic deities, who were often depicted as capricious or morally ambiguous. The address to "men of understanding" (Hebrew: `ʾanšê lēḇāḇ`) indicates an appeal to those with wisdom, discernment, and intellectual capacity, characteristic of the wisdom literature tradition. This context emphasizes that understanding God's absolute righteousness is not merely an academic exercise but a foundational truth for navigating the complexities of life and suffering.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God's Absolute Righteousness") is the **absolute righteousness and impeccability of God**. Elihu emphatically declares that God is inherently good, just, and utterly incapable of wrongdoing or injustice. This directly confronts the theme of **theodicy**, the attempt to reconcile God's goodness and omnipotence with the existence of evil and suffering. By asserting God's perfect character, Elihu lays the groundwork for understanding that suffering, while mysterious, is never a result of divine malice or injustice. This verse also contributes to the theme of **divine sovereignty**, highlighting that God's control over all things is exercised with perfect moral integrity. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **human wisdom versus divine wisdom**, suggesting that human understanding is limited and often fails to grasp the depths of God's righteous ways, hence the need for a foundational trust in His unimpeachable character, as seen throughout the broader narrative of [the book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Suffering and Sovereignty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _resha'_):** This term (`רֶשַׁע`) denotes moral wrong, guilt, or injustice. It speaks to a state of being morally corrupt or actively committing evil. In the context of Job 34:10, its use emphatically denies any possibility of God engaging in actions that are inherently evil, unjust, or morally perverse. It signifies a complete absence of active wrongdoing on God's part.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _'avel_ or _'avlah'_):** Derived from (`עָוֶל` or `עַוְלָה`), this word signifies perversity, injustice, or wrongdoing, often implying a deviation from what is right, straight, or equitable. It refers to a distortion of justice or a moral crookedness. Paired with "wickedness," it reinforces the idea that God is not only incapable of committing active evil but also of any moral deviation, unfairness, or perversion of justice.
* **Far be it from (Hebrew, _chalilah'_):** The Hebrew interjection (`חָלִלָה`) is a strong expression of repudiation, often translated as "God forbid!" or "by no means!" It conveys a sense of abhorrence or impossibility. Its inclusion in this verse underscores the absolute and emphatic nature of Elihu's denial, leaving no room for doubt or compromise regarding God's moral perfection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding:"**: Elihu begins with an authoritative summons, addressing those who possess discernment and wisdom (`lēḇāḇ` often refers to the mind or heart as the seat of understanding). This is not merely a call for attention but an invitation to engage with profound theological truth, implying that his subsequent statement is worthy of serious consideration by those capable of grasping it.
* **"far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness;"**: This clause presents a powerful, absolute negation. Using the emphatic "far be it from," Elihu declares that it is utterly abhorrent and impossible for God (`ʾelōah`), the supreme divine being, to engage in `resha'`, or active moral wrong. This sets a non-negotiable standard for God's character, asserting His inherent purity and inability to be the source or perpetrator of evil.
* **"and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity."**: This is a parallel statement that reinforces and expands upon the preceding clause. "The Almighty" (`šadday`) is another common divine title emphasizing God's power and sovereignty. Elihu asserts that it is equally impossible for the Almighty to commit `ʿāwel` or `ʿawlāh`, meaning any form of injustice, perversity, or deviation from what is right. The parallelism underscores the comprehensive nature of God's moral perfection, covering both active wrongdoing and any form of moral crookedness or unfairness.

#### Literary Devices
Job 34:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness"). This repetition using different but related terms ("God" and "the Almighty"; "wickedness" and "iniquity") amplifies the emphatic denial of any moral flaw in God. The phrase "far be it from" functions as a strong **rhetorical exclamation**, serving as an immediate and absolute repudiation of the idea that God could act unjustly. This device not only states a truth but also conveys Elihu's fervent conviction and indignation at any suggestion to the contrary. Furthermore, Elihu's direct address to "ye men of understanding" is a form of **apostrophe** and an **appeal to wisdom**, inviting his audience to critically evaluate the theological claims based on their own discernment, thereby lending weight and authority to his pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:10 serves as a bedrock theological statement, affirming God's absolute moral purity and inviolable justice. This truth is foundational to all sound theology, asserting that God's actions are always consistent with His holy and righteous character. It refutes any notion of divine capriciousness, malevolence, or complicity in evil, providing an essential anchor for faith, especially in the face of suffering or perceived injustice. The impeccability of God means that His commands are inherently good, His judgments are always just, and His character provides the ultimate standard for morality. This truth is not merely an abstract doctrine but a vital source of comfort and trust for believers, assuring them that even when circumstances are bewildering, the One who governs all things is perfectly good and just. This profound truth about God's character resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative:
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect")
* [Psalm 92:15](/psalms/92-15 "Psalm 92:15 - The Lord is Upright")
* [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 34:10 offers profound comfort and a robust theological anchor for all who grapple with the complexities of life, particularly suffering. In a world often marked by injustice, pain, and seemingly inexplicable events, this verse reminds us that God is never the author of evil, nor does He act unjustly. Our trials are not the result of divine malice or arbitrary punishment for unknown sins. This truth calls us to trust in God's character even when we cannot trace His hand or understand His ways. It shifts our focus from the "why" of suffering to the "who" of God – a God who is perfectly good, just, and faithful. This understanding empowers us to endure adversity with hope, knowing that our ultimate well-being is overseen by a perfectly righteous Creator. It also provides a solid foundation for our own moral compass, as God's flawless character becomes the standard for our ethical living and pursuit of justice in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing God is perfectly just influence your perspective on personal suffering or global injustice?**
* **In what ways might we, like Job's friends, mistakenly attribute injustice or wickedness to God when faced with difficult circumstances?**
* **How does the absolute righteousness of God, as declared in this verse, provide a foundation for your trust and hope in Him, especially when understanding fails?**

### FAQ

**Why does Elihu emphasize this point so strongly, particularly after Job and his friends have spoken?**

Answer: Elihu emphasizes God's absolute righteousness so strongly because it is the foundational truth that both Job and his friends have, in different ways, either distorted or failed to fully grasp. Job, in his intense suffering, accused God of being unjust and treating him as an enemy (e.g., [Job 19:6-7](/job/19-6 "Job 19:6-7 - Job's Plea for Justice")). His friends, on the other hand, rigidly insisted that Job's suffering must be a direct punishment for specific sins, thereby implying that God's justice was solely retributive and easily discernible, which also misrepresents God's complex dealings with humanity. Elihu's declaration in [Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God's Impeccability") serves to correct these flawed theological perspectives. It re-establishes God's unimpeachable character as the starting point for any discussion about suffering, divine action, or human responsibility, setting the stage for a more nuanced understanding of God's sovereignty and justice.

**What is the significance of Elihu addressing "men of understanding" in this verse?**

Answer: Elihu's address to "ye men of understanding" (`ʾanšê lēḇāḇ`) is significant because it indicates an appeal to those who possess not just intellectual capacity, but also spiritual discernment and wisdom. This is a common motif in wisdom literature, where true understanding is seen as rooted in reverence for God and a grasp of His ways (cf. [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). By calling upon "men of understanding," Elihu is inviting his audience to move beyond the limited, often emotionally charged, arguments of Job and his friends. He is appealing to those capable of discerning deeper theological truths, suggesting that the truth of God's absolute righteousness is not self-evident to all, but requires a certain level of spiritual maturity and openness to divine revelation. It elevates the discourse from mere debate to a pursuit of profound theological insight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The absolute righteousness and impeccability of God, so emphatically declared in [Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God's Impeccability"), find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly embodied divine righteousness, living a life utterly without sin or iniquity (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). He is the "righteous one" (cf. [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus, Our Advocate")), in whom there was no wickedness or injustice. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross uniquely demonstrates God's perfect justice and His boundless love. God, who "cannot do wickedness" or "commit iniquity," justly poured out His wrath on sin, yet in His mercy, provided a substitute in Christ (cf. [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed")). The suffering of Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, for the sins of humanity, stands as the ultimate proof that God is indeed just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the truth Elihu asserts about God's character is not merely an abstract theological principle, but a living reality made manifest in the person of Jesus, through whom humanity can be reconciled to a perfectly righteous God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Romans 9:14

¶ What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

Job 8:3

Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?

2 Chronicles 19:7

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

James 1:13

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Genesis 18:25

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Romans 3:4

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.