Job 34:12

KJV

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, surely {H551} God {H410} will not do wickedly {H7561}, neither will the Almighty {H7706} pervert {H5791} judgment {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is certain that God does nothing wicked; Shaddai will not pervert justice.

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

American Standard Version

Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:12, spoken by Elihu, stands as an emphatic declaration of God's absolute righteousness and the unblemished integrity of His judgment. Amidst Job's profound suffering and questioning of divine justice, Elihu asserts that the Creator is inherently incapable of wickedness or perverting what is right. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, affirming God's moral perfection and the infallibility of His governance over creation, providing an anchor for trust even when His ways are mysterious to human understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:12 is situated within Elihu's first speech (chapters 34-37), which marks a distinct phase in the dialogue of the Book of Job. Elihu, a younger man, steps in after the three friends have exhausted their arguments and Job has continued to maintain his innocence while questioning God's justice. Unlike Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who largely adhered to a rigid retribution theology (suffering equals sin), Elihu offers a more nuanced perspective. He defends God's character not by accusing Job of specific sins, but by emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and righteousness. In chapter 34, Elihu directly challenges Job's implicit accusations that God has dealt unjustly with him (e.g., [Job 33:10-11](/job/33-10-11 "Job 33:10-11 - Job's Complaint")). Elihu's argument is that God is too great to be unjust; His power is always exercised with perfect equity, making any notion of divine wickedness or corrupted judgment utterly impossible. This verse is a cornerstone of Elihu's defense, establishing God's moral perfection as an unassailable truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the patriarchal period, likely in the land of Uz, suggesting a non-Israelite but God-fearing context. In the ancient Near East (ANE), the concept of divine justice was often intertwined with the power and caprice of the gods. While some ANE texts explored the problem of suffering, they rarely posited a god who was absolutely righteous and incapable of injustice in the way the God of Israel is presented. The Israelite understanding, however, rooted in the covenant and the Law, emphasized Yahweh's unique moral character, His faithfulness, and His unwavering commitment to justice ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Works and Justice")). Elihu's declaration in Job 34:12 aligns with this distinct biblical theology, asserting a God whose very nature precludes any form of unrighteousness or perversion of judgment. This stands in stark contrast to the often arbitrary and self-serving actions attributed to deities in surrounding cultures, highlighting the unique moral perfection of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **Key Themes:** Job 34:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and biblical theology generally. Foremost is the **Impeccable Justice and Righteousness of God**. Elihu's statement is an emphatic assertion that God is morally perfect, incapable of evil or injustice, which directly refutes Job's despairing questions about God's treatment. This leads to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Integrity**, where God's omnipotence ("the Almighty") is inextricably linked with His moral perfection; His power is always exercised righteously. The verse also underscores the **Infallibility of God's Judgment**, meaning His decisions are always true, fair, and untainted by error or malice, even when human understanding fails to grasp them. This concept is vital for the book's broader exploration of suffering and the limits of human wisdom in comprehending divine ways ([Job 11:7-9](/job/11-7-9 "Job 11:7-9 - Zophar's Question about God's Unsearchable Ways")). Ultimately, Job 34:12 provides a **Foundation for Trust** in God's character, offering a theological anchor for those grappling with suffering and the apparent anomalies of life, reminding them that God remains inherently good and just, regardless of circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedly (Hebrew, _râshaʻ_):** The Hebrew word רָשַׁע (_râshaʻ_) means "to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong," "to be guilty," or "to act wickedly." It denotes a state of moral depravity or an act of unrighteousness, often implying a violation of divine or human law. When Elihu declares that God "will not do wickedly," he is asserting God's absolute freedom from any moral fault, guilt, or malicious intent. This is not merely a statement about God's actions but about His very nature – He is inherently righteous and incapable of unrighteousness.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday_):** The term שַׁדַּי (_Shadday_), often translated "Almighty," is a significant divine name used frequently in the Book of Job (e.g., [Job 6:4](/job/6-4 "Job 6:4 - Job's Complaint of God's Arrows")). It emphasizes God's power, might, and all-sufficiency. By linking "the Almighty" with the inability to "pervert judgment," Elihu underscores that God's immense power is never wielded arbitrarily or unjustly. His omnipotence is always perfectly aligned with His perfect righteousness, ensuring that His governance is both powerful and morally pure.
* **pervert judgment (Hebrew, _ʻâvath mishpâṭ_):** This phrase combines two key Hebrew words: עָוַת (_ʻâvath_), meaning "to wrest," "to make crooked," or "to distort," and מִשְׁפָּט (_mishpâṭ_), meaning "judgment," "justice," "right," or "formal decree." The combination emphatically declares that God's justice is never twisted, corrupted, or made crooked. His decisions are always straight, true, and perfectly righteous. It speaks to the integrity and infallibility of His moral administration of the universe, assuring that His rulings are always equitable and untainted by error, bias, or malice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, surely God will not do wickedly":** This opening clause is a strong, emphatic negation. The "Yea, surely" (אָ֭כֵן, _ʾāḵēn_) serves as an affirmation of certainty, making the declaration absolute. Elihu asserts that it is an undeniable truth that God (אֵל, _ʾēl_, a general term for deity, but here referring to the one true God) is utterly incapable of acting in a way that is morally corrupt, unrighteous, or malicious. This establishes God's inherent moral perfection as foundational.
* **"neither will the Almighty pervert judgment":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing and elaborating on the same truth. It shifts from God's general moral character ("not do wickedly") to His specific actions in governance and decision-making ("pervert judgment"). By using "the Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, _Shadday_), Elihu connects God's supreme power and authority with His unblemished justice. This means that God's exercise of power will never result in a twisted, corrupted, or unfair outcome. His judgments are always straight, true, and perfectly righteous, regardless of how they may appear to limited human understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Job 34:12 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("neither will the Almighty pervert judgment") essentially repeats and reinforces the meaning of the first clause ("Yea, surely God will not do wickedly") using different but related terms. This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute certainty and immutability of God's perfect justice. Elihu also uses **Rhetorical Assertion**, delivering a strong, declarative statement that leaves no room for doubt or debate, characteristic of his confident and authoritative tone throughout his speeches. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Divine Epithets**, employing both "God" (אֵל, _ʾēl_) and "the Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, _Shadday_). The use of these distinct names for God not only adds poetic variety but also subtly highlights different aspects of His character—His divine nature and His supreme power—both of which are intrinsically linked to His unblemished righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's bold declaration in Job 34:12 is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's character. It asserts God's absolute moral purity and His unwavering commitment to justice, forming the bedrock of all trust in Him. This truth stands in stark contrast to human fallibility and the pervasive injustice of the world. It means that even when suffering seems inexplicable, or divine actions appear mysterious, God's nature remains perfectly good and righteous. This theological certainty provides an anchor for faith, reminding believers that the ultimate judge is not only omnipotent but also impeccably just, and His ways, though often beyond human comprehension, are always perfect. This understanding is crucial for navigating the problem of evil and suffering, as it shifts the focus from questioning God's character to trusting His sovereign wisdom and ultimate purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "God's Perfect Works and Justice")
* [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "God's Righteous Judgment")
* [Romans 9:14](/romans/9-14 "Paul's Question about God's Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 34:12 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice, suffering, and seemingly arbitrary events. In moments of doubt or despair, this verse serves as a crucial theological anchor: God Himself is perfectly just and good, incapable of wrongdoing or perverting judgment. This truth invites us to cultivate a deeper trust in His character, even when circumstances are confusing or painful, understanding that our limited perspective does not negate His righteousness. It also provides a robust hope for ultimate justice; because God will not pervert judgment, we can be assured that in His perfect timing and way, all wrongs will be made right, and His righteous purposes will be fulfilled. This divine certainty should not only comfort us but also compel us to align our own lives with His character, inspiring us to pursue justice, righteousness, and integrity in our personal conduct and in our communities, reflecting His perfect nature to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that God will not "do wickedly" or "pervert judgment" impact your understanding of suffering or perceived injustices in your own life or the world?**
* **In what ways might a firm belief in God's impeccable justice strengthen your trust in Him during times when His ways seem mysterious or difficult to comprehend?**
* **If God is perfectly just, how should that inspire or challenge your own pursuit of justice and righteousness in your daily interactions and broader community?**
* **How can you practically rest in God's perfect judgment when faced with situations where human justice seems to fail or be corrupted?**

### FAQ

**If God is perfectly just, why does He allow evil and suffering in the world?**

Answer: This is one of the most profound questions in theology, often called the "problem of evil." Job 34:12 asserts God's perfect justice and inability to do wickedly, which means He is never the author of evil, nor does He act unjustly in allowing it. The biblical narrative suggests that evil and suffering entered the world through human sin and rebellion against God's perfect design ([Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall")). While God does not cause evil, His sovereignty means He permits it, often for purposes beyond human comprehension, such as to refine character ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Suffering Produces Perseverance")), to demonstrate His glory, or to bring about a greater good. The Book of Job itself grapples with this, ultimately affirming God's wisdom and sovereignty over all things, even when His reasons are not fully disclosed to humanity ([Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job")). The ultimate answer to suffering is found not in a full explanation of its cause, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who entered into human suffering and conquered sin and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth declared in Job 34:12—that God will not do wickedly nor pervert judgment—finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Elihu asserts God's perfect justice, the New Testament reveals how this justice is perfectly upheld and yet mercifully extended through the Son. Jesus, being God incarnate, is the very embodiment of divine righteousness; He lived a life entirely without sin, never doing wickedly ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). On the cross, God's perfect justice was fully satisfied as Christ, the just, suffered for the unjust ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins")). Here, the "Almighty" did not pervert judgment but perfectly executed it upon sin, while simultaneously providing a way for sinners to be declared righteous through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, Jesus is appointed by God to be the righteous judge of all humanity, ensuring that His final judgment will be absolutely perfect and untainted by error or bias ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge"); [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). Thus, Job 34:12 points forward to the cross, where God's unwavering justice and boundless love converge, and to the future, when Christ will perfectly administer God's righteous judgment over all creation.

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

Job 8:3

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

Psalms 11:7

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Psalms 145:17

The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Habakkuk 1:12

¶ [Art] thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.

Habakkuk 1:13

[Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he?