Job 34:27

KJV

Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

KJV (with Strong's)

Because they turned back {H5493} from him {H310}, and would not consider {H7919} any of his ways {H1870}:

Complete Jewish Bible

because they turned away from following him and gave no thought to any of his ways,

Berean Standard Bible

because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways.

American Standard Version

Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:27, spoken by Elihu, serves as a profound explanation for the rationale behind divine judgment, asserting that God's actions are never arbitrary but are a direct, just response to human rebellion. Elihu, acting as a mediator and defender of God's absolute righteousness, contends that individuals or nations face God's disciplinary hand "because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways." This verse underscores the twin aspects of willful disobedience: an active departure from God and a deliberate refusal to acknowledge or align with His revealed character and principles, thereby establishing a clear link between human moral choices and divine accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:27 is embedded within Elihu's third speech, which spans [Job 34](/job/34 "Job 34 - Elihu's Third Speech") and [Job 35](/job/35 "Job 35 - Elihu Continues His Argument"). Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, positions himself as a more enlightened voice, aiming to correct both Job's perceived self-righteousness and the flawed arguments of the three friends. In [Job 34](/job/34 "Job 34 - Elihu's Defense of God's Justice"), Elihu passionately defends God's absolute sovereignty and justice, countering Job's complaints that God is unjust or arbitrary in His dealings. He asserts that God is too great to act wickedly ([Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God Cannot Do Wrong")) and that He observes all human actions, judging righteously ([Job 34:21-22](/job/34-21 "Job 34:21-22 - God Observes All Human Ways")). Verse 27, therefore, functions as a foundational premise for Elihu's argument: God's judgments are not capricious but are a direct, deserved consequence of humanity's deliberate turning away from Him and their refusal to heed His wisdom. This verse sets the stage for Elihu's conclusion that God's ways are always just, even when they appear inscrutable to human understanding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during the patriarchal period, reflecting a worldview where divine justice and retribution were central tenets. In this cultural milieu, suffering was often directly linked to sin, a concept that Job's friends rigidly adhered to. Elihu, while also affirming God's justice, offers a more nuanced perspective, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the educational or disciplinary nature of suffering, rather than solely punitive. The idea of "turning back" from a deity was a common concept in ancient covenants, signifying apostasy or a breach of loyalty. To "consider" or "discern" the ways of a god implied adherence to their laws and wisdom, often found in prophetic or wisdom traditions. Elihu's speech draws upon the prevailing understanding of a righteous deity who governs the world with equity, holding individuals accountable for their moral choices, which aligns with broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature that often explored the relationship between human conduct and divine response.
* **Key Themes:** Job 34:27 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Book of Job and Elihu's speeches. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Human Accountability**. Elihu's primary objective is to vindicate God's character, asserting that God's judgments are always righteous and never arbitrary. This verse explicitly states the *reason* for such judgment: human rebellion and willful ignorance, making humanity fully accountable for their choices. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Human Rebellion and Willful Disobedience**. The phrases "turned back from him" and "would not consider any of his ways" vividly portray a deliberate and conscious rejection of God's authority and wisdom, rather than mere accidental oversight. This underscores the profound depth of human sin as an active turning away from the source of life and truth, a concept echoed in passages like [Psalm 14:1](/psalm/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool Says There Is No God"). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Human Ignorance**. By stating that people "would not consider any of his ways," Elihu implies that God's "ways" are discernible and that ignoring them is a choice, not a necessity. This stands in stark contrast to the wisdom tradition that encourages diligently seeking and understanding God's revealed will, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turned back (Hebrew, _sûr_):** This verb often means to turn aside, depart, or withdraw. In a moral or spiritual context, it signifies a deliberate deviation from a righteous path, an act of apostasy, or a breach of loyalty. It implies a conscious decision to move away from a relationship or allegiance, rather than an accidental straying. Here, it denotes a willful rejection of God's presence and guidance.
* **Consider (Hebrew, _bîn_):** This root means to understand, perceive, discern, or give attention to. When used in the negative, as in "would not consider," it emphatically conveys a willful refusal to comprehend, acknowledge, or give heed to God's truth, His character, His laws, or His methods of governance. It indicates a self-imposed spiritual blindness or stubbornness, a deliberate lack of discernment regarding divine principles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they turned back from him":** This clause establishes the primary cause for God's judgment or intervention. It describes an active, volitional act of rebellion or spiritual defection. The "him" refers to God, indicating a personal relationship that has been broken by human choice. This turning back is not a passive drifting but a deliberate reorientation away from God's path, implying a rejection of His authority, His covenant, or His revealed will. It speaks to a fundamental disloyalty.
* **"and would not consider any of his ways":** This second clause functions in parallel, further elaborating on the nature of the rebellion. It signifies a profound and stubborn refusal to pay attention to, understand, or acknowledge God's character, His moral standards, His providential dealings, or His established order. "His ways" encompass God's entire modus operandi—His revealed will, His principles of justice, His wisdom, and His design for human flourishing. The refusal to "consider" implies a willful ignorance or a dismissive attitude toward divine truth, indicating a self-imposed spiritual blindness that leads to destructive outcomes.

#### Literary Devices
Job 34:27 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and would not consider any of his ways") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("Because they turned back from him"). Both phrases describe a willful rejection of God, emphasizing the deliberate nature of human rebellion. This repetition strengthens Elihu's argument by presenting a multifaceted yet unified picture of disobedience. Additionally, the phrase "his ways" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like paths or methods to God, making His character and principles more comprehensible and relatable to the human audience. While God does not literally walk paths, "His ways" signify His moral and providential conduct. Finally, the verse implicitly sets up a **Cause and Effect** relationship. The "Because" clause explicitly states the cause (human turning away and refusal to consider God's ways), which, within the broader context of Elihu's speech, leads to the effect of divine judgment or disciplinary action, thereby justifying God's righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:27 stands as a powerful theological statement on divine justice and human responsibility. It asserts that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are a direct, righteous response to humanity's deliberate choices. This verse underscores the gravity of spiritual rebellion, defining it not merely as passive ignorance but as an active turning away from God and a willful disregard for His revealed truth. It highlights the biblical principle that God holds humanity accountable for their moral and spiritual decisions, and that there are consequences for rejecting His authority and wisdom. This perspective counters any notion of God as capricious or unjust, instead portraying Him as a righteous judge who acts with perfect equity, responding to the alignment or misalignment of human hearts and actions with His divine character.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalm/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 1:24-31](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-31 - Wisdom's Rebuke")
* [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Disobedience of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 34:27 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to spiritual introspection. It challenges us to examine the posture of our hearts towards God, urging us to move beyond superficial adherence to a deep, intentional engagement with His will and character. The verse compels us to recognize that true spiritual health lies not in passive reception but in active pursuit—a diligent seeking to understand God's "ways" and a conscious choice to align our lives with them. It warns against the insidious danger of spiritual apathy, which can subtly morph into a willful turning away, leading to a disregard for divine wisdom. Understanding that God's judgments are rooted in our choices should inspire not fear, but a profound reverence and a sincere desire to walk in righteousness, recognizing that His paths are always for our ultimate good and flourishing. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, attentiveness, and obedience, ensuring that our lives reflect a genuine desire to know Him and walk in His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "turning back" from God, even subtly, by prioritizing my own desires over His revealed will?**
* **How diligently do I "consider" God's ways, through His Word, prayer, and community, or am I prone to willful ignorance or spiritual apathy?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally seek and align my life with God's character and principles?**
* **How does understanding God's just response to human choices impact my view of His sovereignty and my own accountability?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Elihu's perspective on God's judgment in Job 34:27, especially compared to Job's friends?**

Answer: Elihu's perspective in [Job 34:27](/job/34-27 "Job 34:27 - The Reason for Divine Judgment") is significant because it offers a more nuanced and robust defense of God's justice than that of Job's three friends. While the friends rigidly maintained that suffering was always a direct result of specific sin (a simplistic retribution theology), Elihu expands on this. He asserts God's absolute sovereignty and righteousness, emphasizing that God cannot do wrong ([Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God Cannot Do Wrong")) and that He sees all human actions ([Job 34:21](/job/34-21 "Job 34:21 - God Observes All Human Ways")). For Elihu, the "turning back" and "not considering His ways" are not just isolated acts, but a fundamental posture of rebellion that justifies divine intervention. He moves beyond the simplistic "sin equals suffering" formula to highlight the *willful* nature of human disobedience as the basis for God's righteous judgment, thereby vindicating God's character against Job's complaints of injustice. Elihu's contribution is to stress that God's actions are always just, even if the reasons are not always immediately clear to humans, and that human culpability lies in their deliberate rejection of God's wisdom and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 34:27, though spoken from an Old Testament perspective, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound illumination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse describes humanity's fundamental problem: a willful "turning back from him" and a refusal to "consider any of his ways." This perfectly encapsulates the human condition of sin, which is not merely a breaking of rules but a radical reorientation away from God, a rebellion against His loving authority. Humanity, in its fallen state, is spiritually blind and unable to truly discern or walk in God's ways ([Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-12 - None Is Righteous")). Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of God's "ways"—He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He perfectly considered and perfectly fulfilled all of God's ways, living a life of absolute obedience where humanity had failed. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very "turning back" described in Job 34:27. Through His death, He makes a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, to "turn back" to Him in repentance and faith ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Turn to God")). By His Spirit, He enables believers not only to understand God's ways but also to walk in them, transforming hearts that once refused to consider God's truth into hearts that delight in His law ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, what humanity failed to do, Christ accomplished, and through Him, we are empowered to turn *to* God and truly consider and follow His perfect ways.

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

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Psalms 28:5

Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

Isaiah 5:12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Luke 17:31

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Luke 17:32

Remember Lot's wife.

Psalms 125:5

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.