Job 34:30

KJV

That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the hypocrite {H120}{H2611} reign {H4427} not, lest the people {H5971} be ensnared {H4170}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that godless men will not become kings, and the people will not be lured into traps.

Berean Standard Bible

that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.

American Standard Version

That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:30 presents Elihu's assertion regarding God's sovereign governance over human leadership, particularly emphasizing divine intervention to prevent or limit the long-term reign of ungodly, impious rulers. Elihu argues that God actively safeguards the populace from the moral, social, and spiritual decay that such corrupt leadership inevitably inflicts, thereby highlighting God's justice, active care for communities, and ultimate control over the affairs of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:30 concludes Elihu's initial argument in his first discourse (Job 34). Elihu, the youngest of Job's four interlocutors, enters the theological debate after Job's three friends have failed to convince him of his sin and Job continues to maintain his innocence. Elihu positions himself as a divinely inspired mediator, claiming to speak with wisdom and impartiality. In this chapter, he rigorously defends God's absolute righteousness and omnipotence, asserting that God is never unjust and that suffering, while mysterious, often serves a corrective purpose or reveals deeper divine wisdom. Verse 30 serves as a culminating statement, encapsulating Elihu's conviction that God's justice extends to the moral governance of nations, reinforcing his broader argument about God's righteous control over all human affairs, including the rise and fall of those in power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East (ANE) was predominantly structured around monarchical rule, where kings often claimed divine lineage, endorsement, or even divinity themselves. The welfare and fate of a nation were inextricably linked to the character and actions of its ruler. A wicked or unjust king could bring about widespread famine, war, oppression, and societal collapse, whereas a righteous ruler was believed to usher in prosperity, peace, and divine favor. The concept of a ruler becoming a "snare" to the people deeply resonates with the ANE understanding of leadership's profound impact on the moral, spiritual, and material fabric of society. This verse reflects a theological perspective characteristic of Israel, where Yahweh was understood as the ultimate King, actively involved in the affairs of nations, raising up and casting down rulers (e.g., Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus) according to His divine will and for the ultimate well-being of His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute and active control over all creation, including the intricate dynamics of human governance. Elihu contends that God is not a detached deity but intervenes directly in the affairs of nations to ensure justice and protect His people, a truth echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"), which states that God "removes kings and sets up kings." Secondly, it illuminates the **Nature of Leadership**, implicitly contrasting the destructive potential of the "hypocrite" or impious ruler with the ideal of righteous governance. It serves as a stark warning against the pervasive dangers of corrupt authority and its detrimental effects on societal morality and stability, aligning with the wisdom tradition found in [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Divine Justice and Protection**, revealing God's profound concern for the vulnerable and His active role in preventing widespread harm caused by ungodly leaders, thereby affirming His righteous character even amidst the perplexing complexities of human suffering and political turmoil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hypocrite (Hebrew, _chânêph'_):** The Hebrew word חָנֵף (_chânêph_, H2611) is derived from a root meaning "to be soiled" or "profane." As such, it describes someone who is fundamentally "impious," "godless," or "unholy." Unlike the modern English connotation of someone who merely feigns righteousness, _chânêph_ points to an inner state of moral corruption and a lack of reverence for God. In the context of a ruler, it signifies one who governs without regard for divine law or justice, whose actions are driven by self-interest, wickedness, or a profound disregard for ethical principles, leading to societal decay and spiritual defilement.
* **Ensnared (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** The Hebrew term מוֹקֵשׁ (_môwqêsh_, H4170) literally refers to a "noose," "snare," or "trap" used for catching animals. Figuratively, when applied to the people, it conveys the idea that they would be caught, misled, trapped, or brought to ruin. This "snare" can manifest in various forms: moral corruption encouraged by the leader's example, oppressive laws, economic exploitation, spiritual deviation, or even physical endangerment. The term powerfully emphasizes the insidious and destructive consequences of ungodly leadership, leading the populace into moral compromise, injustice, spiritual peril, or outright destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the hypocrite reign not":** This initial clause expresses a divine purpose or a state of divine intervention. Elihu asserts that God, in His ultimate justice and wisdom, does not permit the long-term, unchecked, or perpetual reign of a _chânêph_ – an impious, ungodly, or morally corrupt ruler. This does not imply that such rulers never come to power, but rather that their authority and duration are ultimately subject to divine oversight and limitation. It speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His profound concern for the moral and spiritual state of leadership, actively working to prevent absolute and enduring tyranny.
* **"lest the people be ensnared":** This second clause provides the crucial divine rationale for the first. God's intervention against the reign of the "hypocrite" is fundamentally motivated by His protective care and concern for the well-being of the people. The "snare" ( _môwqêsh_) represents the multifaceted dangers posed by ungodly leadership: moral corruption that spreads through society, social injustice that oppresses the vulnerable, spiritual compromise that leads people away from God, and ultimately, the ruin of the community. God acts to safeguard the integrity, flourishing, and spiritual health of the populace, preventing them from being led astray, oppressed, or destroyed by wicked governance.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 34:30 is rhetorically potent, employing several key literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The primary device is **Consequence**, where the first clause ("That the hypocrite reign not") is presented as a divine action directly leading to or preventing the outcome expressed in the second clause ("lest the people be ensnared"). This highlights the direct causal relationship between the character of leadership and the welfare of the populace, underscoring God's rationale for intervention. There is also an implicit **Antithesis**, contrasting the destructive potential of the "hypocrite" ruler with the presumed benefit of a righteous one, even though the latter is not explicitly stated. Furthermore, the word "ensnared" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, vividly depicting the subtle, deceptive, and dangerous ways in which corrupt leadership can trap and harm a society, leading them into moral, spiritual, or physical peril, much like an unsuspecting animal caught in a hunter's trap.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:30 stands as a profound declaration of God's active and sovereign involvement in the governance of human societies. It asserts His ultimate authority over earthly rulers, revealing a God who is neither distant nor indifferent to the suffering of His people under oppressive leadership. Instead, He is portrayed as one who actively intervenes to limit or remove those whose ungodliness would lead to widespread harm. This perspective reinforces the biblical truth that all authority, whether seemingly good or demonstrably evil, ultimately operates under the permissive will and sovereign control of God, who orchestrates events for His righteous purposes and the ultimate good of His elect. It calls believers to trust in God's overarching plan and perfect justice, even amidst seemingly chaotic or unjust political realities, knowing that His protective hand is always at work.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - The Effects of Righteous and Wicked Rulers")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 34:30 offers timeless wisdom for every generation, reminding us that the character of leadership profoundly impacts the moral, social, and spiritual well-being of a society. It calls us to exercise discernment regarding the integrity of those who hold positions of power, whether in government, business, or the church, recognizing that true leadership, in God's eyes, is rooted in righteousness and a genuine reverence for Him. While we are biblically mandated to pray for our leaders and submit to governing authorities (provided they do not demand disobedience to God), this verse also provides immense comfort and hope: God is ultimately in control. He cares deeply for His people and will not allow ungodly rulers to perpetually ensnare them in destructive patterns. This truth should inspire us to pray fervently for righteous governance, to advocate for justice within our spheres of influence, and to live lives of integrity that reflect God's character, knowing that our ultimate trust rests not in human leaders, but in the sovereign God who "removes kings and sets up kings."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over rulers impact your perspective on current political events and the challenges facing society?**
* **In what specific ways can a "hypocritical" or ungodly leader "ensnare" a people, both morally and practically, in today's world?**
* **What is our responsibility as believers in a society where leaders may not reflect godly character or biblical principles?**
* **How can we pray for leaders in light of Job 34:30, seeking God's will for righteous governance and the protection of the people?**

### FAQ

**What does "hypocrite" mean in this context, and how does it differ from modern usage?**

Answer: In Job 34:30, the KJV's "hypocrite" translates the Hebrew word _chânêph_ (H2611). Unlike the modern English sense of someone who merely pretends to be virtuous while being otherwise, _chânêph_ more accurately means "impious," "godless," "profane," or "unholy." It describes someone whose character is fundamentally corrupt, lacking reverence for God and moral integrity. When applied to a ruler, it refers to one who governs without regard for divine law or justice, whose actions are driven by wickedness, self-interest, or a profound disregard for ethical principles, rather than genuine righteousness. Elihu is not primarily concerned with outward pretense but with the inner moral state and actions of a leader that lead to societal harm and defilement.

**How does God prevent the "hypocrite" from reigning, or prevent the people from being "ensnared"?**

Answer: God's methods are varied and reflect His sovereign power and wisdom. He can prevent such a ruler from coming to power in the first place, or He can limit their influence and duration of reign once they are in authority. This can happen through natural means, such as internal political shifts, popular uprisings, the rise of opposing forces, or even the natural consequences of their own unrighteousness. It can also involve direct divine intervention, as seen in numerous biblical accounts where God "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). The ultimate goal is always to protect the people from the moral, spiritual, and societal "snare" that ungodly leadership inevitably creates, ensuring that His ultimate purposes prevail and His people are not utterly corrupted or destroyed by such influence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 34:30, with its declaration of God's sovereign control over rulers and His protective care for His people against the snares of ungodly leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While earthly rulers, even the "hypocritical" ones, are subject to God's ultimate authority and their reigns are temporary and flawed, Christ is the perfect, righteous King whose reign is eternal and brings only liberation, not ensnarement. The "snare" of the impious ruler in Job foreshadows the ultimate snare of sin and death, a bondage from which no human king could ever truly free humanity. Jesus, however, came precisely to deliver His people from this ultimate spiritual bondage, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His kingdom is not of this world, but it is one characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). Unlike earthly rulers whose governance can lead to corruption and ruin, Christ's reign brings true freedom, leading His people into abundant life and eternal salvation ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the King who will ultimately judge all unrighteousness, dismantle every oppressive system, and establish a perfect kingdom where "the wolf and the lamb shall graze together" and there will be no more harm or destruction ([Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom")). Every earthly ruler's reign is temporary and flawed, but Christ's reign is perfect, everlasting, and ensures His people are never truly ensnared, but eternally secure in Him.

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

Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Revelation 13:4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Job 34:21

For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

Proverbs 29:2

¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Proverbs 29:12

¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

2 Kings 21:9

But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.