Job 34:33

[Should it be] according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense {H7999} it, whether thou refuse {H3588}{H3988}, or whether thou choose {H977}; and not I: therefore speak {H1696} what thou knowest {H3045}.

Must his rewards meet your approval? Well, you are the one who doesn't like them, so you, not I, should pick the alternative; come on, say what you think!

Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed His? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know.

Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest.

Commentary

Context

Job 34:33 is part of Elihu's third speech to Job, found within the larger book of Job, which explores the profound questions of suffering, divine justice, and human understanding of God's ways. Elihu, the youngest of Job's four interlocutors, distinguishes himself from the initial three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) by claiming a fresh, divinely inspired perspective. Unlike the others who largely accused Job of specific sins, Elihu focuses on Job's perceived presumption in questioning God's righteousness and demanding an explanation for his suffering. In this verse, Elihu directly challenges Job's attitude, asserting that God's actions are not subject to human approval or refusal, and that God will administer justice regardless of Job's personal preferences or understanding.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The primary message is God's absolute independence and authority. God acts according to His perfect will, not according to human whims, understanding, or approval. This concept underscores God's supreme rule over creation and human affairs, a fundamental truth echoed throughout Scripture.
  • God's Unquestionable Justice: Elihu strongly defends God's righteousness, insisting that God's judgments are always just, even when they appear inscrutable or harsh from a human perspective. He challenges Job's implied critique of God's fairness in allowing his immense suffering.
  • Human Humility and Presumption: The verse implicitly calls for human humility before the Almighty. It warns against the danger of mortals dictating terms to God or believing their understanding of justice should be the standard for divine action. Our limited perspective cannot encompass God's infinite wisdom and purposes.
  • Recompense and Accountability: The phrase "he will recompense it" signifies that God will justly deal with actions and situations. Whether this recompense is corrective, punitive, or restorative, it happens according to God's perfect administration, independent of human acceptance or rejection of His methods.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "according to thy mind" translates the Hebrew me'immฤk (ืžึตืขึดืžึผึธืšึฐ), which literally means "from you" or "with you." This highlights the contrast between God's inherent will and Job's desire for God's actions to align with his own personal perspective or preferences.
  • "Recompense it" comes from the Hebrew root shillem (ืฉืืœื), which carries the meaning of paying back, making whole, or restoring. In this context, it implies God's administration of consequences or rewards, emphasizing His role as the ultimate judge who settles accounts justly.

Practical Application

Job 34:33 offers timeless wisdom for believers grappling with difficult circumstances or questions about God's ways. It serves as a powerful reminder that our understanding of justice and fairness is limited, and God's sovereignty means He operates according to His perfect wisdom, not our finite comprehension. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and trust in God's righteousness, even when His actions or allowings are unfathomable to us. Instead of demanding answers or imposing our will on God, we are called to surrender to His divine plan, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always just and good. It challenges us to "speak what thou knowest" from a place of reverence and truth, acknowledging that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are beyond our full grasp. Ultimately, it reinforces the call to trust in God's justice, even as we navigate life's complexities and challenges, confident that He will work all things for the good of those who love Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 135:6

    Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

  • Job 33:32

    If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.

  • Job 15:31

    Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.

  • Job 41:11

    ยถ Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.

  • Hebrews 11:26

    Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

  • Romans 9:20

    Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

  • Hebrews 2:2

    For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
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