Job 34:35

KJV

Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words [were] without wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Job {H347} hath spoken {H1696} without knowledge {H1847}, and his words {H1697} were without wisdom {H7919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Iyov is speaking without thinking; his words lack discernment.'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’

American Standard Version

Job speaketh without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:35 encapsulates Elihu's direct accusation against Job, asserting that Job's complaints and arguments against God's justice are rooted in a fundamental lack of true understanding and divine wisdom. Elihu, presenting himself as a messenger of God's perspective, critiques Job for presuming to comprehend God's inscrutable ways, thereby highlighting the vast chasm between finite human reasoning and infinite divine knowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:35 is situated within the extensive discourse of Elihu, who emerges in [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") after Job and his three friends have exhausted their arguments. Elihu, presented as younger and filled with divine inspiration, positions himself as a more objective and insightful interpreter of Job's suffering and God's justice. Chapter 34 specifically sees Elihu defending God's righteousness against Job's perceived accusations of injustice, arguing that God is too great to do wrong and that Job's suffering is not arbitrary but just, even if its specific reason remains hidden from Job. This verse serves as a direct indictment of Job's earlier assertions of innocence and his questioning of divine providence, setting the stage for Elihu's continued exposition on God's omnipotence and wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in a patriarchal, possibly pre-Mosaic, era, reflecting ancient Near Eastern cultural norms where suffering was often directly correlated with sin, a common theological framework challenged by Job's experience. The concept of "wisdom" (חכמה, _chokhmah_) was highly valued, encompassing not just intellectual knowledge but practical skill, moral discernment, and a deep understanding of life's principles and divine order. Elihu's critique of Job's "knowledge" (דעת, _da'at_) and "wisdom" must be understood within this cultural emphasis on discerning the divine will and acting in accordance with it. The dialogue format itself is characteristic of wisdom literature, where truth is explored through debate and discourse, often involving a teacher-disciple dynamic or, in this case, a group of counselors attempting to explain a complex theological problem.
* **Key Themes:** Job 34:35 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the vast disparity between [finite human understanding and infinite divine wisdom](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher"), a central tension throughout the book. Elihu contends that Job's words betray a profound lack of insight into God's sovereign and often inscrutable ways. Secondly, the verse addresses the theme of **presumption in speech**, particularly when challenging the Almighty. Elihu criticizes Job for speaking rashly, echoing broader biblical warnings about the [power and responsibility of the tongue](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue") and the need for humility in discourse concerning divine matters. Finally, it reinforces the **limits of human comprehension** when faced with the complexities of divine justice and providence, a motif that culminates in God's own discourse from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"), which further humbles Job.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _da'at'_):** This term, derived from the verb _yada'_, signifies not merely intellectual acquaintance but often a deep, experiential understanding or discernment. In this context, Elihu accuses Job of lacking a proper, informed grasp of God's character, justice, and sovereign dealings. It implies a failure to truly "know" God in His ways, leading to misguided pronouncements.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokhmah'_):** This word refers to a profound, practical, and moral insight, often associated with skill in living and understanding the divine order of the world. It is the ability to apply knowledge correctly and discern truth. Elihu's charge is that Job's words are devoid of this spiritual and practical wisdom, indicating a fundamental misjudgment of his own situation and God's overarching plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Job hath spoken without knowledge":** This opening clause presents Elihu's direct and pointed accusation against Job. It asserts that Job's previous speeches, particularly his protests of innocence and his questioning of God's justice, were not founded upon a true, discerning understanding of God's character, His attributes, or the principles by which He governs the world. Elihu implies Job's perspective is limited and uninformed.
* **"and his words [were] without wisdom":** This second clause functions in parallel to the first, reinforcing and intensifying the charge. "Wisdom" here refers to practical, moral, and spiritual insight—the ability to apply knowledge correctly and discern the deeper truths of life and God's ways. Elihu's contention is that Job's utterances lacked not only factual understanding but also the profound spiritual discernment necessary to speak appropriately about his own suffering or the mysterious workings of divine providence. His words were not merely incorrect, but fundamentally misguided in their spiritual foundation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. The phrases "without knowledge" and "without wisdom" function as a synonymous or intensifying parallel, where the second phrase reiterates and deepens the meaning of the first. This rhetorical device emphasizes the totality of Job's perceived intellectual and spiritual deficiency in Elihu's eyes. Furthermore, the verse is a direct **Accusation**, with Elihu pointedly addressing Job and articulating a clear judgment against his previous statements. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; while Elihu speaks with conviction about Job's lack of wisdom, the reader is aware that God will later affirm Job's righteousness (though not his perfect understanding) and rebuke the friends for their counsel, suggesting that Elihu's "wisdom" is also incomplete, even if his words contain partial truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:35 serves as a profound theological statement on the inherent limitations of human understanding when confronted with divine sovereignty and the mystery of suffering. Elihu's accusation, while harsh, contains a kernel of truth: humanity's finite intellect cannot fully grasp the infinite wisdom and purposes of God. This verse compels believers to adopt a posture of humility, recognizing that our perspective is always partial and that true wisdom begins with reverent awe before an inscrutable God. It cautions against presumptuous declarations or hasty judgments concerning divine providence, especially in times of affliction, reminding us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts deeper than our thoughts.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33-36 - The Depths of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges us to critically examine the foundation of our own pronouncements, particularly when we speak about God, His will, or the complexities of life and suffering. In an age where opinions are readily shared, Job 34:35 serves as a potent reminder of the need for spiritual humility and intellectual caution. Are our interpretations of God's actions and our counsel to others truly grounded in divine revelation and genuine wisdom, or are they merely reflections of our limited human perspective, biases, or even frustration? The verse encourages a posture of reverent silence and patient trust when faced with inexplicable circumstances, prompting us to seek God's wisdom through His Word and prayer, rather than relying solely on our own finite reasoning or presumptuous conclusions. It calls us to cultivate a heart that acknowledges God's incomprehensible greatness and trusts His goodness even when His ways are beyond our grasp.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I speak about God or His ways without truly seeking His wisdom?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own understanding rather than trusting God's inscrutable plan?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and reverence when discussing divine matters or interpreting suffering?**
* **What does it mean to "fear the Lord" in my daily speech and understanding?**

### FAQ
**Was Elihu entirely correct in his assessment of Job?**

Answer: While Elihu's words in [Job 34:35](/job/34-35 "Job 34:35 - Elihu's Accusation Against Job") contain elements of truth regarding God's sovereignty and the limits of human understanding, the biblical narrative indicates that his assessment of Job was not entirely correct. Elihu, like the other friends, assumed Job's suffering was a direct consequence of sin, a premise that God Himself later refutes. In [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends"), God tells Eliphaz, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has." While Job did speak rashly at times, questioning God, his fundamental integrity and righteousness were affirmed. Elihu's error lay in his presumption to fully understand God's specific reasons for Job's suffering and his overly harsh judgment of Job's character. His words serve to highlight God's greatness, but his application to Job's unique situation was flawed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The accusation in [Job 34:35](/job/34-35 "Job 34:35 - Elihu's Accusation Against Job") that Job spoke "without knowledge" and "without wisdom" finds its ultimate resolution and contrast in Jesus Christ. While humanity, in its fallen state, often speaks and acts from a place of ignorance and limited understanding, Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and perfect knowledge. He is described as the [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") and the one in whom [all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge"). Unlike Job, who wrestled with the inscrutable ways of God, Jesus perfectly understood and perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, when we, like Job, are confronted with suffering and the limits of our comprehension, Christ offers not merely an explanation but Himself. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the ultimate suffering to reconcile us to God. In Him, we find not only the answer to the mystery of suffering but also the true knowledge and wisdom that lead to life, as He is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Through faith in Christ, we are granted access to the [Spirit of wisdom and revelation](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation"), enabling us to understand God's purposes far beyond our natural capacity, transforming our "without knowledge" into a Spirit-empowered understanding of God's glorious plan.

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 35:16

Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

Job 38:2

Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Job 15:2

Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?

Job 13:2

What ye know, [the same] do I know also: I [am] not inferior unto you.

Job 42:3

Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.