Job 34:37

KJV

For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he addeth {H3254} rebellion {H6588} unto his sin {H2403}, he clappeth {H5606} his hands among us, and multiplieth {H7235} his words {H561} against God {H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For now to his sin he adds rebellion; he [mockingly] claps his hands among us and keeps adding to his words against God."

Berean Standard Bible

For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”

American Standard Version

For he addeth rebellion unto his sin; He clappeth his hands among us, And multiplieth his words against God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:37 encapsulates Elihu's harsh indictment of Job, accusing him of escalating his initial suffering (which Elihu implicitly links to sin) by adding outright rebellion and defiance through his words and actions. Elihu perceives Job's persistent complaints and challenges to God's justice not merely as expressions of pain but as public acts of contempt and an excessive, defiant verbal assault against the Almighty, thereby compounding his perceived transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:37 is situated within the fourth and final cycle of speeches, delivered by Elihu, a young man who enters the theological debate after Job and his three friends have exhausted their arguments. Elihu believes he possesses a superior understanding of God's ways, asserting that both Job and his friends have failed to grasp divine justice. Throughout his discourse (chapters 32-37), Elihu positions himself as God's defender, arguing that God is just in all His dealings and that suffering serves as a means of discipline and instruction, not solely as punishment for specific sins. In chapter 34, Elihu directly addresses Job, accusing him of speaking rashly and presumptuously against God. Verse 37 serves as a climactic summary of Elihu's condemnation, portraying Job as not only stubborn but actively rebellious, thereby justifying his continued suffering in Elihu's eyes. This accusation follows Elihu's earlier assertion that Job "hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom" in [Job 34:35](/job/34-35 "Job 34:35 - Elihu's Accusation of Job's Ignorance").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, public discourse and the concept of honor and shame were paramount. A public display of defiance, such as "clapping hands," could signify derision, scorn, or even a defiant challenge, particularly in a judicial or disputational setting. It was a non-verbal gesture that communicated strong emotion, often contempt or triumphalism over an opponent. Furthermore, speaking "against God" was considered a grave offense, often bordering on blasphemy, which could carry severe social and religious repercussions in a society deeply rooted in monotheistic or henotheistic beliefs where divine authority was absolute. Elihu's accusation, therefore, is not merely a personal critique but a public denouncement of Job's perceived spiritual and social transgression, placing it within the framework of a serious legal or theological charge.

* **Key Themes:** Elihu's speech, particularly Job 34:37, highlights several critical themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **compounding sin**, where Elihu argues that Job's response to his initial affliction (which Elihu views as a divine disciplinary measure) has worsened his spiritual state by adding the sin of rebellion. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **open contempt and defiance**, suggested by the act of "clapping hands," which Elihu interprets as a public, scornful display of Job's attitude towards God and His ways. This is contrasted with private lament, portraying Job as brazenly challenging divine authority. Thirdly, the phrase "multiplieth his words against God" emphasizes the theme of **unbridled and blasphemous speech**. Throughout the book, Job has indeed uttered numerous complaints and questions directed at God's justice and governance, as seen in passages like [Job 13:3](/job/13-3 "Job 13:3 - Job's Desire to Speak to God") and [Job 23:3-4](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3-4 - Job's Longing to Present His Case to God"). Elihu views this volume of complaint as an offensive, persistent verbal assault. Finally, the core accusation of "addeth rebellion" brings to the forefront the theme of **rebellion against divine sovereignty**, a grave charge in biblical thought, implying a deliberate act of insubordination against God's rightful rule and wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebellion (Hebrew, _pesha'_):** This term signifies a deliberate transgression, a revolt, or a breaking of covenant. It is a strong word for sin, often implying a willful act against an authority or an established order. Elihu uses it to elevate Job's complaints from mere grumbling to an active, conscious defiance of God's sovereignty and justice.
* **Clappeth (Hebrew, _saphaq_):** This verb means "to strike" or "to clap." While it can denote various actions (e.g., striking hands in despair or agreement), in this context, especially when paired with "rebellion" and "words against God," it strongly conveys an act of scorn, derision, or triumphant defiance. Elihu interprets Job's posture as one of public contempt, perhaps even mocking God or those who would defend Him.
* **Multiplieth (Hebrew, _yasaph_):** Meaning "to add" or "to increase," this word highlights the persistent and excessive nature of Job's verbal protests. It suggests that Job is not merely speaking, but speaking *much* and *repeatedly* against God, amplifying his perceived offense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he addeth rebellion unto his sin":** Elihu asserts that Job's current state of suffering (which Elihu sees as a consequence of sin or a divine disciplinary measure) has been compounded by a new, more egregious offense: active rebellion. This suggests that Job's initial "sin" (whatever Elihu perceives it to be) has been escalated by his defiant response to his trials, transforming passive suffering into active insubordination against God's will and wisdom.
* **"he clappeth [his hands] among us":** This clause describes a public, physical manifestation of Job's perceived defiance. Elihu interprets Job's gesture as one of scorn or derision, performed openly "among us" (i.e., in the presence of Elihu and the other friends). It suggests an attitude of contempt, perhaps even a triumphant or mocking affirmation of his own perceived righteousness in the face of God's actions, or a dismissive gesture towards his accusers.
* **"and multiplieth his words against God":** This final accusation points to the sheer volume and persistent nature of Job's complaints and challenges directed at God. Throughout the preceding chapters, Job has indeed voiced numerous strong questions regarding God's justice, His silence, and the apparent randomness of suffering. Elihu views this extensive verbal outpouring not as lament or honest questioning, but as a relentless, defiant verbal assault on God's character and governance.

#### Literary Devices
Job 34:37 is rich with **Accusation**, as Elihu directly levels a severe charge against Job's character and conduct. The verse employs **Hyperbole** in Elihu's description of Job's actions, exaggerating his complaints into full-blown "rebellion" and "multiplied words against God" to underscore the gravity of the perceived offense. The phrase "he clappeth [his hands]" functions as **Symbolism**, where a physical gesture represents a deeper spiritual attitude of scorn, defiance, or contempt. This gesture also contributes to the **Imagery** of a public display of insolence. Elihu's speech throughout this section is characterized by **Rhetorical Questioning** (though not in this specific verse, it frames the context) and a strong sense of **Irony**, as his confident pronouncements about God's justice are later shown to be incomplete and, in some respects, inaccurate compared to God's own assessment of Job.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's accusation in Job 34:37, while ultimately proven to be an incomplete and flawed assessment of Job's character by God Himself, nonetheless highlights a crucial theological truth: the profound seriousness of rebellion against God and the danger of allowing suffering to corrupt one's attitude towards divine sovereignty. It serves as a warning against adopting a posture of defiance, scorn, or excessive complaint that crosses the line from honest lament into outright insubordination. The verse implicitly raises questions about the appropriate human response to unexplainable suffering, emphasizing the need for humility and trust even when God's ways seem inscrutable. While Job's integrity is later vindicated, Elihu's words remind us that our words and attitudes during trials are not inconsequential; they reveal the true posture of our hearts towards God.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Psalm 73:9](/psalms/73-9 "Psalm 73:9 - Speaking against Heaven")
* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 34:37, though part of a flawed human argument, offers a profound opportunity for self-reflection on our own responses to adversity. When faced with trials, pain, or perceived injustice, it is natural to question, lament, and even cry out to God. However, Elihu's accusation, even if misdirected at Job, challenges us to discern the fine line between honest wrestling with God and slipping into a spirit of rebellion or defiant contempt. Do our words, whether spoken aloud or in the privacy of our hearts, reflect a posture of ultimate trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways? Or do they devolve into bitter accusations, self-justification, or a public display of resentment? This verse prompts us to examine whether our suffering leads us closer to God in humble dependence, or if it tempts us to "add rebellion" by questioning His character, dismissing His authority, or multiplying words of complaint that betray a lack of faith. It calls us to cultivate a heart that, like Job's at the end of the book, can say, "I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted" ([Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - Job's Confession of God's Power")), even after immense suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when suffering feels unjust or prolonged?**
* **In what ways might my words or attitudes towards God, even in private, resemble "adding rebellion" or "multiplying words against God"?**
* **What is the difference between honest lament or questioning and a defiant spirit of rebellion?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of trust and submission to God's will, even when His purposes are unclear to me?**

### FAQ
**Is Elihu's assessment of Job accurate according to the rest of the book of Job?**

Answer: No, Elihu's assessment of Job in Job 34:37 and throughout his speeches is ultimately proven to be inaccurate and incomplete by God Himself. While Job did utter strong complaints and questions against God, expressing his pain and confusion, the book's overarching message is that Job remained righteous and did not sin in his suffering, nor did he curse God. God later rebukes Job's friends (and implicitly Elihu, though not by name) for not speaking rightly about Him, while commending Job: "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" ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God's Vindication of Job")). Elihu represents a conventional, rigid theology that assumes all suffering is a direct consequence of sin, failing to grasp the deeper purposes of God's testing and sovereignty.

**What does "he clappeth [his hands] among us" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, Elihu interprets the act of "clapping hands" (Hebrew: *saphaq*) as a gesture of scorn, derision, or defiant contempt. It's a public act, performed "among us" (i.e., in the presence of Elihu and the other friends), signifying Job's perceived insolence or mocking attitude towards God's justice or even towards his accusers. It suggests a brazen, unrepentant stance rather than one of humility or submission. While clapping hands can have other meanings (e.g., despair, joy, agreement), Elihu's use here is clearly pejorative, painting Job as openly defiant.

**Does this verse condemn all questioning or lamenting of God in times of suffering?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all questioning or lamenting of God during suffering. The Psalms, for instance, are filled with honest, often raw, cries of lament and questioning directed at God (e.g., [Psalm 13:1-2](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1-2 - How Long, O Lord?")). The key distinction Elihu attempts to make (though he misapplies it to Job) is between genuine, faith-filled lament that still trusts God's character, and a defiant, rebellious attitude that challenges God's authority and goodness with contempt. Job's laments, though strong, ultimately stemmed from a desire for vindication from God, not a rejection of Him. Elihu, however, misinterpreted Job's words as outright rebellion. The Bible encourages us to bring our whole selves, including our pain and questions, to God, but always with a heart that ultimately seeks His will and trusts His sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 34:37 is Elihu's flawed accusation against Job, it powerfully foreshadows the perfect submission and innocent suffering of Jesus Christ. Elihu condemns Job for "adding rebellion unto his sin" and "multiplying his words against God," implying a defiant spirit. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true righteous sufferer, never "added rebellion" to any sin, for He was without sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). When faced with unimaginable suffering and unjust accusations, He did not "clap His hands" in defiance or multiply words against God, but instead submitted perfectly to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He remained silent before His accusers, fulfilling prophecy ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Christ's Silence Before His Accusers")), and His only cry from the cross was one of ultimate dependence: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Christ's suffering was not for His own rebellion, but for ours. He bore the full weight of humanity's sin and rebellion against God, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to reconcile us to the Father ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through His perfect obedience and suffering, we are freed from the condemnation of our own rebellious words and actions, finding grace to endure our trials with faith, not defiance, knowing that in Him, our ultimate vindication and redemption are secured.

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 27:23

[Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Isaiah 1:20

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Job 35:2

Thinkest thou this to be right, [that] thou saidst, My righteousness [is] more than God's?

Job 35:3

For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? [and], What profit shall I have, [if I be cleansed] from my sin?

Job 35:16

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