Job 34:8

KJV

Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which goeth {H732} in company {H2274} with the workers {H6466} of iniquity {H205}, and walketh {H3212} with wicked {H7562} men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who keeps company with evildoers and goes with wicked men,

Berean Standard Bible

He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men.

American Standard Version

Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 34:8, Elihu, the youngest of Job's counselors, levels a severe accusation against Job, asserting that Job's profound complaints and questioning of divine justice align him spiritually with those who actively practice wickedness and openly rebel against God's righteous authority. This verse functions as a rhetorical condemnation, implying that Job's perceived defiance places him in the same spiritual fellowship as individuals whose lives and attitudes are fundamentally characterized by iniquity and opposition to God's perfect governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:8 is embedded within Elihu's extensive and passionate speeches, which span from Job 32 through Job 37. Elihu emerges as a new voice in the debate after Job's three friends have failed to persuade him, and Job continues to steadfastly proclaim his innocence while challenging God's perceived injustice. Elihu positions himself as a righteous defender of God's character, arguing vehemently that God is inherently just and incapable of wrongdoing. Specifically in chapter 34, Elihu directly confronts Job's assertions, interpreting them not as expressions of pain or confusion, but as a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and a dangerous spiritual alignment with the wicked. This particular verse serves as a climactic rhetorical flourish in Elihu's discourse, designed to underscore the gravity of Job's words and their perceived spiritual implications.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Within the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, particularly in Israel, there was a deeply ingrained belief in a direct, retributive correlation between one's actions and their consequences: righteousness led to blessing, and wickedness to suffering. While the Book of Job ultimately critiques a simplistic application of this theology, Elihu operates firmly within its established framework. The concept of "company" or "walking with" carried profound significance, denoting not merely physical proximity but a deep, influential association that profoundly shaped one's moral character, spiritual trajectory, and ultimate destiny. Furthermore, speech was universally understood as a powerful outward manifestation of the heart's inner condition, making Job's lamentations and questions, in Elihu's view, a damning revelation of his true spiritual alignment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Elihu's discourse and the broader Book of Job. A primary theme is **God's Unquestionable Justice and Sovereignty**. Elihu relentlessly defends God's righteousness, asserting that any perceived questioning of it, as he believes Job is doing, is tantamount to rebellion. This aligns with the broader biblical truth that [the Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works](/psalms/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The Lord is Righteous in All His Ways"). Another crucial theme is the **Gravity of Association and Influence**, highlighting how one's spiritual and intellectual company profoundly shapes one's character and worldview. This extends beyond mere physical companionship to shared attitudes, ideologies, and philosophical stances, echoing warnings found throughout [the wisdom literature regarding the company one keeps](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Way of Wisdom and Folly"). Finally, the verse illuminates the **Nature of Ungodliness**, defining "workers of iniquity" and "wicked men" as those whose lives, thoughts, and words are fundamentally contrary to God's moral order and divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **in company (Hebrew, _chebrâh'_):** From H2274, this feminine noun denotes "association" or "company." It implies a close relationship, a shared circle, or a collective group. In this context, Elihu uses it to suggest that Job's attitude or words place him in a spiritual collective with those who are morally corrupt, indicating a shared mindset or purpose rather than just physical presence.
* **walketh (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, this primitive root means "to walk" (literally or figuratively). In biblical idiom, "walking" frequently describes one's way of life, conduct, or spiritual journey. Elihu's use of this word here emphasizes that Job's actions or words are not isolated incidents but reflect a deeper, consistent pattern of behavior or a spiritual trajectory that aligns him with the unrighteous.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From H205, this term refers to "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." It can specifically denote an idol, affliction, or mischief. It often carries the connotation of futility or destructive intent, implying not just a deviation from righteousness but an active, often habitual, practice of evil that leads to ruin or sorrow. Elihu uses it to describe the inherent nature of the "workers" with whom he accuses Job of associating.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity":** Elihu initiates his accusation by asserting that Job, through his contentious words and complaints against God, has spiritually aligned himself with those who actively practice evil. The phrase "goeth in company" (from _ʼârach_ H732, and _chebrâh_ H2274) signifies a deep, influential association or a shared spiritual posture. Elihu suggests that Job's perceived challenge to God's justice places him in the same spiritual camp as those who openly defy divine authority, implying a common purpose or mindset.
* **"and walketh with wicked men":** This parallel clause serves to reinforce and intensify the preceding accusation. "Walketh with" (from _yâlak_ H3212) is a common biblical metaphor for one's way of life, conduct, or spiritual journey. By stating that Job "walketh with wicked men" (from _reshaʻ_ H7562 and _ʼĕnôwsh_ H582), Elihu implies that Job's attitude reflects the same rebellious spirit and moral perversity found in those who are fundamentally unrighteous and condemned by God. Together, the two clauses emphasize a profound, intentional, and dangerous spiritual fellowship, not merely a casual acquaintance.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's pronouncement in Job 34:8 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to deliver his forceful accusation. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "and walketh with wicked men," reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, "Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity." The phrases "goeth in company" and "walketh with" are parallel expressions denoting close association, while "workers of iniquity" and "wicked men" serve as synonymous terms for the ungodly. This repetition underscores the severity and certainty of Elihu's charge. Furthermore, both "goeth in company" and "walketh with" function as **Metaphors** for spiritual and intellectual alignment, rather than literal physical companionship. Elihu is not suggesting Job is physically associating with criminals, but rather that his words and mindset reflect the essence of their rebellion against God. The verse also serves as a sharp **Rhetorical Accusation**, designed to shock Job and the other listeners into recognizing the perceived gravity of Job's complaints against God's righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's accusation, though ultimately misdirected in its application to Job, powerfully articulates a profound biblical principle: the critical importance of our associations, extending far beyond mere physical proximity to encompass shared attitudes, philosophies, and spiritual alignments. The Scriptures consistently warn against the corrupting influence of ungodly company, whether through direct relationships, shared ideologies, or the subtle adoption of worldly mindsets. To "go in company" or "walk with" the wicked implies a shared path, a common purpose, and an embrace of values contrary to God's character and commands. This theological insight calls believers to vigilant discernment, recognizing that our spiritual health is deeply intertwined with the influences we permit into our lives and the attitudes we cultivate, especially concerning our understanding of God's justice and sovereignty. It underscores the call to pursue righteousness and wisdom in our relationships and worldview.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man")
* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Elihu's specific judgment of Job was ultimately proven incorrect by God Himself, the underlying principle of Job 34:8 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. Our words and attitudes, particularly during times of intense suffering, confusion, or doubt, are powerful indicators of our spiritual alignment. To question God's goodness, wisdom, or justice, even implicitly through our complaints or despair, can inadvertently place us in a spiritual posture akin to those who openly rebel against Him. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's character, even when His ways are inscrutable or His providence seems harsh. It also serves as a potent reminder to carefully discern the "company" we keep, extending beyond physical friendships to the intellectual and spiritual influences we embrace—the media we consume, the philosophies we entertain, and the voices we allow to shape our worldview. Our spiritual walk is a continuous, conscious choice to align with God's truth and righteousness, diligently guarding our hearts and minds against any subtle drift towards ungodly perspectives or a spirit of defiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my words and attitudes, especially during trials, reflect my underlying trust in God's character and perfect justice?**
* **Beyond physical friendships, what "companies" (e.g., media, philosophies, online communities, entertainment) do I keep that might subtly influence my spiritual alignment, either positively or negatively?**
* **In what ways might I inadvertently align myself with a "wicked" mindset by questioning God's goodness or sovereignty when circumstances are difficult to comprehend or painful to endure?**

### FAQ

**Was Elihu right in his accusation against Job in this verse?**

Answer: No, Elihu was ultimately mistaken in his assessment of Job's heart and motives. While Elihu's general theological principles about God's justice and the dangers of associating with the wicked were sound, he misapplied them to Job's unique situation. Job was wrestling with God from a place of profound faith and immense suffering, not from a spirit of rebellion or alignment with evildoers. God later affirms Job's integrity, directly rebuking Elihu's friends (and by extension, Elihu himself, though more gently) for not speaking what was right about Him, unlike Job ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes the Friends")).

**What is the significance of the phrases "goeth in company" and "walketh with" in this context?**

Answer: These phrases are not merely about physical proximity but signify a deep, intentional association, a shared path, or a common mindset. In biblical thought, "walking with" someone often denotes a way of life, a spiritual journey, or a pattern of conduct. Elihu uses them metaphorically to suggest that Job's complaints and questioning of God's justice reveal a spiritual alignment with those who are fundamentally opposed to God's righteous rule, even if Job himself was not physically associating with criminals. It's about a shared spiritual posture or philosophy that manifests in one's words and attitudes.

**How can a believer avoid "walking with wicked men" in today's world, where ungodly influences are so pervasive?**

Answer: Avoiding "walking with wicked men" in the modern world requires constant spiritual discernment and intentional choices. It means guarding one's heart and mind against ungodly philosophies, values, and narratives that contradict God's truth. This involves being selective about the media consumed, the ideologies embraced, and the online communities engaged with. It also means actively cultivating fellowship with God through consistent engagement with His Word and prayer, and seeking out healthy, Christ-centered relationships and communities that encourage righteousness and spiritual growth. The call is to "think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy" ([Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Think on These Things")) and to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" by not neglecting to meet together ([Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Encourage One Another")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 34:8 serves as Elihu's misguided accusation against Job, its underlying principle of association finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment and redefinition in the New Testament. Jesus, the perfectly righteous One, stands in stark contrast to the "workers of iniquity" and "wicked men" Elihu describes. He never "walked with" them in their sin or rebellion, yet He radically "went in company" with sinners, not to participate in their wickedness, but to seek and to save them. He was famously called a "friend of tax collectors and sinners" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Friend of Sinners")), demonstrating a divine compassion that seeks to transform, not merely condemn. Ultimately, Christ identified with the "wicked" in the most profound way possible: He bore the iniquity of us all on the cross ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")), becoming sin for us who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, believers are called to forsake the "walk" of the wicked world and instead "walk in newness of life" with Him ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")), identifying with His perfect righteousness and living according to His Spirit, rather than conforming to the patterns of this fallen age ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")).

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

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Psalms 26:4

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 2:12

To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;

Proverbs 1:15

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: