Job 35:12

KJV

There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.

KJV (with Strong's)

There they cry {H6817}, but none giveth answer {H6030}, because {H6440} of the pride {H1347} of evil men {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They may cry out, but no one answers, because of evil men's pride.

Berean Standard Bible

There they cry out, but He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.

American Standard Version

There they cry, but none giveth answer, Because of the pride of evil men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 35:12, a pivotal statement from Elihu's third speech, posits that the cries of distressed individuals often go unanswered not due to divine neglect or inability, but rather as a consequence of human pride. Elihu, in his earnest attempt to defend God's righteousness and wisdom against Job's lamentations, suggests that a heart marked by arrogance or self-righteousness can impede the divine response, thereby offering a theological framework for understanding experiences of unalleviated suffering or perceived divine silence. This verse underscores Elihu's conviction that God's justice is unimpeachable, and any apparent lack of intervention stems from the spiritual condition of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 35:12 is embedded within Elihu's third discourse, spanning from [Job 35](/job/35 "Job 35 - Elihu's Third Speech") to [Job 35:16](/job/35-16 "Job 35:16 - Elihu's Concluding Remarks"). Elihu, presented as the youngest and most articulate of Job's counselors, intervenes after the failure of the three friends to persuade Job, and Job's own increasingly bold challenges to God. His speeches, commencing in [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction to the Dialogue"), aim to correct what he perceives as Job's self-justification and the friends' inadequate theological defenses. In this specific chapter, Elihu asserts God's transcendence and His independence from human actions, whether righteous or wicked, as articulated in [Job 35:6-8](/job/35-6-8 "Job 35:6-8 - God's Transcendence and Human Actions"). He then transitions to explain why the cries of the oppressed might not elicit a divine response, suggesting that such cries are often not expressions of true humility or a seeking of God, but rather mere complaints born of suffering without a genuine turning to the Creator, as implied in [Job 35:9-11](/job/35-9-11 "Job 35:9-11 - The Nature of Human Cries to God"). Verse 12 serves as Elihu's direct and forceful explanation for this perceived divine silence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a region where the concept of divine justice and retribution was a foundational element of religious and societal understanding. In this cultural framework, suffering was frequently interpreted as a direct consequence of sin, a perspective that Job's experience profoundly challenges, yet one that his friends and Elihu largely uphold. Prayer, lament, and supplication were integral practices for approaching the divine, with an expectation of direct and often immediate responses to righteous pleas. However, the notion that a person's moral or spiritual state could influence the effectiveness of their prayers was also prevalent. Elihu's argument in Job 35:12 reflects a common theological paradigm of the era, where human moral failings, particularly pride, were widely considered significant barriers to receiving divine favor or intervention, echoing sentiments found in various ancient wisdom traditions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, as Elihu strives to vindicate God's ways against Job's accusations of injustice. Elihu argues that God's silence is not an indication of injustice but rather a righteous and discerning response to the human spiritual condition. Another crucial theme is **The Nature of Human Supplication and Unanswered Prayer**. Elihu offers a specific reason for why cries might go unheard, shifting the focus from God's character to the supplicant's heart, particularly their **Pride**. This stands in stark contrast to Job's persistent, albeit often despairing, cries for an audience with God, as vividly expressed in [Job 23:3-4](/job/23-3-4 "Job 23:3-4 - Job's Earnest Desire to Argue with God"). The verse also touches upon the **Problem of Evil and Suffering**, suggesting that some suffering persists because of the "pride of evil men," which can refer either to the arrogance of those who suffer (preventing God's answer) or the pervasive wickedness of oppressors (whose actions lead to cries that God, for reasons related to their pride, does not immediately alleviate). Elihu's perspective, while not the ultimate resolution in Job, powerfully highlights the complexity of discerning God's will in times of distress and the paramount importance of humility before God, a theme consistently echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God Resists the Proud").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cry (Hebrew, _tsâʻaq'_):** From H6817, this verb signifies a loud, urgent outcry, often expressing distress, anguish, or complaint. It is a general term for an outcry and does not inherently imply a humble prayer or a plea for repentance. It can be a cry for help, a complaint against injustice, or an expression of pain. Elihu uses it here to refer to the desperate appeals of those in suffering, emphasizing that the *nature* of the cry, beyond its mere existence, is critical for a divine response.
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this term, while capable of denoting majesty or exaltation in positive contexts (e.g., God's glory), in negative contexts, as here, signifies arrogance, haughtiness, insolence, or self-exaltation. It describes a spiritual condition of an inflated sense of self-importance or self-righteousness, which fundamentally hinders true humility and submission to God. Elihu identifies this pride as a primary underlying cause for the lack of divine answer.
* **Evil Men (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term refers to what is bad or, as a noun, evil (whether natural or moral). When combined with "men," it points to individuals characterized by moral perversity, wickedness, injustice, or spiritual emptiness. Elihu's phrase "pride of evil men" can be interpreted in two primary ways: either the pride *of* the wicked who are crying out (their own sin prevents an answer), or the pride *caused by* wicked oppressors (their actions lead to cries that God, in His sovereign wisdom, does not immediately answer in the expected way). Given Elihu's overall argument, the former interpretation, focusing on the supplicant's pride as the impediment, aligns more closely with his theological defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There they cry":** This phrase refers to individuals who are experiencing profound distress, suffering, or oppression, and who are vocalizing their anguish. The adverb "there" likely points to the general condition of human suffering or specific situations of injustice where people are crying out for relief or intervention. It establishes the foundational premise of human lament in the face of adversity, highlighting the universal experience of hardship.
* **"but none giveth answer":** This clause starkly highlights the perceived reality of divine silence or the absence of immediate intervention. Despite the urgent cries, no relief, no explanation, and no direct response from God is perceived by the suffering. This is the core problem Elihu seeks to address, acknowledging the very real experience of unanswered cries that Job himself has profoundly experienced and lamented throughout the book.
* **"because of the pride of evil men":** This is Elihu's definitive causal explanation for the divine silence. He attributes the lack of answer to a specific human failing: "the pride of evil men." This can mean that the *criers themselves* are "evil men" whose cries are tainted by arrogance, self-righteousness, or a lack of genuine humility and repentance, thereby rendering them unacceptable to God. Alternatively, it could refer to the pride *of oppressors* whose wicked actions cause the suffering, and God, in His sovereign wisdom, allows the cries of their victims to go unanswered for a time, perhaps to expose the depth of the oppressors' sin or to work out a larger, unseen purpose. Elihu's consistent emphasis on God's justice and human responsibility suggests the former interpretation is more aligned with his overall theological message: God does not answer cries that are not offered with a humble and righteous heart.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 35:12 is crafted with several literary devices to effectively convey his theological argument. Central to his discourse is **Causal Explanation**, where he directly attributes the lack of divine response to the "pride of evil men," establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship. This serves as a **Didactic Assertion**, as Elihu presents his explanation not as a suggestion but as a definitive truth, aiming to instruct Job and the other friends on the correct understanding of God's justice and human culpability. The verse also employs **Generalization**, applying this principle broadly ("they cry," "none giveth answer") rather than confining it to a specific instance, thereby suggesting a universal truth about the conditions under which God chooses to respond. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the human cry of distress and the perceived divine silence, with Elihu providing the moral bridge—human pride—that explains this apparent disconnect. This rhetorical strategy aims to shift the perceived blame for unanswered prayer from God's character to human sinfulness, particularly arrogance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's explanation in Job 35:12, while representing a specific theological viewpoint within the broader narrative of Job, resonates with profound biblical themes concerning the nature of prayer, divine response, and the posture of the human heart. The consistent witness of Scripture affirms that God attentively hears the cries of the righteous and the humble, yet actively opposes the proud. This verse serves as a potent reminder that the efficacy of our prayers is not solely dependent on God's omnipotence or willingness, but also significantly on the condition of our hearts and the spiritual posture of our supplication. Pride, self-righteousness, or a lack of genuine humility can indeed erect a formidable barrier between humanity and God, thereby hindering the very communion and responsive interaction that prayer is designed to foster. While acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and His capacity to act independently of human merit, the consistent biblical encouragement is towards a humble and contrite spirit as a prerequisite for intimate fellowship and effective, Spirit-led prayer.

* [Proverbs 15:29](/proverbs/15-29 "Proverbs 15:29 - The Lord is Far from the Wicked")
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I Regard Iniquity in My Heart")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 35:12, though articulated by Elihu within a complex theological debate, offers a challenging yet deeply insightful lens through which to examine our own experiences of unanswered prayer and perceived divine silence. It compels us to move beyond simply questioning God's faithfulness or power and instead prompts a profound introspection into the state of our own hearts. When we cry out to God in distress, are our petitions truly humble, born of a genuine recognition of our dependence and a sincere desire for His will, or are they tinged with arrogance, self-pity, or a demanding spirit that seeks to dictate terms to the Almighty? This verse serves as a crucial reminder that God is not a cosmic vending machine, but a holy and righteous Father who desires genuine, humble relationship. His "silence" may not signify absence or indifference, but rather an invitation to self-examination, a call to repentance, or a period of spiritual refinement designed to humble us and draw us closer to Him in spirit and truth. It challenges us to honestly consider if our own pride, unconfessed sin, or a lack of trust in His sovereign purposes might be inadvertently hindering the very answers and interventions we so desperately seek.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When I perceive my prayers as unanswered, do I first examine my own heart and motives, or do I immediately question God's character or power?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might pride manifest in my prayers or my overall approach to God?**
* **How does understanding the biblical emphasis on humility transform my perspective on seeking God's intervention and His divine timing?**
* **If "evil men" refers to oppressors, how does this verse challenge me to pray for justice and to actively oppose systems of pride and wickedness in the world?**

### FAQ

**Does Elihu's explanation fully account for all unanswered prayer in the Bible?**

Answer: No, Elihu's explanation in Job 35:12, while providing valuable insight into the role of pride, does not offer a comprehensive or exhaustive answer for all instances of unanswered prayer or perceived divine silence found in the Bible. The Book of Job itself ultimately demonstrates that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin, and God's ways are often far more complex and mysterious than human logic can fully grasp. While pride can certainly hinder communication with God and impede the effectiveness of prayer, the Bible also presents other profound reasons for perceived divine silence. These include God's sovereign timing, His desire to develop perseverance and mature faith in the supplicant, as articulated in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - The Testing of Your Faith"), or His working out a larger redemptive plan that is not immediately apparent to human understanding. Sometimes, God's answer is a clear "no," or "wait," or even a different answer than what was specifically requested, as vividly illustrated in Paul's prayer concerning his "thorn in the flesh" in [2 Corinthians 12:7-9](/2_corinthians/12-7-9 "2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh and God's Grace"). Elihu's perspective is one of several presented within the intricate dialogue of Job, and the book's profound conclusion reveals that God's wisdom and purposes transcend the limited understanding of Job's friends, including Elihu himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 35:12 powerfully illuminates the devastating barrier that human pride erects between humanity and God, often resulting in cries that appear to go unheard and a perceived divine silence. However, in the person and work of Jesus Christ, this formidable barrier is utterly demolished. Unlike the "evil men" whose pride hinders their supplications, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied profound humility, willingly humbling Himself even to the point of obedient death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Ultimate Humility")). He, the sinless Son of God, cried out to the Father in perfect submission and profound humility, even amidst the deepest anguish of Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission in Gethsemane")). His perfect life of obedience and His atoning sacrifice on the cross not only removed the stain of sin but also conquered the very pride that separates us from a holy God, thereby opening a new and living way into the divine presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way to God")). Through Christ, believers are now invited to approach God's throne of grace with confidence and boldness, not based on their own merit or perceived lack of pride, but solely on the infinite merit of Christ's perfect humility and His ongoing intercession on their behalf ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, while Elihu correctly identifies pride as a significant spiritual impediment, Christ provides the ultimate and eternal solution, enabling all who place their faith in Him to have their cries heard and answered according to God's perfect will, empowered by the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit's Intercession for Believers")).

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

Proverbs 1:28

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Psalms 123:3

Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Psalms 123:4

Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, [and] with the contempt of the proud.

Psalms 18:41

They cried, but [there was] none to save [them: even] unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

Isaiah 14:14

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Isaiah 14:17

[That] made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; [that] opened not the house of his prisoners?