But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [on thee].
But thou hast fulfilled {H4390} the judgment {H1779} of the wicked {H7563}: judgment {H1779} and justice {H4941} take hold {H8551} on thee.
But the judgment on the wicked applies fully to you, judgment and condemnation take hold [of them].
But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have seized you.
But thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: Judgment and justice take holdon thee.
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Romans 1:32
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -
Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. -
Job 16:5
[But] I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage [your grief]. -
Job 34:36
My desire [is that] Job may be tried unto the end because of [his] answers for wicked men. -
Job 34:8
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. -
Job 22:11
Or darkness, [that] thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
Context
Job 36:17 is spoken by Elihu, the youngest of Job's three friends, who has taken over the debate after the others failed to convince Job. Elihu positions himself as having a more profound understanding of God's ways than Job or the older friends. In this chapter, Elihu continues to argue for God's righteousness and majesty, suggesting that God uses suffering not only for punishment but also for instruction and purification. In this particular verse, Elihu directs his accusation squarely at Job, implying that Job has acted wickedly or is deserving of the judgment he is experiencing. Elihu's perspective often reflects a rigid form of retribution theology, where suffering is seen as a direct consequence of sin.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked" is crucial. The Hebrew word translated as "fulfilled" (מָלֵא - male) can mean "to be full of," "to fill," or "to complete." In this context, it suggests either that Job is *full of* the judgment typically meted out to the wicked (i.e., he is experiencing it intensely) or that Job has *completed* or *brought about* the judgment due to the wicked through his actions or words. The latter interpretation fits Elihu's accusatory and didactic tone throughout his speeches, where he often points out Job's perceived faults and pride. The subsequent phrase, "judgment and justice take hold [on thee]," reinforces the idea that Job is under the grip of divine consequences, according to Elihu's understanding of God's righteous governance.
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
This verse, while reflecting Elihu's flawed understanding of Job's situation, offers several points for reflection: