Job 36:3

KJV

I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will fetch {H5375} my knowledge {H1843} from afar {H7350}, and will ascribe {H5414} righteousness {H6664} to my Maker {H6466}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I may search far and wide for my arguments, but I will ascribe righteousness to God my maker.

Berean Standard Bible

I get my knowledge from afar, and I will ascribe justice to my Maker.

American Standard Version

I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:3 captures Elihu's confident assertion of his unique revelatory insight and his unwavering commitment to vindicate God's character. As the youngest of Job's counselors, Elihu positions himself as one whose understanding transcends mere human reasoning, drawing from a profound, perhaps divinely inspired, source to articulate God's perfect justice and sovereignty in the face of suffering. This declaration sets the stage for his subsequent arguments, which aim to correct the flawed theological perspectives of both Job and his friends, ultimately upholding the righteousness of the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the opening of Elihu's third major speech, found in [Job 36](/job/36 "Job 36 - Elihu's Third Speech"). Elihu's entrance into the discourse, beginning in [Job 32:1-6](/job/32-1 "Job 32:1-6 - Elihu's Introduction"), follows the cessation of arguments from Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). Their inability to provide a satisfactory explanation for Job's suffering, coupled with Job's perceived self-righteousness, creates a vacuum that Elihu steps into. Unlike the others, Elihu claims a more profound understanding, positioning himself as a mediator of truth and a defender of God's justice, seeking to correct the errors of all parties involved. His speeches are characterized by a more balanced approach, acknowledging Job's pain while firmly upholding God's sovereign wisdom and disciplinary purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely in the patriarchal period, though its exact dating is debated. The cultural backdrop involves a deep-seated belief in the principle of divine retribution, where suffering is directly linked to sin. This prevailing worldview is evident in the arguments of Job's friends, who insist Job must have sinned to warrant such calamity. Elihu, while still operating within this framework, introduces a more nuanced understanding of suffering as a tool for discipline, instruction, and refinement, rather than solely punishment. The concept of "knowledge from afar" could resonate with ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions that valued profound, often esoteric, insight or knowledge passed down through generations, or even divinely revealed. The emphasis on "ascribing righteousness to my Maker" reflects a core theological conviction in a culture where the character of the gods was constantly debated and affirmed.
* **Key Themes:** Elihu's declaration in [Job 36:3](/job/36-3 "Job 36:3 - Elihu's Declaration") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Knowledge and Wisdom**, suggesting that true understanding of God's ways is not easily attained but requires a deeper, perhaps transcendent, source. This contrasts with the limited human perspectives offered by Job's other friends, who relied on traditional wisdom that proved inadequate. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Unquestionable Righteousness and Sovereignty**. Elihu's firm commitment to "ascribe righteousness to my Maker" directly addresses the central theological dilemma of the book: Is God just in allowing the righteous to suffer? Elihu's answer is an emphatic "yes," affirming God's inherent justice and perfect character, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Work and Justice"). Finally, Elihu's role as a **Defender of God's Character** is prominent. He sees himself as an advocate for God, seeking to clarify misunderstandings about divine justice and purpose, particularly through the lens of discipline and refinement, as seen in [Job 33:14-30](/job/33-14 "Job 33:14-30 - God's Discipline and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"from afar" (Hebrew, _merachok'_):** This term (מֵרָחוק) literally means "from a distance" or "from afar." In this context, it carries a metaphorical weight, implying not just geographical distance but a profound depth of insight, a transcendent source, or a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond immediate, superficial observation. Elihu suggests his knowledge is not merely human reasoning or conventional wisdom, but perhaps divinely inspired or drawn from a deeper, more profound wellspring of truth, distinguishing his perspective from the limited human arguments previously presented.
* **"ascribe righteousness" (Hebrew, _yitten-tzedeq'_):** This phrase (יִתֵּן־צֶדֶק) literally translates to "give righteousness" or "attribute justice." The verb _natan_ (נָתַן, "to give") combined with _tzedeq_ (צֶדֶק, "righteousness," "justice," "equity") signifies a strong affirmation or declaration of God's inherent, unblemished moral perfection and just character. Elihu is not *giving* God righteousness as if God lacked it, but rather he intends to *declare*, *uphold*, and *vindicate* God's perfect justice and integrity in the face of Job's complaints and the friends' misinterpretations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will fetch my knowledge from afar,"**: Elihu confidently declares his intention to draw knowledge from a source that is not readily accessible or commonly understood. This is a claim to superior insight, suggesting his understanding of God's ways and purposes is deeper and more comprehensive than that of Job or his three friends. It implies a profound, perhaps even divinely revealed, wisdom that transcends typical human reasoning or traditional wisdom. This sets the authoritative tone for his subsequent discourse, positioning him as a unique voice in the debate.
* **"and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker."**: This second clause reveals the ultimate purpose and theological core of Elihu's mission. His goal is not to condemn Job or to merely offer another human opinion, but to unequivocally affirm and vindicate the character of God. He is committed to demonstrating that God, as the Creator and Sovereign, is inherently just, righteous, and beyond reproach, even when His actions appear mysterious or cause suffering. This statement serves as a foundational premise for Elihu's arguments, emphasizing God's perfect moral nature as the bedrock of his theology.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in [Job 36:3](/job/36-3 "Job 36:3 - Elihu's Assertion") prominently employs **Assertion**, as he confidently declares his unique access to knowledge and his purpose. This is not a question or a tentative suggestion, but a bold, declarative statement of intent. The phrase "fetch my knowledge from afar" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, implying a profound, perhaps transcendent, source of wisdom rather than literal geographical distance. It serves to elevate Elihu's forthcoming arguments above the mundane and limited perspectives previously offered. Furthermore, the verse contributes to Elihu's overall **Rhetorical Posturing**, as he positions himself as a more enlightened and authoritative voice than the preceding speakers, thereby establishing his credibility and setting the stage for his corrective theological discourse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's unwavering commitment to "ascribe righteousness to my Maker" in [Job 36:3](/job/36-3 "Job 36:3 - Affirming God's Righteousness") resonates deeply with the consistent biblical portrayal of God's character. Throughout Scripture, God is revealed as inherently just, holy, and righteous in all His ways, even when His actions are beyond human comprehension. This verse underscores the theological principle that our understanding of suffering and divine action must always be grounded in the unshakeable truth of God's perfect nature. Elihu's assertion challenges the human tendency to judge God based on limited experience and encourages a posture of trust in His sovereign goodness, even amidst profound mystery.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Work and Justice")
* [Psalm 145:17](/psalms/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The Lord is Righteous")
* [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's declaration in [Job 36:3](/job/36-3 "Job 36:3 - A Call to Deeper Knowledge") serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding our approach to understanding God and His dealings with humanity, particularly in times of adversity. His desire to "fetch knowledge from afar" encourages us to move beyond superficial or conventional explanations for life's complexities and to diligently seek a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of God's character and purposes. This involves not only intellectual pursuit through the diligent study of Scripture but also a posture of humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit for divine illumination. Furthermore, Elihu's unwavering commitment to "ascribe righteousness to my Maker" challenges us to maintain our conviction in God's perfect justice and goodness, even when circumstances are perplexing or painful. Our faith is not in our ability to fully comprehend God's ways, but in His unchanging, righteous character. This calls us to defend God's truth and character when they are misrepresented, doing so with both conviction and love, always pointing back to the unshakable righteousness of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to ascribe righteousness to God, especially when circumstances are difficult to understand?**
* **How does Elihu's desire to "fetch knowledge from afar" inspire you to pursue a deeper, more profound understanding of God beyond conventional wisdom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better defend God's character and truth in conversations or personal reflections when His ways are questioned?**

### FAQ
**Is Elihu's "knowledge from afar" truly divine, or is he merely boasting?**

Answer: Elihu's claim to "fetch knowledge from afar" (מֵרָחוק, _merachok_) is open to interpretation, but it strongly suggests a source of insight beyond common human wisdom. While some commentators view Elihu as somewhat arrogant in his presentation, his speeches do contain profound theological truths that align with biblical revelation, particularly regarding God's use of suffering for discipline and refinement (e.g., [Job 33:14-30](/job/33-14 "Job 33:14-30 - God's Disciplinary Purpose")). Unlike Job's three friends, whose arguments are ultimately rebuked by God (cf. [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")), Elihu is not explicitly condemned or praised by God in the final chapters. This ambiguity might suggest that while his tone could be perceived as boastful, the *content* of his message, particularly concerning God's righteousness and disciplinary love, holds significant truth. His "knowledge from afar" can be understood as a claim to a more transcendent, perhaps divinely inspired, understanding that distinguishes his arguments from the flawed human reasoning of the others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's declaration in [Job 36:3](/job/36-3 "Job 36:3 - Elihu's Prophetic Glimpse") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. Elihu sought to "fetch knowledge from afar" and "ascribe righteousness to my Maker," but Christ *is* the ultimate knowledge and the perfect revelation of the Maker. In Jesus, the transcendent wisdom that Elihu longed to grasp became immanent; He is the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). The "knowledge from afar" that Elihu hinted at is fully revealed in the person and work of Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Furthermore, the righteousness Elihu sought to ascribe to God is perfectly demonstrated and accomplished through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Jesus, the **Lamb of God**, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and became the means by which humanity can be declared righteous before God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). Thus, what Elihu dimly perceived and passionately asserted, we see clearly and receive fully in the person of our Lord Jesus, who is both our Maker and the ultimate revelation of His perfect righteousness.

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

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Job 8:3

Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?

Psalms 145:17

The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Daniel 9:14

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Psalms 11:7

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.