Job 36:9

KJV

Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he sheweth {H5046} them their work {H6467}, and their transgressions {H6588} that they have exceeded {H1396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he shows them the results of their doings, the crimes caused by their pride.

Berean Standard Bible

then He tells them their deeds and how arrogantly they have transgressed.

American Standard Version

Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Elihu, in Job 36:9, articulates God's active role in revealing to humanity their deeds and the depth of their transgressions. This divine disclosure is not for condemnation but serves as a purposeful act of grace, designed to awaken individuals to their spiritual state and prompt them toward repentance and a renewed relationship with their Creator. It underscores God's just and wise use of circumstances, including affliction, as a means of instruction and correction, exposing pervasive wrongdoing to facilitate spiritual growth and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 36:9 is situated within Elihu's extensive monologue, spanning [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Concluding Argument"). Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, positions himself as a mediator, claiming to offer a more profound and accurate understanding of God's ways than either Job or his three friends. His discourse aims to correct the misconceptions that suffering is solely punitive for specific sin (the friends' view) or that God is unjust (Job's lament). Elihu argues that God often uses affliction as a disciplinary tool, a means of instruction and purification, designed to draw individuals to repentance and deeper communion. Specifically, [Job 36:1-15](/job/36-1-15 "Job 36:1-15 - Elihu's Defense of God's Justice") focuses on God's justice and His use of suffering to teach and deliver. Verse 9, therefore, explains *how* God uses this process: by actively revealing the extent of a person's "work" and "transgressions" to bring about self-awareness and a call to change, rather than simply punishing in silence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a non-Israelite territory, yet it grapples with universal theological questions concerning divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of righteousness. While specific historical dates are debated, the patriarchal setting suggests a time before the Mosaic Law, where understanding of God's character and moral expectations was often conveyed through direct revelation, wisdom traditions, and the observation of divine providence in daily life. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, suffering was frequently interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or a consequence of sin, a view widely held by Job's friends. However, Elihu's perspective, while still connecting suffering to sin, introduces the nuanced concept of suffering as a pedagogical tool. This aligns with broader wisdom literature themes where correction and discipline are seen as acts of love and pathways to wisdom, a concept also found in [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11-12 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Lord's Discipline"). The cultural understanding of accountability to a sovereign deity for one's actions, whether public or private, forms the backdrop against which God's "showing" of transgressions is understood as a just and necessary act.
* **Key Themes:** Job 36:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Elihu's argument and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation of Sin**, emphasizing God's active and purposeful intervention to expose human wrongdoing, not leaving individuals in ignorance of their spiritual state. This is distinct from passive observation; God _sheweth_ them. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Discipline as Instruction and Restoration**, portraying affliction and the exposure of sin as tools for spiritual growth and a call to repentance, rather than mere condemnation. God's ultimate aim is to refine and restore, as seen in [Job 33:14-18](/job/33-14-18 "Job 33:14-18 - God's Warnings to Humanity"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Human Accountability for Transgression**, asserting that individuals are responsible for their "work" and "transgressions," which God justly brings to light. The phrase "that they have exceeded" powerfully conveys the magnitude or pervasive nature of their wrongdoing. Finally, it speaks to **God's Justice and Wisdom**, presenting God as sovereign and righteous in His dealings, utilizing all circumstances—even suffering and the revelation of sin—to achieve His righteous ends and foster a deeper relationship with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheweth (Hebrew, _yagid'_):** This verb, derived from the root נָגַד (nagad), means "to declare," "to make known," "to reveal," or "to tell." It implies an active, intentional disclosure on God's part. It's not merely that sin becomes evident through natural consequences, but that God Himself intervenes to bring hidden or ignored transgressions into the light of consciousness. This is a purposeful act of divine communication, aiming to elicit a response from the individual.
* **Transgressions (Hebrew, _pesha'_):** This is a strong and significant term, meaning "rebellion," "revolt," "trespass," or "transgression." Unlike a simple mistake or error (חֵטְא, _chet_), _pesha_ denotes a deliberate breaking of a covenant, a defiant crossing of a boundary, or an act of rebellion against an authority. Elihu's use of this word highlights the seriousness and intentionality of the wrongdoing that God reveals, indicating a willful departure from divine standards.
* **Exceeded (Hebrew, _hitgaberu'_):** This verb comes from the root גָּבַר (gabar), meaning "to be strong," "to prevail," "to be mighty," or "to be superior." In the Hithpael stem, as used here, it conveys a reflexive or intensive sense, suggesting that the transgressions have "made themselves strong," "become overwhelming," or "prevailed mightily." This indicates a significant, pervasive, and perhaps prolonged pattern of wrongdoing that has gained dominance in the individual's life, underscoring the depth and magnitude of the sin that God brings to light.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he sheweth them their work,"**: Elihu asserts that God actively reveals to individuals the nature and consequences of their deeds. "Their work" (פָּעֳלָם, _po'olam_) refers to their actions, their conduct, or the sum total of their life's efforts, implying that God exposes not just isolated acts but the overall pattern and character of their behavior. This revelation is direct and personal, intended to bring about self-awareness.
* **"and their transgressions"**: This clause adds specificity and intensity to the previous one. Beyond merely showing their "work," God specifically highlights their "transgressions" (_pesha_), which, as noted above, are acts of rebellion or defiant sin. This emphasizes that God is addressing not just human failings but deliberate moral offenses against His righteous standards.
* **"that they have exceeded."**: This final phrase qualifies the nature of these transgressions. The Hebrew verb _hitgaberu_ (exceeded/prevailed) suggests that these rebellious acts have become numerous, strong, or overwhelming in the lives of the individuals. It implies a persistent and pervasive pattern of sin that has gained a dominant foothold, making the divine revelation all the more necessary for genuine repentance and change.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's discourse in Job 36:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its theological message. Firstly, there is clear **Didacticism**, as Elihu assumes the role of a teacher, explaining God's ways to Job and the friends. His language is explanatory and instructional, aiming to impart wisdom regarding divine justice and the purpose of suffering. Secondly, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, between "their work" and "their transgressions," where the second phrase elaborates and intensifies the first, specifying that the "work" God reveals is primarily their rebellious acts. Thirdly, there is a subtle use of **Personification** in the phrase "transgressions that they have exceeded" (or "prevailed"). While not fully personified, the transgressions are depicted as having an active, powerful quality, gaining strength and dominance, almost as if they are agents themselves. This vivid imagery underscores the pervasive and overwhelming nature of sin in human lives. Finally, the overarching motif of **Divine Revelation** is central, with God actively "showing" or "declaring" what was previously hidden or ignored, highlighting His sovereign knowledge and His initiative in bringing about conviction and a call to repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:9 profoundly illuminates the nature of God's interaction with humanity, particularly concerning sin and divine discipline. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to human wrongdoing but actively intervenes to expose it. This exposure is not for arbitrary punishment but is an act rooted in His justice and mercy, designed to lead to self-awareness and repentance. The verse emphasizes that God's discipline is a purposeful, instructional process aimed at restoration and spiritual growth, rather than mere condemnation. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that God's light exposes darkness to bring about transformation, highlighting His desire for humanity to turn from their pervasive transgressions and embrace His righteous path. This divine revelation of sin serves as a necessary prerequisite for genuine confession and the subsequent experience of forgiveness and renewal.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:9 offers a profound and challenging insight into God's character and His method of dealing with humanity. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses the circumstances of life—including difficult seasons, internal unrest, or external challenges—to reveal areas in our lives that are not aligned with His will. This divine exposure of our "work" and "transgressions" is never meant to shame or condemn us into despair, but rather to guide us toward genuine self-examination, confession, and a transformative repentance. It underscores the vital importance of cultivating a heart that is open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit's conviction, allowing His light to illuminate hidden faults or pervasive patterns of sin that we might otherwise ignore or rationalize. Recognizing that God's revelation of our sin is an act of grace, born out of His desire for our spiritual flourishing, empowers us to respond with humility, a willingness to change, and a deep trust in His ultimate good purposes for our lives. It calls us to embrace discipline as a pathway to deeper intimacy with Him and greater conformity to His righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "showing" you your "work" or "transgressions" in your life today?**
* **How do you typically respond when God reveals an area of sin or misalignment in your life? With defensiveness, despair, or humility and repentance?**
* **How does understanding God's revelation of sin as an act of grace, rather than condemnation, change your perspective on personal conviction?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater openness to God's corrective work in your life?**

### FAQ
**Does God reveal sin only through suffering?**

Answer: While Elihu's discourse in Job often links suffering with God's corrective discipline, Job 36:9 specifically states that God "sheweth" or reveals sin. This revelation can occur through various means beyond physical suffering. It might come through the conviction of the Holy Spirit (as described in [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts of Sin")), through the preaching of God's Word ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")), through the counsel of wise believers, through natural consequences of actions, or even through a deep sense of internal unrest. Suffering is one potential catalyst, but not the exclusive or primary method. God's ultimate goal is always to draw us to repentance and restoration, using whatever means are necessary to bring His truth to light.

**What does "transgressions that they have exceeded" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "transgressions that they have exceeded" (Hebrew: _hitgaberu_) implies that the sins have become strong, prevalent, or overwhelming in the individual's life. It suggests a pattern of persistent or dominant wrongdoing, not just isolated incidents. This indicates a deep-seated issue or a long-standing habit of rebellion against God's ways. Elihu uses this strong language to emphasize the magnitude and pervasive nature of the sin that God is bringing to light, highlighting the necessity of divine intervention to break such a powerful hold. It's a call to recognize the gravity of sin when it has become deeply entrenched.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 36:9, with its emphasis on God's active revelation of sin to bring about repentance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elihu points to God's general method of exposing "work" and "transgressions," Jesus, as the incarnate Word, perfectly embodies this divine revelation. He is the light who came into the world, and His very presence exposed the darkness of sin in humanity, as [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Light and Darkness") declares that "everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent, continues this work of conviction, "convicting the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts of Sin")). However, unlike the Law, which reveals sin but cannot remove it ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")), Christ not only exposes our "exceeded" transgressions but also offers the definitive solution: forgiveness through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He invites us to come to the light, confess our sins, and receive cleansing and transformation, fulfilling the purpose of God's revelation of sin by providing the means for true liberation and new life in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, what Elihu describes as God's method for correction is perfectly realized in Christ, who both reveals our need and provides the perfect remedy.

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 15:25

For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Psalms 119:71

¶ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Lamentations 3:39

Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

Lamentations 3:40

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Psalms 94:12

¶ Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Ezekiel 18:28

Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.