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Job 34:10

Job 34:10 in Multiple Translations

Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

Now then, you wise, take note; you men of knowledge, give ear to me. Let it be far from God to do evil, and from the Ruler of all to do wrong.

So listen to me, you men of understanding! It's impossible for God to do evil and the Almighty to do wrong.

Therefore hearken vnto me, ye men of wisedome, God forbid that wickednesse should be in God, and iniquitie in the Almightie.

Therefore, O men of heart, hearken to me; Far be it from God to do wickedness, And [from] the Mighty to do perverseness:

“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

Therefore hearken to me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

Therefore, ye men of understanding, hear me: far from god be wickedness, and iniquity from the Almighty.

“So, you men who claim that you understand everything, listen to me! Almighty God would never consider doing anything that is wicked or wrong [DOU]!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:10

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Job 34:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לָ/כֵ֤ן אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י לֵבָ֗ב שִׁמְע֫וּ לִ֥/י חָלִ֖לָ/ה לָ/אֵ֥ל מֵ/רֶ֗שַׁע וְ/שַׁדַּ֥י מֵ/עָֽוֶל
לָ/כֵ֤ן kên H3651 right Prep | Adv
אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
לֵבָ֗ב lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms
שִׁמְע֫וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לִ֥/י Prep | Suff
חָלִ֖לָ/ה châlîylâh H2486 forbid Part | Suff
לָ/אֵ֥ל ʼêl H410 god Prep | N-ms
מֵ/רֶ֗שַׁע reshaʻ H7562 wickedness Prep | N-ms
וְ/שַׁדַּ֥י Shadday H7706 Almighty Conj | N-proper
מֵ/עָֽוֶל ʻevel H5766 injustice Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:10

לָ/כֵ֤ן kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לֵבָ֗ב lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
שִׁמְע֫וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לִ֥/י "" Prep | Suff
חָלִ֖לָ/ה châlîylâh H2486 "forbid" Part | Suff
This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.
Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.
לָ/אֵ֥ל ʼêl H410 "god" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
מֵ/רֶ֗שַׁע reshaʻ H7562 "wickedness" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
וְ/שַׁדַּ֥י Shadday H7706 "Almighty" Conj | N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
מֵ/עָֽוֶל ʻevel H5766 "injustice" Prep | N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.

Study Notes — Job 34:10

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Romans 9:14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!
2 Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
3 Job 8:3 Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
4 2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
5 James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.
6 Genesis 18:25 Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
7 Job 36:23 Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?
8 Psalms 92:15 to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”
9 Romans 3:4–5 Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.” But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.
10 Proverbs 6:32 He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

Job 34:10 Summary

[This verse is saying that God is always fair and just, and He never does anything wrong. This is important to remember when we are going through tough times and wondering if God is still in control. As it says in Psalm 37:28, 'For the Lord loves justice and will not abandon his faithful ones.' The verse is also encouraging us to listen and understand the truth about God's character, and to trust in His goodness even when we do not understand what is happening. We can have confidence in God's justice, just like it says in Isaiah 30:18, 'Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.']

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Job 34:10?

The main point of Job 34:10 is to affirm that God is just and does not do wrong, as stated in the verse 'Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.' This is reinforced by other scriptures such as Psalm 92:15, which says 'to declare that the Lord is upright.'

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's justice?

This verse emphasizes that God is a just and fair God, who does not act unjustly, as also stated in Deuteronomy 32:4, which says 'He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.'

What does it mean to be a person of understanding in this context?

In this context, a person of understanding is someone who has wisdom and insight, and is able to discern the truth about God's character, as also described in Proverbs 9:10, which says 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'

How can we apply the truth of this verse to our lives?

We can apply the truth of this verse by trusting in God's justice and goodness, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives, as encouraged in Romans 8:28, which says 'And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have doubted God's justice or goodness in my life, and how can I apply the truth of this verse to those situations?
  2. How does the fact that God is just and fair impact my relationships with others, and how can I reflect His character in my interactions with them?
  3. What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character, and how can I share that understanding with others?
  4. How can I balance the truth of God's justice with the reality of suffering and injustice in the world, and what hope can I find in Scripture for those who are hurting?

Gill's Exposition on Job 34:10

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding,.... The same persons he addresses as wise men and men of knowledge, Job 34:2; and here as men of understanding, or "heart" (z); the heart being the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:10

Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:10

Ye men of understanding; you who are present, and understand these things, do you judge between Job and me. Far be it from God that he should do wickedness: this I must lay down as a principle, that the righteous and holy God neither doth nor can deal unjustly with Job, or with any man, as Job insinuates that God had dealt with him.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:10

Job 34:10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.Ver. 10. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding] Heb. Ye men of heart, Cor est sedes sapientiae. Egregie cordati viri. Mentemque habere queis bonam Et esse corculis datum est. Having recited Job’ s evil speeches, he turneth away from him as it were in great displeasure, and directeth his speech to others. See the like done by Jacob, Genesis 49:4. We should abhor that which is evil, and show our detestation thereof. Far be it from God that he should do wickedness, &c.] sc. By punishing any without a cause; and this he double denieth for better assurance. Cause enough there may be found in the very best, as well by reason of their actual abominations (their omissions, commissions, and failings in the manner) as of their birth blot, which ever abideth with them while they are here, and is a seed plot of all sin. How then can God wrong any one? Surely it is inconsistent with God’ s, 1. Nature, here; 2. Actions, Job 34:11 3. Will, Job 34:12. And although he might, to show his sovereignty, punish men for his pleasure, Romans 9:20, yet far be it from us to imagine that he will abuse his might and power to do anything unjust or unbeseeming his goodness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:10

(10) Ye men of understanding.—Elihu now appeals to the men of understanding, by whom he can hardly mean the three friends of whom he has already spoken disparagingly, but seems rather to appeal to an audience, real or imagined, who are to decide on the merits of what he says. This is an incidental indication that we are scarcely intended to understand the long-continued argument as the record of an actual discussion. Elihu begins to take broader ground than the friends of Job, inasmuch as he concerns himself, not with the problems of God’s government, but with the impossibility of His acting unjustly (Genesis 18:25), and the reason he gives is somewhat strange—it is the fact that God is irresponsible, He has not been put in charge over the earth; but His authority is ultimate and original, and being so, He can have no personal interests to secure at all risks; He can only have in view the ultimate good of all His creatures, for, on the other hand, if He really desired to slay them, their breath is in His hands, and He would only have to recall it. The earth and all that is in it belongs to God: it is His own, and not another’s entrusted to Him; His self-interest, therefore, cannot come into collision with the welfare of His creatures, because their welfare is the welfare of that which is His—of that, therefore, in which He Himself has the largest interest. The argument is a somewhat strange one to us, but it is sound at bottom, for it recognises God as the prime origin and final hope of all His creatures, and assumes that His will can only be good, and that it must be the best because it is His. (Comp. St. John 10:12-13.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:10

Verse 10. Far be it from God] Rather, Wickedness, far be that from God; and from iniquity, the Almighty. The sense is sufficiently evident without the paraphrase in our version.

Cambridge Bible on Job 34:10

10–19. This charge of injustice Elihu rebuts, first, on the general ground of its impiety: God cannot be thought of as acting in the way Job asserted—He rewardeth every man according to his works (Job 34:10-12); and second, he then resolves the general idea into two distinct thoughts, Job 34:13-15, and Job 34:16-19.

Barnes' Notes on Job 34:10

Therefore hearken unto me - Elihu proceeds now to reply to what he regarded as the erroneous sentiments of Job, and to show the impropriety of language which reflected so much on God and his government.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:10

Main division. ELIHU AND REFUTES JOB’S ERROR BY A COUNTER : THE NATURE OF GOD NOT ONLY IT FOR GOD TO DO WRONG, BUT RIGHT DOING IN ALL HIS WORKS, Job 34:10-30.a.

Sermons on Job 34:10

SermonDescription
Norman Grubb Job, 1975 Part 2 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of God's creation, focusing on animals such as hawks, peacocks, and unicorns. The preacher emphasizes God's power and wisdom
W.F. Anderson Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
Art Katz Israel and Water Baptism by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current circumstances in Israel and how they are setting the stage for future events. He mentions that the violence that will break out in
Zac Poonen Finishing the Course - 09 the Holy Spirit Frees Us From Legalism by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher provides a summary of the book of Romans, highlighting its key themes and teachings. He emphasizes that salvation is by grace and that both worldly and
Willie Mullan (Romans) the Explanation of Israel by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of weeping for souls and challenges the audience's understanding of it. He then moves on to explain the connection
Mack Tomlinson The Sovereignty of God by Mack Tomlinson Mack Tomlinson emphasizes the sovereignty of God in his sermon, exploring how God's supreme authority governs all aspects of creation, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart an
William MacDonald Studies in Romans-07 by William MacDonald The sermon transcript discusses the importance of universal proclamation of the gospel for both Jews and Gentiles. It outlines the steps that lead to salvation, starting with God s

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