Job 36:23
Job 36:23 in Multiple Translations
Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?
Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
Who hath enjoined him his way? Or who can say, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness?
Who ever gave orders to him, or said to him, You have done wrong?
Who has instructed him what to do? Who can say to him ‘You have done wrong’?
Who hath appointed to him his way? or who can say, Thou hast done wickedly?
Who hath appointed unto Him his way? And who said, 'Thou hast done iniquity?'
Who has prescribed his way for him? Or who can say, ‘You have committed unrighteousness’?
Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
Who can search out his ways? or who can say to him: Thou has wrought iniquity?
No one has [RHQ] told him what he should do, and no one has [RHQ] said to him, ‘You have done what is wrong!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 36:23
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 36:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽי
פָקַ֣ד
עָלָ֣י/ו
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
וּ/מִֽי
אָ֝מַ֗ר
פָּעַ֥לְתָּ
עַוְלָֽה
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
פָקַ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וּ/מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
אָ֝מַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
פָּעַ֥לְתָּ
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
עַוְלָֽה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
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 36:23
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
פָקַ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וּ/מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אָ֝מַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פָּעַ֥לְתָּ
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
עַוְלָֽה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
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 36:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 36:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 36:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 36:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 36:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 36:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 36:23
- Cambridge Bible on Job 36:23
- Barnes' Notes on Job 36:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 36:23
- Sermons on Job 36:23
Context — Elihu Describes God’s Power
21Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.
22Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?
23Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?
24Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song. 25All mankind has seen it; men behold it from afar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 2:16 | “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:13–14 | Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? |
| 3 | Job 8:3 | Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? |
| 4 | Job 34:10 | Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. |
| 5 | Romans 2:5 | But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. |
| 6 | Job 34:13–33 | Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world? If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words. Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment. He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. He strikes them for their wickedness in full view, because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways. They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people. Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more. Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’ Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed His? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know. |
| 7 | Ephesians 1:11 | In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, |
| 8 | Romans 11:34 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 9 | Romans 9:14 | What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not! |
| 10 | Romans 3:5 | 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. |
Job 36:23 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is all-powerful and completely in charge, and no one can tell Him what to do or accuse Him of doing anything wrong. He is the supreme Ruler of the universe, and His ways are always just and perfect, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. We can trust in His wisdom and power, even when we don't understand His plans, and submit to His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can find peace and confidence in His sovereignty, and learn to praise and magnify His work in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'Who has appointed His way for Him'?
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and independence, highlighting that no one has the authority to dictate His actions or plans, as seen in Psalm 115:3, which says 'Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases'
Is God accountable to anyone for His actions?
According to this verse, God is not accountable to anyone, for He is the supreme Judge and Ruler of the universe, as stated in Romans 9:20, 'But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?'
What does it mean to 'tell Him, You have done wrong'?
This phrase implies that no one has the right to accuse or condemn God for any of His actions, for He is perfectly just and righteous, as declared in Deuteronomy 32:4, which says 'He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just'
How should we respond to God's sovereignty as described in this verse?
We should respond with humility, reverence, and trust, acknowledging God's wisdom and power, and submitting to His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty in my life, especially when I don't understand His plans?
- How does the fact that God is not accountable to anyone affect my trust in Him and my perspective on suffering and injustice?
- In what ways can I 'magnify His work' and praise God for His power and wisdom, as encouraged in the surrounding verses?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my own understanding and trust in God's perfect wisdom and justice?
Gill's Exposition on Job 36:23
Who hath enjoined him his way?.... He teaches men his own ways, the methods of his grace and mercy towards them; and he prescribes to them the ways in which they should walk; but none can lead or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 36:23
Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? God is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be praised for His might, shown in His works.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 36:23
His way, wherein he would walk, i.e. what courses and methods he should use in the administration of human affairs. If he had a superior Lord who gave him laws for his actions, he might be accountable to him, and questionable for what he did; but he is supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable, who hath no law to regulate him but his own holy nature and blessed will. And therefore how rash, and impudent, and absurd a thing is it for any man to censure his proceedings! Thou hast wrought iniquity; thou hast swerved from the law and rule given to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 36:23
Job 36:23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?Ver. 23. Who hath enjoined him his way?] q.d. Wilt thou take upon thee to teach this great Teacher how to govern the world? This were a strange kind of arrogance. Or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?] God’ s judgments are sometimes secret, but always just. Let not men reprehend what they do not yet comprehend, but content themselves with a learned ignorance, till God shall further discover himself, saying of God’ s works, as Socrates did of a certain book that he had read, What I understand therein is very good, and so I think is that I understand not. When we come into a craftsman’ s shop, we may see many tools, the use whereof we know not, and yet we conclude they are of some use. Why then should men rashly censure God’ s proceedings, which are many times in mediis contrariis, as Luther was wont to say, brought about by contrary means; that he may be the more admired, as Nazianzen giveth the reason, ’Iνακαιμαλλονθαυμαζηται (Naz. in Cypr.). The craftsman with a crooked tool makes straight work. The apothecary maketh of a poisonous viper a wholesome antidote; so here.
Far be it from us therefore to charge God with iniquity, for this were, with those mad Manichees, to affirm, that till he had created light he dwelt in darkness, as if God were not an eternal light, 1 John 1:5 1 Timothy 6:16, Manichaeorum diabolicus sarcasmus (Paraeus).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 36:23
Verse 23. Who hath enjoined him his way] Has God taken instructions from any man how he shall govern the world? Thou hast wrought iniquity?] Who can prove, in the whole compass of the creation, that there is one thing imperfect, superabundant, or out of its place? Who can show that there is, in the course of the Divine providence, one unrighteous, cruel, or unwise act? All the cunning and wickedness of man have never been able to find out the smallest flaw in the work of God.
Cambridge Bible on Job 36:23
23. The verse expresses the idea that God is supreme; none enjoins or appoints Him His way; He is “God over all;” and hence none can pass judgment upon His doings.
Barnes' Notes on Job 36:23
Who hath enjoined him his way? - Who hath prescribed to him what he ought to do? Who is superior to him, and has marked out for him the plan which he ought to pursue?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 36:23
23. Who hath enjoined him his way — God is responsible to no one, (Job 34:13,) not to Job even, who, as Elihu thinks, is disposed to dictate to God his way.
Sermons on Job 36:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Revelation and Reason by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast dif |
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Holy Spirit Given From Heaven by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to |
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(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques |
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Christ and Him Crucified by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the fellowship of believers and how it is shaped by our calling in Christ. The apostle Paul's experience in Corinth is used as an example. Pa |
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The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against bein |
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What Is Your Life - Part 11 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm against the devil's intimidation by following Jesus' example of using the Word of God as a weapon. It calls for a transformat |
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Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contra |