Job 34:24 — Word Study
WLCיָרֹ֣עַ כַּבִּירִ֣ים לֹא־ חֵ֑קֶר וַיַּעֲמֵ֖ד אֲחֵרִ֣ים תַּחְתָּֽם׃
BSAHe shattersrâʻaʻ▸ [breaks in pieces, destroys] the mightykabbîyr [powerful, strong] withoutlôʼ [not needing] inquirychêqer [search, investigation] and sets upʻâmad▸ [appoints, establishes] othersʼachêr [different ones, another group] in their placetachath [stead, position, underneath them]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| יָרֹ֣עַ | he breaks | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| כַּבִּירִ֣ים | mighty [ones] | Adj |
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| חֵ֑קֶר | inquiry | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וַיַּעֲמֵ֖ד | and he appointed | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֲחֵרִ֣ים | others | Adj |
| תַּחְתָּֽם׃ | in place of them | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. |
| KJV | He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. |
| ASV | He breaketh in pieces mighty men in ways past finding out, And setteth others in their stead. |
| YLT | He breaketh the mighty — no searching! And He appointeth others in their stead. |
| WEB | He breaks mighty men in pieces in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place. |
| BBE | He sends the strong to destruction without searching out their cause, and puts others in their place. |
Where they part company is not present; all translations agree on the rendering of the key terms in this verse.
One main verb with two phrases following, clearly outlining God's actions and their implications.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbרָעַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 34:24
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Sovereignty and Justicegenerated
Job 34:24 presents a powerful statement about God's ability to shatter the mighty without inquiry. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Job reflects on God's justice and authority over human affairs, emphasizing that God does not require investigation or justification for His actions. The surrounding verses highlight God's omniscience and the inevitability of His judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 19:2 | “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? |
| 2 | Psalm 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 3 | Psalm 72:4 | May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. |
| 4 | Psalm 94:5 | They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 51:20–23 | “You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יָרֹ֣עַ, ya.Ro.a'generated
The verb רָעַע (ra`a`) means to shatter or break something into pieces, rendering it useless. It can also imply causing harm or displeasure. The parsing as a Qal imperfect third person masculine singular indicates an ongoing action by God, emphasizing His active role in breaking the mighty.
This word carries a sense of moral and physical destruction, indicating that God has the power to dismantle those who are strong or influential without needing to investigate their deeds. The emphasis on God's authority is clear, as He acts decisively and without hesitation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יָרֹ֣עַ governs the sentence, with two clauses following: one describing the action of breaking and the other detailing the appointment of others. This structure highlights God's decisive actions without the need for inquiry.
The sentence's flow emphasizes God's authority, with the first clause focusing on His ability to shatter the mighty, and the second clause illustrating His power to establish others in their place.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יָרֹ֣עַ as ἀνεχιξνίαστα (anexichniasta), which conveys a sense of breaking or shattering. This choice reflects a direct interpretation of the Hebrew, emphasizing the act of destruction.
This rendering shows a narrowing of focus on God's power to dismantle authority, aligning with the overall theme of divine judgment present in both the Hebrew and Greek texts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 34:24 states that God can destroy the powerful without needing to investigate their actions and can appoint others in their place. This verse emphasizes God's authority and ability to act decisively.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates God's power to dismantle those who are strong or influential without needing justification or inquiry.
This reflects God's omniscience; He knows all and acts according to His divine judgment.
It shows that God's authority is not only to destroy but also to establish new leadership or order.
It reinforces the idea that God is sovereign and just, exercising His power over human affairs without needing to account for His actions.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How does understanding God's authority affect my view of justice in the world?
- In what areas of my life do I need to recognize God's sovereignty and power?
- How can I trust in God's judgment when I see the powerful seemingly unchallenged?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of leadership and authority?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Gregory the Dialogist comments on this verse to illustrate God's judgment and authority, emphasizing the power to break the wicked and establish new order.
He shall break in pieces many and without number, and shall make others to stand in their stead. For after much had been said, concerning the punishment of the wicked, there is suddenly introduced the secret judgment,Early Church Fathers on Job 34 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 34:24 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe shall break in pieces mighty men without number,.... Such as are mighty in bodily strength, as the giants of the old world, and such as were inhabitants of some parts of the land of Canaan; or
Read John Gill on Job 34 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. Break in pieces - (Psalms 2:9; Job 12:18; Daniel 2:21). Without number - rather, as margin, 'without searching out' [ lo' (H3808) cheeqer (H2714)].
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 34 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleMighty men without number; neither their greatness nor their numbers can secure them from the stroke of God’ s justice. Set others in their stead, i.e. give away their power and dignity to others who shall come in their place.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 34 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 34:24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.Ver. 24. He shall break in pieces mighty men, &c.] Infinite conterit validos, so Tremellius rendereth it. He infinitely mauleth the mighty; and breaketh them in pieces like a potter’ s vessel, Psalms 2:9. Without number] Or, Without inquisition; as knowing all things beforehand, and not needing any evidences or examination of witnesses; or, without end, because their ruin is endless, Ruina maiorum sit cautela minorum. And set others in their stead] As is to be seen in the rise, reign, and ruin of the four mighty monarchies, and others not a few, that had their times and their turns; as the kingdom of…
Read John Trapp on Job 34 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(24) Without number.—Rather, in an unsearchable manner, as before, Job 34:20, “without hand,” i.e., without human means.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 34 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 24. He shall break in pieces] In multitudes of cases God depresses the proud, and raises up the humble and meek. Neither their strength nor number can afford them security.
Read AdamClarke on Job 34 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges24. he shall break … without number] Rather, he breaketh … without inquisition. The verse amplifies the conception of the preceding verse.
Read Cambridge on Job 34 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe shall break in pieces - He crushes or destroys the great. He is not intimidated by their wealth, their rank, or their number.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 34 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place.
He breaks mighty men in pieces in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.
He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place.
He shatters the great without inquiry, and sets up others in their place.
Tyndale line
He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
He breaketh in pieces mighty men in ways past finding out, And setteth others in their stead.
He breaketh in pieces mighty men in ways past finding out, and setteth others in their stead.
He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
He shall breake the mightie without seeking, and shall set vp other in their stead.
Strictly literal
He breaketh in pieces mighty men without inquiry, and setteth others in their stead;
He breaketh the mighty — no searching! And He appointeth others in their stead.
He breaks the mighty—no searching! And He appoints others in their stead.
He breaketh down mighty men without [long] searching, and placeth others in their stead.
He breaks mighty men into pieces for their ways that need no further investigation; he puts others in their places.
From the Latin
He shall break in pieces many and innumerable, and shall make others to stand in their stead.
Simplified
He brings down the mighty without needing an investigation; he sets up others in their place.
He sends the strong to destruction without searching out their cause, and puts others in their place.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint show agreement in the overall message, though the Septuagint's wording differs in structure. The key terms align, particularly in the concept of God breaking the mighty and establishing others.
יָרֹ֣עַ כַּבִּירִ֣ים לֹא־ חֵ֑קֶר וַיַּעֲמֵ֖ד אֲחֵרִ֣ים תַּחְתָּֽם׃
3 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 34:24
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רָעַע (ra`a`) is a Hebrew verb with meanings related to being evil or breaking. It encompasses a range of concepts from moral wickedness to physical shattering. The entries indicate that it can refer to causing harm or injury, as well as being displeasing or sad. There is a notable distinction in the lexicons regarding its use in ethical contexts versus physical breaking.
[רָעַע] 98 vb. denom. be evil, bad
Qal
be displeasing
be sad
be injurious, evil
be evil, wicked, ethically
Niph. suffer hurt
Hiph. 70
do an injury, hurt
do evil, wickedly
base
[רָעַע] vb. break
Qal
trans. can one break iron, iron out of the north ?
intrans. break = be broken
Hithpō‛. the earth is broken asunder
base
H7489a רָעַע vb. denom. be evil, bad H7489b רָעַע break
7489 ra`a` raw-ah'
a primitive root; properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking
to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing,
i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally):--afflict,
associate selves (by mistake for 7462), break (down, in
pieces), + displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat,
man), show self friendly (by mistake for 7462), do harm, (do)
hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, X indeed, do mischief, punish,
still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse.
see HEBREW for 07462
see HEBREW for 07462
רָעַע (ra.a) — be evil.
1) to be bad, be evil
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to be displeasing
1a2) to be sad
1a3) to be injurious, be evil
1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically)
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to do an injury or hurt
1b2) to do evil or wickedly
1b3) mischief (participle)
רָעַע (ra.a) — to shatter.
1) to break, shatter
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to break
1a2) broken (participle)
1a3) to be broken
1b) (Hithpolel) to be broken, be broken in pieces, be broken asunder
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
כַּבִּיר (kabbiyr) means great, mighty, or powerful, and can also refer to something vast in extent or number. It is derived from a root that conveys strength and age. The term appears in poetic contexts, emphasizing its significance in describing might or abundance.
כַּבִּיר adj. great, mighty, much, only poet.
base
H3524 כַּבִּיר great, mighty, much, only poet.
3524 kabbiyr kab-beer'
from 3527; vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power,
mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many:--+ feeble, mighty,
most, much, strong, valiant.
see HEBREW for 03527
כַּבִּיר (kab.bir) — mighty.
mighty, great, powerful, many, much
Adj — AdjHAampa
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
חֵ֫קֶר (cheqer) refers to the act of searching or investigating, encompassing concepts like examination and enumeration. It is derived from the root word meaning to search out. The entries collectively highlight its use in contexts related to inquiry and discovery.
חֵ֫קֶר n.m. searching, thing (to be) searched out
base
H2714 חֵ֫קֶר searching, thing (to be) searched out
2714 cheqer khay'-ker
from 2713; examination, enumeration, deliberation:--finding
out, number, (un-)search(-able, -ed, out, -ing).
see HEBREW for 02713
חֵ֫קֶר (che.qer) — search.
a search, investigation, searching, enquiry, thing to be searched out
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
The Hebrew word עָמַד (amad) means to stand and encompasses a variety of related actions such as remaining, enduring, and taking a stand. It can refer to both literal and figurative stances, including presenting oneself or being appointed. The word appears in various contexts, including standing still, ceasing movement, and even serving. There are different forms of the verb, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, each with specific nuances.
עָמַד 620 take one's stand, stand
Qal 435
take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
stand forth
take a stand against, in opposition to
present oneself before
attend upon, be(come) servant of
stand afar
stand (silent)
stand (appealingly)
stand, subj. רֶגֶל
stand, of water
stand still, stop, cease moving
= be inactive
= be attentive
stop, cease doing a thing
tarry, delay
remain
continue, abide
endure
be steadfast
persist
make a stand, hold one's ground
stand upright
arise, appear, come on the scene
stand forth, appear = come into being
rise up as foe
rare usages
Hiph.
83station, set
cause to stand firm
cause to stand up, set up, erect
present one before king
appoint
other meanings
Hoph. be presented
base
H5975 עָמַד take one's stand, stand .. . take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
. stand forth
. take a stand against, in opposition to
. present oneself before
. attend upon, be(come) servant of
. stand afar
. stand (silent)
. stand (appealingly)
. stand, subj. רֶגֶל
. stand, of water
. . stand still, stop, cease moving
. = be inactive
. = be attentive
. stop, cease doing a thing
. . tarry, delay
. remain
. continue, abide
. endure
. be steadfast
. persist
. make a stand, hold one's ground
. stand upright
. . arise, appear, come on the scene
. stand forth, appear = come into being
. rise up as foe
. rare usages
. . station, set
. cause to stand firm
. cause to stand up, set up, erect
. present one before king
. appoint
. other meanings
. be presented
5975 `amad aw-mad'
a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and
figurative, intransitive and transitive):--abide (behind),
appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed,
endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be)
present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth,
over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-)stand (by,
fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
עָמַד (a.mad) — to stand: stand.
: stand/stop/establish
1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of
1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease
1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast
1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground
1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright
1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against
1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to station, set
1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain
1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect
1b4) to present (one) before (king)
1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhw3ms
אַחֵר (acher) means 'another' or 'other' and can imply something that follows or is different. It is derived from a root that suggests hindrance or being next to something else. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often referring to another person or thing.
אַחֵר adj. another
base
H312 אַחֵר another
312 'acher akh-air'
from 309; properly, hinder; generally, next, other,
etc.:--(an-)other man, following, next, strange.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחֵר (a.cher) — another.
1) another, other, following
1a) following, further
1b) other, different
Adj — AdjHAampa
תַּחַת (tachath) refers to the concept of being underneath or below. It can function as a noun meaning 'the under part,' or as an adverb and preposition indicating position or substitution, such as 'instead of' or 'for the sake of.' The word encompasses various uses, including physical placement and metaphorical meanings related to subjection or exchange.
תַּחַת n.[m.] the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of
base
H8478 תַּחַת the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of
8478 tachath takh'-ath
from the same as 8430; the bottom (as depressed); only
adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix
underneath), in lieu of, etc.:--as, beneath, X flat,
in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead
of, under, X unto, X when...was mine, whereas, (where-)fore,
with.
see HEBREW for 08430
תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: under.
: under/below
1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m
1a) the under part adv accus
1b) beneath prep
1c) under, beneath
1c1) at the foot of (idiom)
1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig)
1c3) of subjection or conquest
1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands
1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun)
1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense)
1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged)
conj
1e) instead of, instead of that
1f) in return for that, because that in compounds
1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion)
1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: instead.
: instead/in_place/exchange
Prep | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3mp