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.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֤ן׀
H3651
לָכֵ֤ן׀
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י
H376
אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
שִׁמְע֫וּ
Therefore hearken
H8085
שִׁמְע֫וּ
Therefore hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
חָלִ֖לָה
far be it
H2486
חָלִ֖לָה
far be it
Strong's:
H2486
Word #:
6 of 10
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
לָאֵ֥ל
from God
H410
לָאֵ֥ל
from God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
7 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Romans 9:14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.Deuteronomy 32:4He 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.Job 8:3Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?2 Chronicles 19:7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?James 1:13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:Psalms 92:15To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.Job 36:23Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?Job 37:23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.Proverbs 6:32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Historical Context
Ancient theodicy defended God's justice. Elihu's statement contains truth but addresses a claim Job never made.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you defend God's character while acknowledging mysterious providence?
- What's the difference between questioning God's ways and accusing God of wickedness?
Analysis & Commentary
Elihu declares: '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.' This defense of divine righteousness is orthodox but misses Job's point - Job questions how to understand God's ways, not God's character.