Job 34:12

Authorized King James Version

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Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Original Language Analysis

אַף H637
אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 1 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
אָמְנָ֗ם Yea surely H551
אָמְנָ֗ם Yea surely
Strong's: H551
Word #: 2 of 9
verily
אֵ֥ל God H410
אֵ֥ל God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 3 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַרְשִׁ֑יעַ will not do wickedly H7561
יַרְשִׁ֑יעַ will not do wickedly
Strong's: H7561
Word #: 5 of 9
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
וְ֝שַׁדַּ֗י neither will the Almighty H7706
וְ֝שַׁדַּ֗י neither will the Almighty
Strong's: H7706
Word #: 6 of 9
the almighty
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְעַוֵּ֥ת pervert H5791
יְעַוֵּ֥ת pervert
Strong's: H5791
Word #: 8 of 9
to wrest
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ judgment H4941
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 9 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

Elihu emphasizes: 'Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.' The double negative ('not do wickedly... neither pervert') underscores absolute divine justice. Yet this doesn't explain innocent suffering - it just asserts impossibility of divine injustice.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern justice concepts required divine judges to be perfectly fair. Elihu's assertion is theologically correct but pastorally insufficient.

Questions for Reflection