Job 34:21
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֵ֭ינָיו
For his eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינָיו
For his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דַּרְכֵי
are upon the ways
H1870
דַּרְכֵי
are upon the ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אִ֑ישׁ
of man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
of man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 8
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)
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Job 31:4Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.Jeremiah 16:17For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:Psalms 139:23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:Genesis 16:13And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Psalms 34:15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Historical Context
Divine omniscience appears throughout biblical and ancient Near Eastern thought. Egyptian Ma'at included divine surveillance, Mesopotamian gods recorded deeds. However, biblical omniscience is unique in its comprehensive, intimate nature—God knows not only actions but thoughts and motives (Psalm 139). This undergirds biblical ethics as answerable to One who sees completely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's complete knowledge of our ways affect our understanding of divine justice?
- What comfort does divine omniscience offer when we're misunderstood or falsely accused?
- How should awareness of God seeing all our steps shape our daily conduct?
Analysis & Commentary
Elihu declares God's omniscience: "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings." The noun ayin (עַיִן, "eyes") represents divine observation. The verb ra'ah (רָאָה, "seeth") means comprehensive seeing, not mere glancing. The phrase "all his goings" (kol-tse'adav, כָּל־צְעָדָיו) includes every step, every action. Elihu affirms divine omniscience as basis for perfect justice—God judges based on complete knowledge, not partial information. From a Reformed perspective, God's omniscience ensures no injustice goes unnoticed and no righteousness goes unrewarded, even if timing differs from our expectations. This truth comforts the suffering righteous (God knows the truth) while warning the prospering wicked (nothing is hidden). Hebrews 4:13 echoes this: "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Yet Elihu misapplies this truth to Job—knowing God sees all should comfort Job, not imply hidden sin.