Job 34:23

Authorized King James Version

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For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אִ֭ישׁ upon man H376
אִ֭ישׁ upon man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 4 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)
יָשִׂ֣ים For he will not lay H7760
יָשִׂ֣ים For he will not lay
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 5 of 10
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
ע֑וֹד H5750
ע֑וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 6 of 10
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לַהֲלֹ֥ךְ more than right that he should enter H1980
לַהֲלֹ֥ךְ more than right that he should enter
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 7 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 8 of 10
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֵ֝֗ל with God H410
אֵ֝֗ל with God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 9 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ into judgment H4941
בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ into judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

For he will not lay upon man more than right (כִּי לֹא עַל־אִישׁ יָשִׂים עוֹד)—Elihu affirms God's justice never exceeds what is appropriate. The verb yasim (to set, place, lay) with 'od (more, again) indicates God doesn't impose excessive burden. This directly addresses Job's complaint that his suffering exceeds his sin. Elihu argues God's judgments are precisely calibrated to righteousness—never arbitrary or excessive.

That he should enter into judgment with God (לַהֲלֹךְ אֶל־אֵל בַּמִּשְׁפָּט)—The infinitive construct lahalokh (to walk, to go) with el-El (unto God) pictures entering into legal proceedings. Mishpat denotes formal judgment or legal case. Elihu's point: because God's dealings are inherently just, humans need not exhaustively investigate or second-guess divine actions before submitting to judgment. This anticipates Paul's rhetorical question in Romans 9:20: 'Who art thou that repliest against God?' God's justice is self-authenticating, requiring no defense before human tribunals.

Historical Context

Elihu's argument engages ancient Near Eastern legal concepts where disputants could challenge verdicts before higher authorities. However, Elihu insists no higher court exists above God—His judgments are final and self-justifying. This theological position counters Job's earlier demands for a mediator (9:33) or legal advocate (16:19-21). The wisdom literature tradition emphasized accepting divine sovereignty rather than demanding exhaustive explanations for suffering.

Questions for Reflection