Job 34:27
Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֭ן
H3651
כֵּ֭ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
סָ֣רוּ
Because they turned back
H5493
סָ֣רוּ
Because they turned back
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
4 of 9
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מֵֽאַחֲרָ֑יו
from him
H310
מֵֽאַחֲרָ֑יו
from him
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּ֝רָכָ֗יו
any of his ways
H1870
דְּ֝רָכָ֗יו
any of his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:11It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.Isaiah 5:12And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.Psalms 28:5Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.Hebrews 10:39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Historical Context
In covenant relationship (Sinai, Davidic, New Covenant), 'walking after' God described loyal obedience while 'turning aside' meant apostasy. Deuteronomy repeatedly warned against turning from God's ways (Deuteronomy 11:16, 28; 31:29). Israel's history demonstrated this pattern: blessing followed obedience, judgment followed apostasy. Elihu applies this covenantal framework universally—all humanity has access to natural revelation (Romans 1:19-20) and is accountable for response.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we guard against the progression from following God to gradually turning aside from His ways?
- What does it mean practically to 'consider His ways' in daily decision-making and life direction?
- How does willful refusal to consider God's ways increase moral culpability compared to ignorant error?
Analysis & Commentary
Because they turned back from him (אֲשֶׁר עַל־כֵּן סָרוּ מֵאַחֲרָיו)—The verb saru (they turned aside/departed) with me'acharav (from after Him) depicts deliberate apostasy. Following God (acharav, literally 'after Him') represents covenant loyalty; turning from this path is rebellion. This isn't ignorance but willful rejection of known truth. Romans 1:21 describes this progression: 'when they knew God, they glorified him not as God.'
And would not consider any of his ways (וְכָל־דְּרָכָיו לֹא הִשְׂכִּילוּ)—The verb hiskilu (from sakal, to be prudent, understand wisely) in the negative shows refusal to contemplate or obey divine ways. Derakav (His ways) denotes God's revealed patterns of righteousness and justice. Willful ignorance—refusing to consider God's ways despite opportunity—compounds guilt. Proverbs 1:7 warns: 'Fools despise wisdom and instruction.' The wicked judgment in verses 24-26 results from deliberate rejection, not innocent error. This establishes moral culpability—they knew better but chose rebellion.