Job 34:36
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
Original Language Analysis
יִבָּחֵ֣ן
may be tried
H974
יִבָּחֵ֣ן
may be tried
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
2 of 9
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נֶ֑צַח
unto the end
H5331
נֶ֑צַח
unto the end
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תְּ֝שֻׁבֹ֗ת
because of his answers
H8666
תְּ֝שֻׁבֹ֗ת
because of his answers
Strong's:
H8666
Word #:
7 of 9
a recurrence (of time or place); a reply (as returned)
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom tradition valued testing/proving righteousness (Abraham tested in Genesis 22, Israel tested in wilderness, Deuteronomy 8:2). Yet Job's friends and Elihu wrongly assume all testing reveals hidden sin. NT clarifies: testing can prove faith genuine (1 Peter 1:7), produce perseverance (James 1:3), or conform to Christ's image (Romans 8:28-29). Job's testing ultimately served apologetic purposes (Job 1-2, answering Satan's accusation) and revelatory purposes (Job 42:5, deepening knowledge of God).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand the purpose of prolonged trials in light of God's goodness?
- What is appropriate versus inappropriate response to others' suffering?
- How does Christ's experience of testing (Hebrews 2:18, 4:15) provide comfort in trials?
Analysis & Commentary
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end (אָבִי יִבָּחֵן אִיּוֹב עַד־נֶצַח, avi yivachen Iyyov ad-netzach)—The noun av (אָב, father) here likely means "my desire" (ancient versions interpret variously). The verb bachan (בָּחַן, "to test, examine") and netzach (נֶצַח, end, perpetuity) suggest thorough testing. The phrase because of his answers for wicked men (עַל־תְּשֻׁבֹת בְּאַנְשֵׁי־אָוֶן) uses teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה, answer, reply) and aven (אָוֶן, wickedness, iniquity). Elihu wants Job tested exhaustively because his words align with the wicked's theology—questioning God's justice.
Elihu's desire for Job's continued testing is harsh, even cruel. Yet God permits Job's testing for redemptive purposes (42:5, "now mine eye seeth thee"). Peter explains: trials test faith like fire refines gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). James adds: testing produces perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4). Yet we must not desire others' prolonged suffering—that's vindictiveness. God alone knows the proper measure and duration of trials. Christ endured ultimate testing (Hebrews 4:15, tempted in all points) to sympathize with our testing.