Job 34:37
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
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
יֹ֘סִ֤יף
For he addeth
H3254
יֹ֘סִ֤יף
For he addeth
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
2 of 10
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
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
חַטָּאת֣וֹ
unto his sin
H2403
חַטָּאת֣וֹ
unto his sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
4 of 10
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ
H996
בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
יִסְפּ֑וֹק
he clappeth
H5606
יִסְפּ֑וֹק
he clappeth
Strong's:
H5606
Word #:
7 of 10
to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern piety typically demanded stoic acceptance of divine decrees. Lament was permitted but within limits—excessive questioning risked blasphemy. Biblical faith uniquely permits profound lament and questioning (Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Psalms) while maintaining ultimate submission. Elihu reflects conventional piety that mistakes honesty for rebellion. Jesus's Gethsemane prayer ("if it be possible, let this cup pass," Matthew 26:39) models combining honest desire with submission ("nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt").
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between faithful lament and sinful rebellion against God?
- What does Jesus's cry of dereliction (Mark 15:34) teach about bringing pain to God?
- How can we create spaces where honest struggle with God is welcomed rather than condemned?
Analysis & Commentary
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin (כִּי־יֹסִיף עַל־חַטָּאתוֹ פֶשַׁע, ki-yosiph al-chattato pesha)—The verb yasaph (יָסַף, "to add") indicates compounding. The noun pesha (פֶּשַׁע, rebellion, transgression) is stronger than chatta't (חַטָּאת, sin, missing the mark). Elihu accuses Job of adding deliberate rebellion to sin. The phrase he clappeth his hands among us (בֵּינֵינוּ יִסְפּוֹק, benenu yispoq) uses saphaq (סָפַק, "to clap"), possibly meaning mockery or defiant gesture. The phrase multiplieth his words against God (וְיֶרֶב אֲמָרָיו לָאֵל, ve-yerev amarav la-El) accuses Job of excessive speech against God.
Elihu misunderstands Job's lament as rebellion. Yet God will vindicate Job (42:7). This teaches discernment: honest questioning isn't rebellion. The Psalms model bringing raw emotions to God (Psalms 13, 22, 88). Lament is faith's cry when praise seems impossible. Jesus Himself cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). The gospel permits—even requires—brutal honesty before God. Christ bore actual rebellion (Isaiah 53:5, "the chastisement of our peace was upon him") so our honest struggles wouldn't be counted as rebellion.