Job 34:4
Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
to us judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
to us judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
נִבְחֲרָה
Let us choose
H977
נִבְחֲרָה
Let us choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
נֵדְעָ֖ה
let us know
H3045
נֵדְעָ֖ה
let us know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בֵינֵ֣ינוּ
H996
בֵינֵ֣ינוּ
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 7
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's elders made corporate decisions at city gates (Deuteronomy 21:19). Wisdom literature valued consultation (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22). However, true discernment required Torah as standard (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Elihu's proposal reflects cultural practice but lacks explicit grounding in divine revelation—a weakness God's speeches will remedy by divine self-disclosure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does corporate discernment in the church relate to Scripture's authority?
- What is the proper relationship between community wisdom and divine revelation in theological decision-making?
- How can we avoid Elihu's presumption that we can independently determine what is good?
Analysis & Commentary
Elihu invites collaboration: "Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good." The verb bachar (בָּחַר, "choose") means to select or decide. The noun mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, "judgment") refers to justice or the right course. The verb yada (יָדַע, "know") means to discern or understand. Elihu proposes corporate discernment—together determining truth. From a Reformed perspective, this models ecclesial decision-making: believers reasoning together under Scripture's authority. Acts 15 demonstrates apostolic practice of corporate deliberation. Yet Elihu's proposal also reveals presumption: humans cannot independently "choose" justice—it must be revealed by God. The difference between Elihu's approach and the Jerusalem Council is Scripture's role: Acts 15 discerned God's will through prophetic word, not mere consensus. Wisdom requires both community and submission to divine revelation.