Job 34:6
Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִשְׁפָּטִ֥י
against my right
H4941
מִשְׁפָּטִ֥י
against my right
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲכַזֵּ֑ב
Should I lie
H3576
אֲכַזֵּ֑ב
Should I lie
Strong's:
H3576
Word #:
3 of 7
to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively
אָנ֖וּשׁ
is incurable
H605
אָנ֖וּשׁ
is incurable
Strong's:
H605
Word #:
4 of 7
to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy
חִצִּ֣י
my wound
H2671
חִצִּ֣י
my wound
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
Historical Context
Elihu speaks as a younger observer (32:6-7) after Job's three friends have exhausted their arguments. His speech (chapters 32-37) bridges the dialogue and divine speeches, introducing themes God will develop. Written during the patriarchal period, this reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition where counselors analyzed suffering through retribution theology. Elihu's analysis, though more sophisticated than the three friends', still fails to grasp the cosmic dimensions revealed in chapters 1-2.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever felt caught between maintaining your integrity and appearing to question God's justice?
- How does Christ's innocent suffering illuminate the mystery of undeserved pain in ways Job couldn't yet understand?
- What does this verse teach about the inadequacy of simplistic cause-and-effect theology in explaining suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. Elihu here articulates Job's dilemma with precision. The phrase "lie against my right" (akazzev al-mishpati, אֲכַזֵּב עַל־מִשְׁפָּטִי) means to deny or betray one's own righteous cause. Job feels trapped: maintaining his innocence appears to accuse God of injustice, yet confessing false guilt would violate truth. The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means both "right" and "justice," emphasizing Job's consciousness of moral rectitude.
My wound is incurable without transgression uses chets (חֵץ) for "wound" (literally "arrow"), evoking divine warfare imagery—Job feels targeted by God. The phrase "without transgression" (beli-pesha, בְּלִי־פָשַׁע) asserts innocence from willful rebellion. Elihu grasps Job's theological crisis: suffering of this magnitude seems to require corresponding sin, yet Job knows he hasn't committed such transgression. This anticipates Christ, the only truly innocent sufferer, whose "wound was without transgression" yet bore our sins (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:22-24). The verse exposes the limitations of retribution theology—righteous suffering exists and demands explanation beyond simple cause-and-effect moralism.