Job 35:12
There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
יִ֭צְעֲקוּ
There they cry
H6817
יִ֭צְעֲקוּ
There they cry
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
2 of 7
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲנֶ֑ה
but none giveth answer
H6030
יַעֲנֶ֑ה
but none giveth answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions featured capricious deities requiring appeasement. Israelite faith distinguished Yahweh as hearing righteous prayers (Psalm 34:15, 145:18-19) but resisting the proud (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6). Temple liturgy emphasized proper approach to God. Prophets condemned external religiosity without heart change (Isaiah 1:15, 58:3-9). Elihu's theology aligns with prophetic tradition: God requires humble, righteous prayer, not mere ritualistic crying out.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we respond faithfully when prayers seem unanswered?
- What role does humility play in effective prayer?
- How does Christ's mediation ensure our prayers are heard even when answers are delayed?
Analysis & Commentary
There they cry, but none giveth answer (שָׁם יִצְעֲקוּ וְלֹא יַעֲנֶה, sham yitz'aqu velo ya'aneh)—The verb tsa'aq (צָעַק, "to cry out") indicates distress calls. The negative lo ya'aneh ("none answers") reflects divine silence. The phrase because of the pride of evil men (מִפְּנֵי גְּאוֹן רָעִים, mippene ge'on ra'im) gives the reason: ga'on (גָּאוֹן, pride, arrogance) prevents God from answering. Elihu argues the wicked's prayers go unanswered due to pride, not divine indifference. This echoes Proverbs 28:9: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."
Unanswered prayer is theology's pastoral crisis. Elihu attributes it to pride. Yet Scripture reveals multiple reasons: hidden sin (Psalm 66:18), wrong motives (James 4:3), unforgiving spirit (Mark 11:25), or divine timing (Habakkuk 2:3). Sometimes God's silence is test, not rejection (Psalm 22:1-2). The gospel transforms prayer: Christ's intercession ensures access (Hebrews 4:16, 7:25). We pray not in our merit but in His name (John 14:13-14). Even when answers delay, we're assured of God's listening ear (1 Peter 3:12).