Job 36:21
Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Original Language Analysis
הִ֭שָּׁמֶר
Take heed
H8104
הִ֭שָּׁמֶר
Take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּ֣פֶן
regard
H6437
תֵּ֣פֶן
regard
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
3 of 10
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
אָ֑וֶן
not iniquity
H205
אָ֑וֶן
not iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
5 of 10
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Hebrews 11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;Psalms 66:18If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.Job 35:3For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.Matthew 13:21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.Ezekiel 14:4Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Historical Context
In wisdom literature, the choice between righteousness and wickedness is constantly presented as a fork in the road (Psalm 1, Proverbs 4:14-19). Elihu frames Job's situation as this classic choice: will he maintain integrity under affliction or turn to 'iniquity' (complaining against God) as relief? Though Elihu misapplies this to Job, the principle remains valid.
Questions for Reflection
- What shortcuts to relief from suffering tempt you to compromise your integrity?
- How does patient endurance of unjust suffering honor God more than demanding immediate vindication?
- In what ways might our complaints against God's justice become the very sin we're falsely accused of?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Take heed, regard not iniquity (הִשָּׁמֶר אַל־תֵּפֶן אֶל־אָוֶן, hishamer al-tefen el-aven)—Elihu issues an urgent warning using shamar (to guard, keep, take heed). The verb panah (to turn, face, regard) with aven (iniquity, wickedness, trouble) warns against turning toward sin as an escape from suffering. This represents the core temptation in trials: when righteous living brings pain while wickedness seems easier, will we compromise?
For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction (כִּי־עַל־זֶה בָּחַרְתָּ מֵעֹנִי, ki-al-zeh bacharta me'oni)—The verb bachar (to choose, select, prefer) emphasizes deliberate decision. Elihu accuses Job of choosing complaint and questioning God (aven) over patiently enduring oni (affliction, humiliation). While this accusation misreads Job's motives, it contains a crucial principle: suffering tests whether we'll maintain integrity or choose sin as a perceived escape. Moses chose 'to suffer affliction with the people of God' rather than enjoy sin's pleasures (Hebrews 11:25). Peter commands: 'Let none of you suffer as a murderer... but if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed' (1 Peter 4:15-16).