Job 34:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 34:19
19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
Chapter Context
Job 34 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, grace, judgment. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 34:19
19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
Analysis
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. Elihu escalates his argument: if earthly kings deserve respect (verse 18), God deserves infinitely more because He shows no partiality. The phrase "accepteth not the persons" (lo' nasa pene, לֹא נָשָׂא פְנֵי) literally means "does not lift up the face"—a Hebrew idiom for showing favoritism or partiality. God's impartiality appears throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11).
Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor uses nakar (נָכַר, regardeth) meaning to recognize, acknowledge, or show preference. Shoa (שׁוֹעַ, rich) contrasts with dal (דָּל, poor), encompassing economic extremes. The reason for divine impartiality follows: they all are the work of his hands (ki ma'aseh yadav kullam, כִּי־מַעֲשֵׂה יָדָיו כֻּלָּם). Every person, regardless of status, is God's handiwork—created, sustained, and valued equally. This doctrine revolutionizes social ethics. Ancient Near Eastern society was rigidly hierarchical; kings and nobles had vastly more worth than peasants. God's impartial creation undermines such hierarchies, establishing equal human dignity before the Creator. The verse anticipates James 2:1-9's prohibition against favoritism in the church. Ironically, while Elihu rightly describes God's impartiality, he wrongly assumes Job's suffering must indicate God's judgment rather than recognizing that God's purposes transcend simple retribution.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal systems often favored the wealthy and powerful (Exodus 23:2-3, Leviticus 19:15 command impartiality, showing the problem was pervasive). Israel's covenant law mandated equal justice (Deuteronomy 1:16-17), reflecting God's character. Job himself had administered justice impartially (29:12-17). Elihu's affirmation of divine impartiality is sound theology, though his application to Job's case misses the mark—God's impartial justice doesn't preclude testing the righteous for purposes beyond punishment.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that all people are equally God's handiwork challenge favoritism in your relationships and judgments?
- What comfort does God's impartiality provide in a world where human justice often favors the powerful?
- How should the doctrine that God values rich and poor equally shape Christian social ethics and ministry?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 31:15, Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Proverbs 14:31, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11