Job 35:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 35:2
2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
Chapter Context
Job 35 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, discipleship, covenant. 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 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 35:2
2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
Analysis
Elihu challenges Job: 'Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?' This misrepresents Job - he never claimed superiority to God, only innocence of charges. Straw man arguments don't address actual concerns.
Historical Context
Ancient debate sometimes involved rhetorical overstatement. Elihu's misrepresentation of Job's position reveals either misunderstanding or intentional distortion.
Reflection
- How do you guard against misrepresenting opponents' positions?
- What's the difference between defending your righteousness and claiming superiority to God?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6664 - Righteous one