Job 34:12
Job 34:12 in Multiple Translations
Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
Truly, God does not do evil, and the Ruler of all is not a false judge.
It's absolutely sure that God doesn't act wickedly; the Almighty would never pervert justice.
And certainely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almightie peruert iudgement.
Yea, truly, God doth not do wickedly, And the Mighty doth not pervert judgment.
Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
Yes, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
For in very deed God will not condemn without cause, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
Truly, Almighty God never does what is wicked; he always [LIT] does what is fair/just.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 34:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַף
אָמְנָ֗ם
אֵ֥ל
לֹֽא
יַרְשִׁ֑יעַ
וְ֝/שַׁדַּ֗י
לֹֽא
יְעַוֵּ֥ת
מִשְׁפָּֽט
אַף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
אָמְנָ֗ם
ʼomnâm
H551
truly
Adv
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַרְשִׁ֑יעַ
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/שַׁדַּ֗י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
Conj | N-proper
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְעַוֵּ֥ת
ʻâvath
H5791
to pervert
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:12
אַף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
אָמְנָ֗ם
ʼomnâm
H551
"truly"
Adv
This Hebrew word means truly or surely, used to emphasize the truth of something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Genesis and Deuteronomy. It confirms the authenticity of a statement.
Definition: verily, truly, surely
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: indeed, no doubt, surely, (it is, of a) true(-ly, -th). See also: Ruth 3:12; Job 19:4; Isaiah 37:18.
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַרְשִׁ֑יעַ
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
וְ֝/שַׁדַּ֗י
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
Conj | N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְעַוֵּ֥ת
ʻâvath
H5791
"to pervert"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to pervert or twist something, and it is used to describe bending or making something crooked. It can also mean to falsify or subvert something, and it is used in the book of Proverbs to describe turning away from what is right.
Definition: 1) to be bent, be crooked, bend, make crooked, pervert 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to make crooked, falsify, pervert, subvert 1a2) to bend, make crooked 1b) (Pual) thing bent (participle) 1c) (Hithpael) to bend oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: bow self, (make) crooked., falsifying, overthrow, deal perversely, pervert, subvert, turn upside down. See also: Job 8:3; Ecclesiastes 1:15; Psalms 119:78.
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Job 34:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:12
- Sermons on Job 34:12
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
10Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.
11For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.
12Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
13Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world? 14If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 8:3 | Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? |
| 2 | Psalms 11:7 | For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face. |
| 3 | Psalms 145:17 | The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 1:12–13 | Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. O LORD, You have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, You have established them for correction. Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? |
Job 34:12 Summary
This verse tells us that God is always good and never does anything wrong, which is also what we read in Psalm 92:15, which says that God is upright and there is no unrighteousness in Him. It also says that God always does what is fair and just, and never twists or distorts what is right, as we also see in Proverbs 24:23. This means we can trust God, even when we don't understand what's happening, because we know He is always working for our good, as Romans 8:28 reminds us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God ever do wrong or act unjustly?
No, according to Job 34:12, God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice, which is also confirmed in Deuteronomy 32:4, which states that God's works are perfect.
How can we trust God's judgment if we don't understand it?
We can trust God's judgment because, as stated in Job 34:12, He does not act wickedly, and His ways are higher than ours, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:9, which reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways.
Is God fair to everyone?
Yes, God is fair to everyone, and according to Psalm 119:137, He is righteous and upright, and as Job 34:12 assures us, He does not pervert justice, so we can trust in His fairness and justice.
What does it mean that God does not pervert justice?
When it says that God does not pervert justice in Job 34:12, it means that He always judges fairly and justly, without twisting or distorting what is right, which is also emphasized in Proverbs 21:3, where it says that to do what is right and just is more acceptable to God than sacrifice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have questioned God's justice or fairness in my own life, and how can I trust in His goodness and righteousness?
- How can I reflect God's justice and fairness in my own relationships and interactions with others, and what does that look like in practical terms?
- In what ways have I experienced or seen God's justice and fairness in my life or in the lives of others, and how can I share those stories with others to encourage them?
- What are some areas where I struggle to trust God's justice and fairness, and how can I pray and seek guidance to deepen my trust in Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:12
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly,.... This truth is repeated and affirmed in the strongest manner; or "will not condemn", as the Vulgate Latin version, and so the Targum, that is, he will not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:12
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. (Job 8:3.) In opposition to Job (Job 34:5). Will not - cannot.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:12
As Job hath wickedly affirmed. For the phrase, See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:12
Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.Ver. 12. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly] This must be laid down for a certain truth, and is, therefore, so reiterated. Job had said as much to this purpose as Elihu could do; but then he had seemingly dashed all again with his inconsiderate complaints and murmurings. This Elihu could not bear, but again and again celebrateth the righteousness of God; and when he hath said his utmost, seemeth to say, as Cicero once did of Crassus and Antony, the Roman orators, That if any man think he had said too much in commendation of them, he must needs be such a one as either knew them not or was not able to judge their worth. As for Job, whom he here confuteth, he seems to say of him as Calvin somewhere doth of Luther, That as he excelled with great virtues, so he was not without his great failings. Atque utinam recognoscendis suis vitiis plus operae dedisset; And I spent less time in declaiming against others, and more in recognizing his own faults (Calv. ep. Bulling.). Neither will the Almighty pervert judgment] For shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:12
10–19. This charge of injustice Elihu rebuts, first, on the general ground of its impiety: God cannot be thought of as acting in the way Job asserted—He rewardeth every man according to his works (Job 34:10-12); and second, he then resolves the general idea into two distinct thoughts, Job 34:13-15, and Job 34:16-19.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:12
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly - So important does Elihu hold this principle to be, that he repeats it, and dwells upon it.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:12
12. Surely — The word is radically the amen, verily, of the New Testament. In no stronger language could he lay down the proposition he is about to illustrate — God cannot do wrong.
Sermons on Job 34:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Growth Follows Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, B. Earl shares a personal story about his struggles as an evangelist. He describes how he prepared tough and hard-hitting sermons in an attempt to reach stubborn pe |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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The Holiness of God - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a profound episode in the history of Ben Israel, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering the truth. He highlights the importanc |
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How to Identify a False Cult by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the role of Jesus in preaching to those who have died. He emphasizes that God treats every human being as an inte |
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And Lead Us Not Into Temptation by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about the ever-changing nature of life, emphasizing that all experiences are orchestrated by God to prepare us for eternal glory. She highlights the inseparabl |
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God and I Don't Always Agree by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles preaches on the topic 'God and I Don't Always Agree,' using the parable of the workers in the vineyard to illustrate how we may not always see eye to eye with God. He ch |
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God Meant It Unto Good by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the profound assertion by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to those who love God. He emphasizes that this includ |