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Chapter 34
Verse 34

Job 34:18

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

American Standard Version (1901)

Him that saith to a king, Thou art vile, Or to nobles, Ye are wicked;

Bible in Basic English

He who says to a king, You are an evil-doer; and to rulers, You are sinners;

Free Bible Version

He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’

King James (Authorized) Version

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

Translation for Translators

He tells some kings that they are worthless, and he says to some officials that they are wicked.

Unlocked Literal Bible

God, who says to a king, 'You are vile,' or says to nobles, 'You are wicked'?

Noah Webster Bible

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

World English Bible

who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’?

Young's Literal Translation

Who hath said to a king — 'Worthless,' Unto princes — 'Wicked?'

Context

Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

¹⁷Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, ¹⁸who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ ¹⁹who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Summary

In Job 34:18, Elihu questions the idea that a king or ruler could be without fault or wickedness. He asserts that even those in positions of power are subject to God's judgment and cannot escape His justice. This verse serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their status or authority, is exempt from being held accountable before God. It emphasizes the importance of humility and righteousness, as all individuals will ultimately answer to God for their actions.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? - The sentence is very short, and is thus translated by the Vulgate: Qui dicit regi, Apostata? Qui vocat duces impios? "Who says to a king, Apostate? Who calls leaders impious?" Literally, Who calls a king Belial? Who calls princes wicked? Civil governors should be treated with respect; no man should speak evil of the ruler of the people. This should never be permitted. Even where the man cannot be respected, because his moral conduct is improper, even there the office is sacred, and should be reverenced. He who permits himself to talk against the man, would destroy the office and authority, if he could.

Job 34:18

Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

¹⁷Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, ¹⁸who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ ¹⁹who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

American Standard Version (1901)

Him that saith to a king, Thou art vile, Or to nobles, Ye are wicked;

Bible in Basic English

He who says to a king, You are an evil-doer; and to rulers, You are sinners;

Free Bible Version

He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’

King James (Authorized) Version

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

Translation for Translators

He tells some kings that they are worthless, and he says to some officials that they are wicked.

Unlocked Literal Bible

God, who says to a king, 'You are vile,' or says to nobles, 'You are wicked'?

Noah Webster Bible

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

World English Bible

who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’?

Young's Literal Translation

Who hath said to a king — 'Worthless,' Unto princes — 'Wicked?'