Job 34:21
Job 34:21 in Multiple Translations
For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
For his eyes are upon the ways of a man, And he seeth all his goings.
For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.
For he watches what they're doing and sees everywhere they go.
For his eyes are vpon the wayes of man, and he seeth all his goings.
For His eyes [are] on the ways of each, And all his steps He doth see.
“For his eyes are on the ways of a man. He sees all his goings.
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
For his eyes are upon the ways of men, and he considereth all their steps.
“He sees [MTY] everything that people do; when we walk, he watches every step that we take.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:21
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 34:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
עַל
דַּרְכֵי
אִ֑ישׁ
וְֽ/כָל
צְעָדָ֥י/ו
יִרְאֶֽה
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
way
N-cp
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְֽ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
צְעָדָ֥י/ו
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-mp | Suff
יִרְאֶֽה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 34:21
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֵ֭ינָי/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְֽ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
צְעָדָ֥י/ו
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
יִרְאֶֽה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Job 34:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:21
- Sermons on Job 34:21
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
19who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
20They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.
21For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.
22There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. 23For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 2 | Job 31:4 | Does He not see my ways and count my every step? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 16:17 | For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes. |
| 4 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 32:19 | the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. |
| 6 | Psalms 139:23 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 17:10 | I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 8 | Genesis 16:13 | So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: “You are the God who sees me, ” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!” |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” |
| 10 | Psalms 34:15 | The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. |
Job 34:21 Summary
This verse means that God is always watching us and knows everything we do. He sees our every step and is involved in our lives, which should give us comfort and motivate us to live in a way that pleases Him. Just like a parent watches over their child, God watches over us with care and love, as shown in Matthew 6:26, where Jesus teaches that God feeds the birds and will also provide for us. By remembering that God's eyes are on us, we can live with humility and reverence, knowing we are not alone and that our actions have consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's eyes are on the ways of a man?
This means that God is constantly watching and aware of everything we do, as stated in Job 34:21, and this is reinforced by Psalm 139:1-3, which says God has searched us and knows us.
Does God see everything we do, even the things we try to hide?
Yes, according to Job 34:21 and Jeremiah 23:24, God sees everything, and there is no place where we can hide from Him, not even in the darkest of places as mentioned in Job 34:22.
Why does God watch our every step if He already knows what we will do?
God's watching is not just about gathering information, but also about His care and involvement in our lives, as seen in Matthew 10:29-31, where it says that God knows when a sparrow falls and that we are worth more than many sparrows.
How should we respond to the fact that God sees our every step?
We should respond with humility, reverence, and a desire to please Him in all we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17 and 23, which reminds us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas of my life where I try to hide from God, and how can I open those areas up to His gaze?
- How does the knowledge that God sees my every step affect my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of awareness of God's presence in my life, knowing that He is always watching over me?
- What are some things I can do to 'walk in the light' and be transparent before God, as 1 John 1:7 encourages?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:21
For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man,.... Which denotes the omniscience of God, which reaches to every man, to every individual, and to all men in general; and to their ways, to every step taken
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:21
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. God's omniscience and omnipotence enable Him to execute immediate justice.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:21
This is added as the reason of the judgments mentioned in the foregoing verse, God doth not afflict nor destroy either princes or people unjustly, no, nor out of his mere pleasure and absolute sovereignty, (to which Job seemed to impute his calamities,) but for their sins, which God sees exactly, although they use all possible arts and tricks to hide them from him. Therefore no man hath cause to complain of God, but of himself, for all that he may suffer in the world.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:21
Job 34:21 For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.Ver. 21. For his eyes are upon the ways of man] God’ s providence (like a well drawn picture, that eyeth each one in the room) observeth all things; he seeth cause enough thus to proceed in judgment against a person or people, though we see it not. And although one man knoweth not another, nor doth any man well know himself; yet God, following, as it were, all men hard at the heels, doth with his eyes narrowly observe and mark what way every one walketh in, he seeth all his goings: let not men, therefore, please themselves in their sinful practices, as if God saw them not, because for a time they escape unpunished; Saeculi laetitia est impunita nequitia; but sin and punishment are tied together with chains of adamant, and cannot long be asunder.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:21
(21) His eyes are upon the ways of man.—He is not only just and mighty, but He is also all-wise; He cannot therefore err.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:21
20–28. God’s strict justice may be seen in His government of the peoples and their princes alike. His justice is unerring, for it is guided by omniscient insight. Punishing oppression, it avenges the cause of the poor and afflicted.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:21
For his eyes are upon the ways of man - None can escape from his notice; compare Psalms 139:2-3.
Sermons on Job 34:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gps by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the concept of God's Positioning System (GPS) in our lives, drawing parallels between the technology of GPS and God's guidance. He emphasizes how God, li |
|
This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to |
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God - No Absentee Landlord by Bill Wright | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for transparent honesty, security, and encouragement in the family of God. He shares how the 139th Psalm has personally encouraged h |
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The Omnipresence of God by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three attributes of God that are interconnected and have the power to radically transform lives. The sermon begins with a personal anecdote a |
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The Lord Examines Our Paths by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God' |
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Special Rules for Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of young men committing to a life of holiness and diligence in their Christian walk. He urges them to break off every known sin, avoid occasions |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |