Job 34:23
Job 34:23 in Multiple Translations
For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment.
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.
For he does not give man a fixed time to come before him to be judged.
God doesn't need to examine anyone in any greater detail that they should come before him for judgment.
For he will not lay on man so much, that he should enter into iudgement with God.
For He doth not suffer man any more, To go unto God in judgment,
For he doesn’t need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment.
For he will not lay upon man more than right ; that he should enter into judgment with God.
For it is no longer in the power of man to enter into judgment with God.
God does not need to set a time when we will stand in front of him in order that he may judge us. He can judge us whenever he wants to.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:23
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 34:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹ֣א
עַל
אִ֭ישׁ
יָשִׂ֣ים
ע֑וֹד
לַ/הֲלֹ֥ךְ
אֶל
אֵ֝֗ל
בַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
יָשִׂ֣ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לַ/הֲלֹ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵ֝֗ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
בַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:23
כִּ֤י
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.
לֹ֣א
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.
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.
אִ֭ישׁ
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.
יָשִׂ֣ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לַ/הֲלֹ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֝֗ל
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.
בַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | 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 34:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:23
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:23
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:23
- Sermons on Job 34:23
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
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.
24He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. 25Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 9:13 | After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt (though You, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant as this), |
| 2 | Psalms 119:137 | Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. |
| 3 | Romans 9:20 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” |
| 4 | Daniel 9:7–9 | To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. O LORD, we are covered with shame—our kings, our leaders, and our fathers—because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him |
| 5 | Job 16:21 | Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor! |
| 6 | Job 34:10–12 | Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice. |
| 7 | Job 23:7 | Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 2:5 | This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me, and followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves? |
| 9 | Job 11:6 | and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. |
| 10 | Job 11:11 | Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note? |
Job 34:23 Summary
[This verse means that God already knows everything about us, so He doesn't need to investigate or gather more information before making a judgment. He sees everything we do, as mentioned in Job 21:21, and because of this, He can make perfect judgments. This should motivate us to live in a way that honors Him, as we will be held accountable for our actions, as stated in Romans 14:12. By trusting in God's perfect judgment and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, we can have confidence that He will always do what is right.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God need not examine a man further?
This verse means that God has complete knowledge of every person and their actions, so He doesn't need to investigate or gather more information before making a judgment, as seen in Psalm 139:1-6 where it says God has searched and known us.
Does this mean God is lazy or uninvolved in human affairs?
No, it means God is all-knowing and all-seeing, as stated in Jeremiah 23:24, and can judge righteously without needing to examine a person further, as He sees everything we do, as mentioned in Job 21:21.
How does this relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is always aware of our actions and thoughts, and we will be held accountable for them, as stated in Romans 14:12, so we should strive to live in a way that honors Him.
Is this verse saying that God doesn't care about justice?
No, it's actually saying the opposite - God is a just and righteous judge, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, and because He knows everything, He can make perfect judgments without needing more information.
Reflection Questions
- How does the fact that God knows everything about me affect my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's perfect judgment and justice in my life?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be trying to hide from God, and how can I come into the light and be honest with Him?
- How can I use the knowledge that God sees everything I do to motivate me to live a life that pleases Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:23
For he will not lay upon man more [than right],.... Neither in a way of duty, his law being holy, just, and good, not any of his commandments grievous, but all his precepts concerning all things
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:23
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:23
More than right; more or heavier punishments than they deserve, or than are proportionable to their sins, which he accurately observes, as was now said, and therefore can suit punishments to them. That he should enter into judgment with God; thereby to give him any pretence or occasion of entering into judgment with him, or condemning his proceedings; for which there might seem to be some colour, if God did lay upon man more than right. And therefore thou, O Job, hadst no cause for thy complaints against God.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:23
Job 34:23 For he will not lay upon man more [than right]; that he should enter into judgment with God.Ver. 23. For he will not lay upon men more than right] Plus quam par est. He cannot over do likely, Nam non super virum ponet ultra; no, though he should inflict upon him all the torments here, and tortures in hell, since death, in the utmost extent of it, is the just hire of the least sin, Romans 6:23. See Ezra 9:13. That he should enter into judgment with God] Commence a suit against him, or challenge him into the schools to argue it out with him, as thou Job hast offered to do, but unadvisedly; since God hath justice on his side; as the very heathens also saw, when they set Themis, their goddess of justice, τωδιιπαρεδρον, next of all to Jupiter, their chief god.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:23
(23) For he will not lay upon man more than right—i.e., so much that he should enter into judgment with God. This is probably the meaning, as the Authorised Version; but some render, “He needeth not yet again to consider a man that he should go before God in judgment.” He hath no need to consider any man’s case twice or to rectify His first decision. He is infallible, and cannot do otherwise than right, whatever He does.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:23
Verse 23. For he will not lay upon man] The meaning appears to be this: He will not call man a second time into judgment; he does not try a cause twice; his decisions are just, and his sentence without appeal. Mr. Good translates: - "Behold, not to man hath he intrusted the time Of coming into judgment with God." Man's time is not in his own hand; nor is his lot cast or ruled by his own wisdom and power. When God thinks best, he will judge for him; and, if oppressed or calumniated, he will bring forth his righteousness as the light, and do him justice on his adversaries.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:23
23. The verse reads probably, For he needeth not to consider a man further, That he should come before God in judgment. The meaning is that no inquisition on God’s part is needed of a man, beyond his evil deed, with the view of bringing him before God in judgment. God beholds all, and His insight and judgment operate simultaneously.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:23
For he will not lay upon man more than right - Very various translations have been given of this verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:23
23. For he will not lay upon man more — Literally, For not again (or repeatedly) doth he set thought upon man, (or, he doth not long regard man; same meaning of òåã, as in Genesis 46:29,) that he may go to God in judgment.
Sermons on Job 34:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God and living a life of sin. He vividly describes the torment and despair that awaits those who die without r |
|
Lessons From the Potters House by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the analogy of God as the potter and us as the clay, emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's shaping and molding in our lives. It highlights how God' |
|
|
Effects of Fall - Problems Arising From the Fall Part 2 by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher explores the question of why God decrees sin. He acknowledges that we cannot fully understand God's reasons for allowing sin, but emphasizes that the u |
|
(Romans) the Explanation of Israel by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of weeping for souls and challenges the audience's understanding of it. He then moves on to explain the connection |
|
(Colossians) 10 the Spirit Filled Life by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with God's kingdom rather than personal preferences. He highlights the need to act on the truths |
|
(Ephesians) Election: Pure and Simple by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on the Bible for evangelism. He argues that Christians need to provide creative supporting evidence to |
|
K-509 the Children of Promise (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a transformative encounter with God. He describes a final showdown where a conniving individual comes to the end of himself and |