Job 34:30

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.

American Standard Version (1901)

That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.

Bible in Basic English

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Free Bible Version

a person who rejects God should not rule so they don't mislead people.

King James (Authorized) Version

That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

Translation for Translators

and if God hides his face with the result that he does not see that ruler or punish him, no one will be able to prevent that ruler from doing those things.

Unlocked Literal Bible

so that a godless man may not rule, so that there may be no one to entrap people.

Noah Webster Bible

That the hypocrite may not reign, lest the people should be ensnared.

World English Bible

that the godless man may not reign, that there be no one to ensnare the people.

Young's Literal Translation

From the reigning of a profane man, From the snares of a people;

Context

Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

²⁹But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, ³⁰that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.

Summary

In this verse, Elihu is reminding Job of the justice of God, emphasizing that God does not act wickedly or pervert justice. It serves as a reassurance that even in the midst of suffering and confusion, God's ways are always just and fair. This verse encourages trust in God's righteousness and wisdom, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. It underscores the belief that God's judgments are always right and that He will ultimately bring justice to all situations. Overall, Job 34:30 highlights the unwavering integrity of God in His dealings with humanity.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

That the hypocrite reign not - The Vulgate translates, Who causes a wicked man to reign because of the sins of the people. This was precisely the defense which Hegiage, the oppressive ruler of the Babylonian Irak, under the caliph Abdul Malec, made when he found the people in a state of insurrection. See at the end of the chapter, Job 34:37 (note).