Job 34:4
Job 34:4 in Multiple Translations
Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Let us choose for us that which is right: Let us know among ourselves what is good.
Let us make the decision for ourselves as to what is right; let us have the knowledge among ourselves of what is good.
Let us discern for ourselves what is right: let us decide among ourselves what is good.
Let vs seeke iudgement among vs, and let vs knowe among our selues what is good.
Judgment let us choose for ourselves, Let us know among ourselves what [is] good.
Let us choose for us that which is right. Let us know among ourselves what is good.
Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Let us choose to us judgment, and let us see among ourselves what is the best.
We need to decide who is saying what is right and to determine among ourselves what is good/best.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:4
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 34:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
נִבְחֲרָה
לָּ֑/נוּ
נֵדְעָ֖ה
בֵינֵ֣י/נוּ
מַה
טּֽוֹב
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
נִבְחֲרָה
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לָּ֑/נוּ
Prep | Suff
נֵדְעָ֖ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
בֵינֵ֣י/נוּ
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
טּֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
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 34:4
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
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.
נִבְחֲרָה
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
לָּ֑/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
נֵדְעָ֖ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
בֵינֵ֣י/נוּ
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
טּֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Job 34:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:4
- Sermons on Job 34:4
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
2“Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.
3For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food.
4Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
5For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice. 6Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. |
| 2 | Judges 19:30 | And everyone who saw it said, “Nothing like this has been seen or done from the day the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt until this day. Think it over, take counsel, and speak up!” |
| 3 | Romans 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. |
| 4 | Job 34:36 | If only Job were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man. |
| 5 | Isaiah 11:2–5 | The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 6:2–5 | Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? |
| 7 | John 7:24 | Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” |
| 8 | Judges 20:7 | Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.” |
| 9 | Galatians 2:11–14 | When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood to be condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” |
Job 34:4 Summary
This verse is encouraging us to seek wisdom and discernment to make good choices and to learn from one another what is good and right. It's about being intentional in our decisions and actions, and seeking to understand and apply God's standards, as seen in Psalm 119:105. By doing so, we can trust in God's wisdom and justice, even when things don't make sense, and have faith that He is working all things together for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'choose for ourselves what is right' in Job 34:4?
This phrase means to discern and decide what is morally right and just, as guided by wisdom and knowledge, similar to what is encouraged in Proverbs 2:6 and Proverbs 3:21-24.
How can we 'learn together what is good' as mentioned in Job 34:4?
Learning together what is good involves sharing wisdom, experiences, and insights with one another, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the early church learned and grew together in their faith.
Is this verse suggesting that we can determine what is right and good on our own, without God's guidance?
No, this verse is not suggesting that we can determine what is right and good without God's guidance, but rather that we should seek to understand and apply God's wisdom and standards, as revealed in Scripture, such as in Psalm 119:66 and Romans 12:2.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Job's story?
This verse is part of Elihu's response to Job, where he is encouraging Job to consider the wisdom and justice of God, and to learn from his experiences, as seen in Job 32:1-37:24, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom and discernment to 'choose what is right'?
- How can I 'learn together what is good' with my community, and what are some ways we can support and encourage one another in our faith?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide me in determining what is right and good, and how can I apply them in my daily life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's wisdom and justice, even when I don't understand the circumstances of my life, as seen in Job's story?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:4
Let us choose to us judgments,.... Take the part of the question or controversy in which truth and justice lie, and he doubtless has respect to the present controversy with Job; let us know among
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:4
Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. Judgment - what is right and just. Let us select, among the conflicting sentiments advanced, what will stand the test of examination.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:4
Judgment, i.e. justice and equity; judgment being oft synecdochically used for just judgment, as 19:7 32:9 . Let us not contend for victory, but only for truth and justice. This shall be my only care and business· Let us lay aside all prejudices and animosities, which I perceive have had too great an influence upon thee and thy friends, and impartially consider the naked truth and right of the muse. Let us know, i.e. let us discover or make it known one to another. What is good; who hath the best cause.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:4
Job 34:4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.Ver. 4. Let us choose to us judgment] Let us summon the sobriety of our senses before our judgments; laying aside all prejudice; for, Omne iudicium a se aufert qui praeiudicium affert, He can never judge aright who comes to a cause forestalled or prepossessed. Let us know among ourselves what is good] Let us go knowingly to work, according to apparent truth; and not use cunningly devised arguments, as many ( mataeologi rather than theologi) do today in the greatest controversies of religion; and hereunto let us all contribute our best help, for the finding out of truth, and convincing of Job.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:4
Verse 4. Let us choose to us judgment] Let us not seek the applause of men, nor contend for victory. Let our aim be to obtain correct views and notions of all things; and let us labour to find out what is good.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:4
4. The word judgment means right, or, the right, the just decision in the cause under consideration, Job’s plea with God.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:4
Let us choose to us judgment - That is, let us examine and explore what is true and right.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:4
4. Choose judgment — Better, Prove the right. He proposes to bring to the touchstone of right the matter at issue between Job and his God. Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Sermons on Job 34:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's |
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Easter Passion by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was delivered from a life of addiction and despair by the power of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the simplicit |
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How to Tell When a Thing Is From God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encou |
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Apologetics by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural framework and mindset of the people we are trying to communicate with. He compares it to speakin |
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Spiritual Discernment by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of three exercises of the mind: proving, holding, and abstaining. He explains that these exercises are crucial in navigating |
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The Form of Sound Words by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the truth of the gospel. It encourages parents to provide sound instruction in the doctrines of Chris |
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Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to dece |