Job 36:21
Job 36:21 in Multiple Translations
Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.
Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Take heed, regard not iniquity: For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Take care not to be turned to sin, for you have taken evil for your part in place of sorrow.
Watch out that you don't turn to evil! For it's because of this that you are being tested through suffering.
Take thou heede: looke not to iniquitie: for thou hast chosen it rather then affliction.
Take heed — do not turn unto iniquity, For on this thou hast fixed Rather than [on] affliction.
Take heed, don’t regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction.
Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Beware thou turn not aside to iniquity: for this thou hast begun to follow after misery.
Be careful not to begin doing evil things, because God has caused you to suffer to prevent you from doing evil.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 36:21
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 36:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִ֭שָּׁמֶר
אַל
תֵּ֣פֶן
אֶל
אָ֑וֶן
כִּֽי
עַל
זֶ֝֗ה
בָּחַ֥רְתָּ
מֵ/עֹֽנִי
הִ֭שָּׁמֶר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֵּ֣פֶן
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
זֶ֝֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
בָּחַ֥רְתָּ
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מֵ/עֹֽנִי
ʻŏnîy
H6040
affliction
Prep | N-ms
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 36:21
הִ֭שָּׁמֶר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֵּ֣פֶן
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
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.
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
כִּֽי
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.
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.
זֶ֝֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בָּחַ֥רְתָּ
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
מֵ/עֹֽנִי
ʻŏnîy
H6040
"affliction"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means affliction or misery, describing a state of trouble or hardship, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) affliction, poverty, misery 1a) affliction 1b) poverty
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: afflicted(-ion), trouble. See also: Genesis 16:11; Job 36:21; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — Job 36:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 36:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 36:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 36:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 36:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 36:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 36:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 36:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 36:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 36:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 36:21
- Sermons on Job 36:21
Context — Elihu Describes God’s Power
19Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress?
20Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes.
21Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.
22Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? 23Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 11:25 | He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. |
| 2 | Psalms 66:18 | If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 3:17 | For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. |
| 4 | Matthew 16:24 | Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. |
| 5 | Job 35:3 | For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’ |
| 6 | Daniel 6:10 | Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. |
| 7 | Daniel 3:16–18 | Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” |
| 8 | Acts 5:40–41 | At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. |
| 9 | Matthew 13:21 | But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 14:4 | Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry, |
Job 36:21 Summary
[This verse is warning us not to turn to sin when we're going through tough times, because sin might seem like an easy way out, but it's actually a worse choice than facing our problems head-on with God's help (as seen in Psalm 34:17-20). When we're struggling, we need to be careful not to make things worse by choosing to sin, and instead, we should seek God's guidance and trust in His goodness (as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11). We can learn to trust God more by remembering that He is all-powerful and wise, and that He wants what's best for us, even if we don't understand what's happening (as described in Isaiah 55:8-9).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to turn to iniquity in this verse?
Turning to iniquity means choosing a path of sin and disobedience to God, which is what happened in the Garden of Eden as described in Genesis 3:1-7, and is also warned against in Proverbs 14:12.
Why would someone prefer iniquity to affliction?
Someone might prefer iniquity to affliction because they view sin as a temporary escape or solution to their problems, as seen in the story of David in 2 Samuel 11:1-5, but this is a deceptive choice that ultimately leads to more harm.
How can we be careful not to turn to iniquity?
We can be careful not to turn to iniquity by seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by surrounding ourselves with people who will hold us accountable to follow God's ways, as seen in Acts 2:42-47.
What is the relationship between affliction and our walk with God?
Affliction can be a refining process that draws us closer to God, as described in Psalm 119:67 and 71, and helps us to trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I tempted to turn to iniquity when faced with difficulties or hardships?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of affliction?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek God's guidance and wisdom in times of uncertainty?
- How can I find comfort and hope in the fact that God is exalted in His power, as described in the surrounding verses?
Gill's Exposition on Job 36:21
Take heed, regard not iniquity,.... Not any iniquity, as to show any approbation of it, love for it, and desire after it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 36:21
Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Regard - literally, turn thyself to. Iniquity - namely, presumptuous speaking against God (Job 34:5, and above Job 36:17-18, note).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 36:21
Regard not iniquity, or, look not to it, to wit, with an approving or coveting eye, as this word is used, . Thou hast chosen rather to quarrel with God, and censure his judgments, than humbly and quietly to submit to them, and to wait upon God by faith and prayer for deliverance in his time and way.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 36:21
Job 36:21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.Ver. 21. Take heed, regard not iniquity] This especially of blaming God’ s judgments, as if they were unequal. No more of that, saith Elihu. Cave tibi, ne coniecias oculos ad vanitatem, Beware thou cast not an eye towards such a vanity or iniquity as that is. This was very good counsel; and it is very well observed that this whole following treatise to the end of the thirty-seventh chapter is, as it were, a gentle lenitive of that foregoing sharp rebuke which otherwise was likely to drive Job beside all patience. For this thou hast chosen rather than affliction] That is, this forementioned iniquity of speaking rashly and wickedly against God’ s proceedings with thee; this thou hast chosen rather than to bear thine affliction, or thy poverty, patiently. Now this was an ill choice; for, quas non oportet mortes praeeligere, saith Zuinglius (Epist. 3), What deaths ought not a man rather to make choice of, what torments not rather undergo, yea, into what deepest gulf of hell itself not rather enter, than wittingly and willingly to sin against God! The ancient martyrs would not be delivered upon base terms, Hebrews 11:35. Daniel chose rather to be thrown to the lions than to violate his conscience, and so to have a lion roaring in his own bosom. The primitive Christians cried out, Ad leonem magis quam lenonem (Tertul.).
I would rather enter into hell, being clear from sin and innocent, quam peccati sorde pollutus, coelorum regna tenere, than go to heaven, if I might, besmeared with the filth of sin, saith Anselm. I would rather leap into a bonfire and be burnt, said another of the ancients, than commit any sin against God (Pintus in Daniel). Some write, that there is a certain little beast, called the mouse of Armenia, which will rather die than be defiled with any filth; insomuch that if her hole be besmeared with dirt she will rather choose to be taken than polluted. Such ought the servants of God to be.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 36:21
(21) Regard not iniquity.—Or, perhaps, the special sin of longing for death, for thou hast desired to die rather than bear thine affliction. Alas! Job’s case is not a solitary one, for who that has been tried as he was has not longed for the end?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 36:21
Verse 21. Regard not iniquity] It is sinful to entertain such wishes; it is an insult to the providence of God. He sends affliction; he knows this to be best for thee: but thou hast preferred death to affliction, thereby setting thy wisdom against the wisdom of God. Many in affliction, long for death; and yet they are not prepared to appear before God! What madness is this! If he takes them at their wish, they are ruined for ever. Affliction may be the means of their salvation; the wished-for death, of their eternal destruction.
Cambridge Bible on Job 36:21
21. The verse continues the warning against a rebellious mind under affliction, called here “turning unto iniquity”; for Job shews himself more inclined to this than to submission to God’s chastening hand.
Barnes' Notes on Job 36:21
Take heed, regard not iniquity - That is, be cautious that in the view which you take of the divine government, and the sentiments which you express, you do not become the advocate of iniquity.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 36:21
21. This hast thou chosen — Poor, weak human nature shrinks from chastisement, though it knows such to be divine and for its real good.
Sermons on Job 36:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews) 2-Moses by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his commitment to serving God. The speaker highlights Moses' dedication by mentioning his 40 days of fasting and his |
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All This and Heaven Too by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of lost decisions in the Bible. He mentions Abraham and Moses as examples of individuals who made important decisions. The preach |
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The Need in You and How to Meet It by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor reflects on his 58 years of preaching and the human need he has witnessed. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing our needs, even i |
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Are You Comforatble Yet? by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the contrast between the comfort and ease of modern Christianity and the sacrificial dedication of early believers, challenging listeners to consider their c |
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(Through the Bible) Titus by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. He highlights that this hope is based on the promise of God, who ca |
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Parable of the Sower by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration of a man in a railroad station to emphasize the importance of paying attention to the message of Jesus. He explains that just like |
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The Prodigal Son by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a threefold parable spoken by Jesus for a specific reason. The parable involves a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a prodigal son. The speaker emp |