Job – Chapter 34

Old Testament37 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 34 of Job begins: "And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:" Job stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 37 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and wisdom for daily living. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:

2Hear ye, wise men, my words, and ye learned, hearken to me:

3For the ear trieth words, and the mouth discerneth meats by the taste.

4Let us choose to us judgment, and let us see among ourselves what is the best.

5For Job hath said: I am just, and God hath overthrown my judgment.

6For in judging me there is a lie: my arrow is violent without any sin.

7What man is there like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?

8Who goeth in company with them that work iniquity, and walketh with wicked men?

9For he hath said: Man shall not please God, although he run with him.

10Therefore, ye men of understanding, hear me: far from God be wickedness, and iniquity from the Almighty.

11For he will render to a man his work, and according to the ways of every one he will reward them.

12For in very deed God will not condemn without cause, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

13What other hath he appointed over the earth? or whom hath he set over the world which he made?

14If he turn his heart to him, he shall draw his spirit and breath unto himself.

15All flesh shall perish together, and man shall return into ashes.

16If then thou hast understanding, hear what is said, and hearken to the voice of my words.

17Can he be healed that loveth not judgment? and how dost thou so far condemn him that is just?

18Who saith to the king: Thou art an apostate: who calleth rulers ungodly:

19Who accepteth not the persons of princes: nor hath regarded the tyrant, when he contended against the poor man: for all are the work of his hands.

20They shall suddenly die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and they shall pass, and take away the violent without hand.

21For his eyes are upon the ways of men, and he considereth all their steps.

22There is no darkness, and there is no shadow of death, where they may be hid who work iniquity.

23For it is no longer in the power of man to enter into judgment with God.

24He shall break in pieces many and innumerable, and shall make others to stand in their stead.

25For he knoweth their works: and therefore he shall bring night on them, and they shall be destroyed.

26He hath struck them, as being wicked, in open sight.

27Who as it were on purpose have revolted from him, and would not understand all his ways:

28So that they caused the cry of the needy to come to him, and he heard the voice of the poor.

29For when he granteth peace, who is there that can condemn? When he hideth his countenance, who is there that can behold him, whether it regard nations, or all men?

30Who maketh a man that is a hypocrite to reign for the sins of the people.

31Seeing then I have spoken of God, I will not hinder thee in thy turn.

32If I have erred, teach thou me: if I have spoken iniquity, I will add no more.

33Doth God require it of thee, because it hath displeased thee? for thou begannest to speak, and not I: but if thou know any thing better, speak.

34Let men of understanding speak to me, and let a wise man hearken to me.

35But Job hath spoken foolishly, and his words sound not discipline.

36My father, let Job be tried even to the end: cease not from the man of iniquity.

37Because he addeth blasphemy upon his sins, let him be tied fast in the mean time amongst us: and then let him provoke God to judgment with his speeches.

Important Verses in Job 34

And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:

Job 34:1

For Job hath said: I am just, and God hath overthrown my judgment.

Job 34:5

If he turn his heart to him, he shall draw his spirit and breath unto himself.

Job 34:14

Because he addeth blasphemy upon his sins, let him be tied fast in the mean time amongst us: and then let him provoke God to judgment with his speeches.

Job 34:37

Historical Context

Job addresses all who wrestle with the mystery of suffering and God's justice within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 34 of 42 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 37 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Job, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:" The final verse reads: "Because he addeth blasphemy upon his sins, let him be tied fast in the mean time amongst us: and then let him provoke…" In terms of historical background, Job confronts the deepest human question: why do the innocent suffer? Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Unknown inspired poet of Israel

When It Was Written

Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

This chapter offers practical instruction on how to live wisely before God in daily life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1095). Here, the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize sin and divine judgment as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

People in This Chapter

Job4 mentions

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Job Chapter 34 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The passage calls believers to grasp that God's ways transcend human understanding.

May your reading of Job Chapter 34 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God's ways transcend human understanding applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 34 about?

Job 34 contains 37 verses. It opens with "And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:" and closes with "Because he addeth blasphemy upon his sins, let him be tied fast in the mean time amongst us: and then let him provoke…". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 34?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And Eliu continued his discourse, and said:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Job Chapter 34?

This chapter mentions Job.

Who wrote Job and when?

Unknown inspired poet of Israel. Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

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