Job – Chapter 35

Old Testament16 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 35 of Job begins: "Moreover Eliu spoke these words:" Job stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 16 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Moreover Eliu spoke these words:

2Doth thy thought seem right to thee, that thou shouldst say: I am more just than God?

3For thou saidst: That which is right doth not please thee: or what will it profit thee if I sin?

4Therefore I will answer thy words, and thy friends with thee.

5Look up to heaven and see, and behold the sky, that it is higher than thee.

6If thou sin, what shalt thou hurt him? and if thy iniquities be multiplied, what shalt thou do against him?

7And if thou do justly, what shalt thou give him, or what shall he receive of thy hand?

8Thy wickedness may hurt a man that is like thee: and thy justice may help the son of man.

9By reason of the multitude of oppressors they shall cry out: and shall wail for the violence of the arm of tyrants.

10And he hath not said: Where is God, who made me, who hath given songs in the night?

11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and instructeth us more than the fowls of the air.

12There shall they cry, and he will not hear, because of the pride of evil men.

13God therefore will not hear in vain, and the Almighty will look into the causes of every one.

14Yea, when thou shalt say: He considereth not: be judged before him, and expect him.

15For he doth not now bring on his fury, neither doth he revenge wickedness exceedingly.

16Therefore Job openeth his mouth in vain, and multiplieth words without knowledge.

Important Verses in Job 35

Doth thy thought seem right to thee, that thou shouldst say: I am more just than God?

Job 35:2

Look up to heaven and see, and behold the sky, that it is higher than thee.

Job 35:5

And he hath not said: Where is God, who made me, who hath given songs in the night?

Job 35:10

God therefore will not hear in vain, and the Almighty will look into the causes of every one.

Job 35:13

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Job was written with all who wrestle with the mystery of suffering and God's justice in view. Chapter 35 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 16 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Job, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Moreover Eliu spoke these words:" The final verse reads: "Therefore Job openeth his mouth in vain, and multiplieth words without knowledge. " The wider setting of Job is this: Job confronts the deepest human question: why do the innocent suffer? The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: 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 2: "Doth thy thought seem right to thee, that thou shouldst say: I am more just than God?" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

Catholic exegesis reads Job 35 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1988).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God's ways transcend human understanding. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Job 35 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Job1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Job Chapter 35, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the dignity of the human person remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

As you continue through Job, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 35 about?

Job 35 contains 16 verses. It opens with "Moreover Eliu spoke these words:" and closes with "Therefore Job openeth his mouth in vain, and multiplieth words without knowledge. ". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 35?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Doth thy thought seem right to thee, that thou shouldst say: I am more just than God?" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Job Chapter 35?

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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