Job – Chapter 36

Old Testament33 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Eliu also proceeded, and said:" — so begins Job 36. Across its 33 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Eliu also proceeded, and said:

2Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee: for I have yet somewhat to speak in God's behalf.

3I will repeat my knowledge from the beginning, and I will prove my Maker just.

4For indeed my words are without a lie, and perfect knowledge shall be proved to thee.

5God doth not cast away the mighty, whereas he himself also is mighty.

6But he saveth not the wicked, and he giveth judgment to the poor.

7He will not take away his eyes from the just, and he placeth kings on the throne for ever, and they are exalted.

8And if they shall be in chains, and be bound with the cords of poverty:

9He shall shew them their works, and their wicked deeds, because they have been violent.

10He also shall open their ear, to correct them: and shall speak, that they may return from iniquity.

11If they shall hear and observe, they shall accomplish their days in good, and their years in glory.

12But if they hear not, they shall pass by the sword, and shall be consumed in folly.

13Dissemblers and crafty men prove the wrath of God, neither shall they cry when they are bound.

14Their soul shall die in a storm, and their life among the effeminate.

15He shall deliver the poor out of his distress, and shall open his ear in affliction.

16Therefore he shall set thee at large out of the narrow mouth, and which hath no foundation under it: and the rest of thy table shall be full of fatness.

17Thy cause hath been judged as that of the wicked, cause and judgment thou shalt recover.

18Therefore let not anger overcome thee to oppress any man: neither let multitude of gifts turn thee aside.

19Lay down thy greatness without tribulation, and all the mighty of strength.

20Prolong not the night that people may come up for them.

21Beware thou turn not aside to iniquity: for this thou hast begun to follow after misery.

22Behold, God is high in his strength, and none is like him among the lawgivers.

23Who can search out his ways? or who can say to him: Thou hast wrought iniquity?

24Remember that thou knowest not his work, concerning which men have sung.

25All men see him, every one beholdeth afar off.

26Behold, God is great, exceeding our knowledge: the number of his years is inestimable.

27He lifteth up the drops of rain, and poureth out showers like floods:

28Which flow from the clouds that cover all above.

29If he will spread out clouds as his tent,

30And lighten with his light from above, he shall cover also the ends of the sea.

31For by these he judgeth people, and giveth food to many mortals.

32In his hands he hideth the light, and commandeth it to come again.

33He sheweth his friend concerning it, that it is his possession, and that he may come up to it.

Important Verses in Job 36

Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee: for I have yet somewhat to speak in God's behalf.

Job 36:2

God doth not cast away the mighty, whereas he himself also is mighty.

Job 36:5

Their soul shall die in a storm, and their life among the effeminate.

Job 36:14

Behold, God is high in his strength, and none is like him among the lawgivers.

Job 36:22

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 36 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 33 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "Eliu also proceeded, and said:" It concludes: "He sheweth his friend concerning it, that it is his possession, and that he may come up to it. " Read against its original backdrop, 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

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee: for I have yet somewhat to speak in God's behalf." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of suffering, faith, and divine mystery. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1324).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. 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

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Job Chapter 36 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that suffering, faith, and divine mystery is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing participation in Christ's priestly office through Baptism.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1032) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 36 about?

Job 36 contains 33 verses. It opens with "Eliu also proceeded, and said:" and closes with "He sheweth his friend concerning it, that it is his possession, and that he may come up to it. ". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 36?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee: for I have yet somewhat to speak in God's behalf." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Job and when?

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

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