Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

JOB 34:10KJV
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Job 34:10 (KJV)

What does Job 34:10 mean?

Job 34:10 presents the speaker’s firm conviction that God does not act unjustly. He calls on his listeners to weigh that claim as he answers a complaint about how God treats people.

The speaker is Elihu, who has heard Job defend himself amid suffering. By addressing “men of understanding,” Elihu invites his audience to consider his argument carefully, rather than treating his words as a private reply to Job.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:10

  • “it” — חָלִילָה (ḥalilah): This word carries the sense of “far be it” or “unthinkable.” The KJV’s phrase expresses a strong rejection, not merely a statement that something is unlikely.

  • “understanding” — לֵבָב (levav): This word often means “heart,” but it can also refer to a person’s mind or judgment. Here it points to the listeners’ ability to think and discern.

Why Job 34:10 matters

  • Elihu’s claim answers a dispute about whether serving God brings any benefit. In verse 9, Elihu reports that claim before beginning his response in verse 10.

  • Elihu’s words are part of an argument within a conversation, not a statement spoken by Job. The call to “hearken unto me” marks the beginning of Elihu’s appeal to his audience.

  • Elihu connects his claim about God’s conduct to the treatment of human beings. In verse 11, he continues by saying that God repays people according to their deeds.

Where else these words appear

“it” Hebrew H2486 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
  • 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

“wickedness” Hebrew H7562 · used in 29 verses

  • Deuteronomy 9:27 Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
  • Psalms 141:4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
  • Isaiah 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
  • Job 27:13 This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

“iniquity” Hebrew H5766 · used in 51 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Job 27:4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
  • Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.