For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

JOB 34:11KJV
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Job 34:11 (KJV)

What does Job 34:11 mean?

Job 34:11 says that God gives each person what they deserve for their actions, and that everyone experiences the results of their own choices. The verse emphasizes that God is fair and just in how He deals with people.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, defending God's justice. Elihu insists that God does not act unfairly or show favoritism, but instead treats each person according to their behavior. This statement is meant to counter Job’s earlier complaints that God’s ways seem unfair or mysterious.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:11

  • The word for "work" is פֹּעַל (po'al), which means a deed or action. This highlights that what a person does—good or bad—is what God responds to.
  • The word for "render" is שָׁלַם (shalam), meaning to repay or make complete. It often carries the idea of settling accounts, showing that God’s response is measured and appropriate.
  • The word for "ways" is דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), meaning a path or manner of life. This points to a person’s overall conduct, not just isolated actions.

Why Job 34:11 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that God might be random or unfair in how He treats people; Elihu insists that God’s justice is consistent.
  • Job 34:11 connects to the wider argument in the book, where Job and his friends debate why suffering happens and whether God is just.
  • The verse reminds readers that, in the view presented here, actions and choices have real consequences, and that God’s justice takes the whole of a person’s life into account.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 44:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“ways” Hebrew H734 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
  • Psalms 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
  • Proverbs 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

“render” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.