Job 34:19 (KJV)

What does Job 34:19 mean?

Job 34:19 says that God does not show favoritism to powerful or wealthy people, nor does He value the rich more than the poor, because all people are His creation. The verse highlights God’s impartiality and fairness in how He regards every person, regardless of their status.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, arguing that God is just and does not judge people based on their social rank or wealth. Elihu’s point is that, unlike humans who might be influenced by someone’s position or riches, God treats everyone equally since all people are the work of His hands.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:19

• "accepteth" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means “to lift up” or “to show favor.” Here, it emphasizes that God does not “lift up” or give special treatment to princes or the powerful.
• "persons" (פָּנִים, pānîm): Literally “faces,” this word is often used for “persons” or “appearance.” The phrase “accepteth not the persons” means God does not judge by outward appearance or status.
• "regardeth" (נָכַר, nākar): This word means “to recognize” or “to pay attention to.” In this context, it shows that God does not “recognize” or give preference to the rich over the poor.
• "work" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma‘ăseh): This word means “work” or “deed.” The phrase “the work of his hands” underlines that all people, regardless of status, are equally God’s creation.

Why Job 34:19 matters

• Job 34:19 corrects the idea that God might favor the powerful or wealthy, making clear that divine justice is not swayed by human status.
• The verse connects to Elihu’s larger argument that God’s ways are fair, even if people do not always understand them, pushing back against Job’s earlier complaints about injustice.
• By stressing that all people are “the work of his hands,” Job 34:19 reminds readers that everyone has equal value before God, which was a radical idea in a world often shaped by hierarchy and privilege.