Job 34:27 (KJV)

What does Job 34:27 mean?

Job 34:27 says that certain people have turned away from God and have refused to pay attention to how He wants them to live. The verse points out their deliberate choice to ignore God’s ways, which is presented as the reason for the troubles or judgments being discussed.

In the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, explaining why some people experience hardship. Elihu claims that when people consciously turn their backs on God and do not care about His guidance, they face consequences. The verse is part of Elihu’s argument that God’s actions are just, and that ignoring God’s ways leads to trouble.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:27

• "back" (סוּר, sur): This word often means to turn aside or turn away. Here, it emphasizes a willful choice to leave God’s path, not just a passive drifting.
• "consider" (שָׂכַל, sakal): This word means to pay attention to, understand, or give thought to something. The verse highlights that these people are not just ignorant, but are actively refusing to think about God’s ways.
• "ways" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means a road, path, or way of living. In this context, it refers to God’s guidance or the way He wants people to live, stressing that the people are ignoring the direction God provides.

Why Job 34:27 matters

• Job 34:27 clarifies that Elihu sees suffering as a result of people’s choices to reject God, not just random misfortune.
• The verse adds weight to Elihu’s argument that God is fair and that people are responsible for their actions, countering Job’s earlier complaints about innocent suffering.
• By focusing on the refusal to "consider" God’s ways, the verse highlights the importance of thoughtful attention to God’s guidance, not just outward behavior.