When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

JOB 34:29KJV
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Job 34:29 (KJV)

What does Job 34:29 mean?

Job 34:29 says that when God brings peace or quietness, no one can disturb it, and when God chooses to hide himself, no one can find him, whether this is happening to a whole nation or to just one person. The verse emphasizes that God’s actions and decisions are beyond human interference or control.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, explaining that God’s authority is absolute. Elihu is arguing that no one can oppose God’s will—if God decides to give peace or to withdraw his presence, no human effort can change that. This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over both individuals and entire nations, reminding listeners that God’s choices stand firm regardless of human desires or actions.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:29

  • "quietness" (שָׁקַט, shaqat): This word means peace, rest, or stillness. Elihu uses it to describe a state of calm that only God can give, showing that true peace is not something people can create or disrupt on their own.
  • "trouble" (רָעַע, ra‘a): This word means to disturb, harm, or make trouble. The verse points out that if God grants peace, no one has the power to bring about trouble or unrest against his will.
  • "hideth" (סָתַר, satar) and "face" (פָּנִים, panim): Together, these words mean God hiding his presence or favor. In the culture of the time, God’s “face” represented his attention or blessing, so if God hides his face, it means he is withholding his presence or favor.
  • "behold" (שָׁגַח, shagach): This word means to see, observe, or pay attention to. The verse stresses that if God chooses to hide, no one can force a connection or see him against his will.

Why Job 34:29 matters

  • Job 34:29 clears up the idea that humans can somehow change God’s plans or force his hand; Elihu insists that God alone decides when to give peace or withdraw his presence.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s sovereignty applies equally to nations and individuals, showing that no one is too big or too small to be affected by God’s decisions.
  • This statement connects to Elihu’s larger argument that God is just and wise in all his actions, even when people do not understand what he is doing.

Where else these words appear

“behold” Hebrew H7789 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
  • Job 24:15 The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.
  • Job 35:14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

“trouble” Hebrew H7561 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 22:9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
  • Job 9:29 If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
  • Psalms 94:21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

“quietness” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

“hideth” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.