Job 34:31 (KJV)

What does Job 34:31 mean?

Job 34:31 describes someone saying to God, “I have endured your discipline; I will not do wrong again.” The verse points to the idea that it is right and fitting for a person to admit their suffering is deserved and to promise not to repeat their mistakes.

In the story, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, arguing that people should respond to God’s correction with humility and a willingness to change. Elihu suggests that when someone suffers as a result of their actions, the proper response is to acknowledge it before God and commit to living differently.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:31

• “said” (אָמַר, ’amar): This word means “to say” or “to declare.” Here, it emphasizes the importance of directly addressing God with honesty.
• “God” (אֵל, ’el): This is a common Hebrew word for God, highlighting the focus on speaking to the divine, not just any authority.
• “borne” (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This word means “to bear” or “to carry,” often used for carrying a burden. In this verse, it refers to enduring or accepting God’s discipline.
• “offend” (חָבַל, chaval): This word means “to deal corruptly” or “to act wrongly.” It shows that the promise is not just to avoid mistakes, but to turn away from wrongdoing altogether.

Why Job 34:31 matters

• Job 34:31 clarifies that Elihu is not accusing Job directly but is making a general point about how people ought to respond to suffering and correction from God.
• The verse highlights the value placed on confession and repentance in the relationship between humans and God, showing that acknowledgment and change are expected responses to discipline.
• In the wider context, this verse is part of Elihu’s argument that God is just and that suffering can be a form of correction, not just punishment, which helps frame the rest of his speech.