Job 34:35 (KJV)

What does Job 34:35 mean?

Job 34:35 says that Job has spoken without true understanding or wisdom. The verse points out that Job’s words, in the view of the speaker, lack both knowledge and sound judgment.

In this verse, Elihu is speaking about Job to the other listeners. Elihu is responding to Job’s earlier complaints about his suffering and God’s justice. By saying Job has spoken “without knowledge” and “without wisdom,” Elihu is criticizing Job’s arguments and suggesting that Job’s perspective is flawed or incomplete.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:35

• “Knowledge” (דַּעַת, daʿat): This word often means understanding or insight, not just information. Elihu’s criticism is that Job’s statements lack real grasp of the situation or of God’s ways.
• “Wisdom” (שֵׂכֶל, sekel): This word refers to practical sense or discernment. Elihu is not just saying Job is uninformed, but that Job’s words do not show careful or wise thinking.

Why Job 34:35 matters

• This verse shows Elihu’s role as a critic of Job, setting up his longer speeches where he tries to correct Job’s views about God and suffering.
• The verse highlights a key theme in Job: the difference between human understanding and true wisdom, especially in times of suffering.
• By calling out Job’s lack of knowledge and wisdom, Elihu is preparing to offer his own perspective, which he believes is more in line with God’s truth.