Job 34:37 (KJV)

What does Job 34:37 mean?

Job 34:37 describes someone who is not only guilty of wrongdoing but also adds defiance to his guilt, showing his opposition by making gestures among others and speaking many words against God. The verse highlights a pattern of increasing stubbornness and boldness in challenging God.

In this verse, Elihu is speaking about Job to the other listeners. Elihu accuses Job of not just sinning, but also compounding his offense by acting rebelliously and speaking out against God repeatedly. The verse paints a picture of someone who, instead of humbling himself, becomes more outspoken and confrontational in his complaints.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:37

• "addeth" (יָסַף, yasaf): This word often means to increase or add to something. Here, it shows that the person is not just sinning but is piling rebellion on top of previous wrongdoing.
• "rebellion" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word refers to a willful act of defiance or breaking away, not just a mistake. Elihu is accusing Job of intentionally opposing God, not just making an error.
• "clappeth" (סָפַק, safaq): This verb can mean to clap or strike hands, which in ancient contexts was a gesture of mockery, defiance, or emphasis. It suggests a public display of frustration or challenge.
• "multiplieth" (רָבָה, rabah): This word means to make many or increase. Elihu claims Job is not just speaking a little against God but is multiplying his words, making his protest louder and more persistent.
• "words" (אֵמֶר, emer): This term refers to spoken words or sayings. The focus is on the content and volume of Job’s speech.
• "God" (אֵל, El): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing the seriousness of speaking against the divine.

Why Job 34:37 matters

• Job 34:37 clarifies that Elihu sees Job’s complaints as more than just honest questions; Elihu interprets them as escalating into open rebellion and defiance against God.
• The verse shows how Elihu interprets outward actions (like clapping hands) and many words as signs of a hardened attitude, not just emotional distress.
• This verse helps explain the tension in the book of Job between honest suffering and the risk of crossing into accusation or defiance toward God, a theme that runs through Elihu’s speeches.