Job 34:6 (KJV)

What does Job 34:6 mean?

Job 34:6 records Job insisting that he has not lied about his innocence, even though he suffers terribly; he claims his wound is beyond healing, even though he has not committed any transgression. Job is expressing his belief that he is being punished unfairly, suffering without having done wrong.

In this verse, Job is speaking in response to his friends, who have accused him of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering. Job maintains that he has not lied ("Should I lie against my right?") and that his suffering ("my wound is incurable") is not the result of any sin ("without transgression"). The verse highlights Job’s deep sense of injustice and confusion about why he is experiencing such pain.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:6

• "Lie" (כָּזַב, kazav): This word means to speak falsely or to deceive. Job is saying he will not falsely admit guilt just to satisfy others.
• "Right" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word refers to justice or legal right. Job is defending his claim to justice and fairness.
• "Wound" (חֵץ, chetz): Literally meaning "arrow," this word is often used for a deep wound or injury. Job uses it to describe the depth and seriousness of his suffering.
• "Incurable" (אֲנוּשׁ, anush): This word means something that cannot be healed or is fatal. Job feels his suffering is beyond remedy.
• "Transgression" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word means a serious rebellion or sin. Job insists his suffering is not the result of such wrongdoing.

Why Job 34:6 matters

• Job 34:6 clarifies that Job is not claiming to be perfect, but he is denying any major wrongdoing that would deserve such extreme suffering, pushing back against his friends’ accusations.
• The verse highlights the tension between Job’s experience of suffering and the common belief that suffering is always a result of personal sin, a key theme in the book.
• This verse helps the reader see the emotional and spiritual turmoil Job faces, as he struggles to understand why he is suffering despite his innocence.