Job 34:7 (KJV)

What does Job 34:7 mean?

Job 34:7 describes someone marveling at Job’s attitude, saying, “What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?” This means Job is seen as someone who takes in mockery or criticism as easily and naturally as a person drinks water, almost as if he welcomes it.

In this verse, Elihu is speaking to the other men present, commenting on Job’s unusual reaction to being scorned or criticized. The verse highlights how Job seems to absorb insults or contempt without protest, which Elihu finds remarkable or even troubling. This statement is part of Elihu’s larger argument that Job’s words and attitude are out of the ordinary and worth noticing.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:7

• man (אִישׁ, ’ish): This word means “man” or “person,” emphasizing that Elihu is comparing Job’s behavior to that of any other person, suggesting Job is unique in this way.
• up (שָׁתָה, shatah): This verb means “to drink,” and here it paints a vivid picture of Job taking in scorn as easily as someone drinks water, suggesting it is effortless and frequent for him.
• scorning (לַעַג, la‘ag): This word means “mockery” or “scorn.” It shows that the criticism or ridicule Job faces is not mild, but something sharp and biting.
• water (מַיִם, mayim): Water is a basic, everyday necessity, so the comparison suggests that Job’s acceptance of scorn is just as natural and constant as drinking water.

Why Job 34:7 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Job was simply ignoring criticism; instead, Elihu is saying Job seems to accept it almost eagerly or without resistance.
• The verse emphasizes Elihu’s view that Job’s attitude is not normal—he stands out among people for how he handles mockery.
• In the wider context, this statement is part of Elihu’s attempt to challenge Job’s claims of innocence and to question Job’s response to suffering and accusation.