Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.

JOB 36:9KJV
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Job 36:9 (KJV)

What does Job 36:9 mean?

Job 36:9 says that God makes people aware of what they have done and shows them how they have gone wrong when they have crossed the line. The verse highlights that God reveals both a person’s actions and the ways those actions have gone beyond what is right.

In this part of the book, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, explaining how God deals with people. Elihu is saying that God does not ignore wrongdoing but instead brings it to light, making sure people understand their deeds and where they have overstepped. The verse fits into Elihu’s larger point that God is just and uses suffering or trouble to teach and correct people.

The Hebrew behind Job 36:9

  • "sheweth" (נָגַד, nagad): This word means to make known, declare, or show clearly. Here, it emphasizes that God does not leave people in the dark about their actions; He actively reveals what they have done.
  • "work" (פֹּעַל, po'al): This word refers to a person’s deeds or actions. The focus is on what someone has actually done, not just their intentions.
  • "transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word means rebellion or breaking away from what is right. It highlights not just mistakes, but willful wrongdoing.
  • "exceeded" (גָּבַר, gavar): This word means to become strong or to go beyond limits. In this verse, it points to the idea of going too far—crossing a boundary in wrongdoing.

Why Job 36:9 matters

  • Job 36:9 clarifies that God’s response to wrongdoing is not hidden or mysterious; He makes sure people see where they have gone wrong.
  • The verse emphasizes both actions and attitudes, showing that God cares about what people do and how far they have strayed.
  • This verse connects to Elihu’s broader message that suffering can be a way God uses to teach, correct, and bring people back to what is right, rather than simply being punishment.

Where else these words appear

“exceeded” Hebrew H1396 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
  • 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
  • Psalms 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

“work” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 44:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“transgressions” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.