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34 Men of understanding say to me—
any wise man listening to me says—
35 that[a] Job speaks without knowledge
and his words are without understanding.[b]
36 But[c] Job will be tested to the end,
because his answers are like those of wicked men.
37 For he adds transgression[d] to his sin;
in our midst he claps his hands,[e]
and multiplies his words against God.”

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Footnotes

  1. Job 34:35 tn Adding “that” in the translation clarifies Elihu’s indirect citation of the wise individuals’ words.
  2. Job 34:35 tn The Hiphil infinitive construct is here functioning as a substantive. The word means “prudence; understanding.”
  3. Job 34:36 tc The MT reads אָבִי (ʾavi, “my father”), which makes no sense. Some follow the KJV and emend the word to make a verb “I desire” or use the noun “my desire of it.” Others follow an Arabic word meaning “entreat, I pray” (cf. ESV, “Would that Job were tried”). The LXX and the Syriac versions have “but” and “surely” respectively. Since this is the only ms support, albeit weak, it may be the best choice. In this sense Elihu would be saying that because of Job’s attitude God will continue to test him.
  4. Job 34:37 tn Although frequently translated “rebellion,” the basic meaning of this Hebrew term is “transgression.”
  5. Job 34:37 tc If this reading stands, it would mean that Job shows contempt, meaning that he mocks them and accuses God. It is a bold touch, but workable. Of the many suggested emendations, Dhorme alters some of the vowels and obtains a reading “and casts doubt among us,” and then takes “transgression” from the first colon for the complement. Some commentators simply delete the line.

34 Smart people say to me,
        the wise who hear me,
35     “Job speaks without knowledge;
        his words aren’t astute.”
36 I wish Job would be tested to the limit
    because he responds like evil people.
37 He adds rebellion to his sin;
    mocks us openly
    and adds to his words against God.

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