Job 34 21

Job 34:21 kjv

For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

Job 34:21 nkjv

"For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.

Job 34:21 niv

"His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

Job 34:21 esv

"For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.

Job 34:21 nlt

"For God watches how people live;
he sees everything they do.

Job 34 verses

Job 34 21 Meaning

Job 34:21 declares that God possesses perfect knowledge and ceaseless observation of all humanity. His "eyes" represent His omniscient presence, meticulously monitoring every aspect of a person's life, from their broad "ways" or moral conduct to the most minute "steps" or individual actions and intentions. This statement, delivered by Elihu, serves to affirm God's absolute justice, demonstrating that His judgments are always founded on complete and unshakeable awareness of every deed.

Job 34 21 Context

Job 34:21 is spoken by Elihu, a younger man who intervenes in the debate between Job and his three friends. Elihu seeks to provide a more nuanced theological perspective, distinct from both Job's self-vindication and his friends' simplistic accusation that Job must be suffering due to unconfessed sin. In this chapter, Elihu passionately defends God's absolute righteousness and justice against Job's implicit challenges. He asserts that God is incapable of wrongdoing, is mighty, sovereign, and governs all creation justly. Verse 21 specifically provides the foundational reason for God's unerring justice: His omniscience. Elihu emphasizes that God does not need to investigate or rely on external information, as He already observes and knows every detail of human conduct. This counters any idea that God might be unaware of human suffering, ignorance of their good deeds, or that sinners could escape divine notice. Elihu portrays God as meticulously aware of humanity's choices and actions, thereby affirming the fairness of divine retribution or reward.

Job 34 21 Word analysis

• For: The Hebrew particle "כִּי" (kî) here introduces a reason or explanation, linking this statement to Elihu's previous declarations about God's justice and righteousness (e.g., Job 34:10, 17). It implies, "because..." or "indeed...".
• His eyes: The Hebrew "עֵינָיו" (ʿênâw) is the plural construct form of ayin, meaning "eyes." The plural emphasizes the completeness and unceasing nature of God's observation. In biblical literature, "eyes" of God often represent His awareness, perception, and divine attention, not literal eyes. This denotes omnipresent vigilance and discernment.
• are on: Implies active watchfulness and continuous focus. It's not a passive glance but an engaged, discerning oversight. This reinforces the idea of God's attentiveness to every human activity.
• the ways: The Hebrew "דַּרְכֵי" (darkê) is the plural construct of derek, meaning "way," "path," or "road." Metaphorically, it refers to one's course of life, behavior, conduct, character, or moral choices. It encompasses the entirety of a person's lifestyle and direction.
• of a man: The Hebrew "אִישׁ" (ʾîš) refers to an individual person, a man, but in context represents humanity generally. It signifies that God's observation applies universally to all people.
• and He sees: The Hebrew verb "יִרְאֶה" (yirʾeh), from the root raʾah, means "to see," "to perceive," "to observe," or "to discern." It signifies direct, active, and complete comprehension. This isn't just physical sight but profound spiritual insight.
• all: The Hebrew "כֹּל" (kol) is a quantifier meaning "all," "every," or "whole." It underscores the totality and comprehensiveness of God's knowledge. No action, no matter how small or hidden, is excluded from His awareness.
• his steps: The Hebrew "צְעָדָיו" (ṣĕʿādâw) is the plural construct form of tsaʿad, meaning "step," "pace," or "stride." Metaphorically, it represents the minutiae of human actions, individual deeds, movements, or the progression of one's life. This emphasizes the meticulous detail with which God observes.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For His eyes are on the ways of a man": This phrase asserts God's overarching and continuous surveillance of human life. It means that God observes the general conduct and moral direction of every person's life, implying an awareness of their character and chosen paths. This negates the idea that God is aloof or indifferent.
• "and He sees all his steps": This part intensifies the preceding statement by specifying the depth of God's knowledge. It clarifies that God's observation extends beyond the general "ways" to the most specific and minute actions, decisions, and movements (steps). It signifies that nothing, not even the slightest or most secret action, escapes His perfect vision. This detailed knowledge ensures that God's judgment is based on the full scope of a person's life.

Job 34 21 Bonus section

The affirmation of God's comprehensive knowledge of "ways" and "steps" is not only a declaration of omniscience but also underpins the biblical doctrines of divine accountability, providence, and divine sovereignty. Because God sees every step, He can justly hold humanity accountable for every deed (Eccl 12:14). His knowledge also forms the basis for His providential care, guiding the steps of the righteous (Prov 3:6) or bringing judgment upon the wicked. From a theological perspective, this verse refutes any ancient Near Eastern polytheistic notions of limited deities who might only be concerned with specific geographical areas or limited aspects of human life. Instead, the God of Job is portrayed as universally present, omniscient, and ethically engaged with all humanity. This also explains why God is able to justly repay everyone according to their works, as Elihu immediately argues in Job 34:25, knowing precisely who is innocent and who is guilty.

Job 34 21 Commentary

Job 34:21 is a powerful assertion of divine omniscience, a cornerstone of God's just governance of the world. Elihu employs this truth to dismantle Job's complaints that God is arbitrary or unaware of his righteousness. The verse highlights that God's judgments are not based on incomplete information or whims, but on a perfect, constant, and granular awareness of every human deed, every choice, and every intention. The "eyes" and "sees" emphasize God's unceasing, active observation, making it impossible for any act, whether good or evil, public or secret, to be hidden from Him. The "ways" signify general patterns of life and character, while "steps" pinpoint the individual, even microscopic, acts that comprise those patterns. This meticulous divine knowledge ensures absolute justice and renders futile any attempt to deceive God or imagine escape from accountability. Practically, it encourages living a life of integrity, knowing that all actions are seen by God, and offers comfort that genuinely righteous deeds will not be overlooked by the divine Judge.