Job 34 24

Job 34:24 kjv

He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.

Job 34:24 nkjv

He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.

Job 34:24 niv

Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.

Job 34:24 esv

He shatters the mighty without investigation and sets others in their place.

Job 34:24 nlt

He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone,
and he sets up others in their place.

Job 34 verses

Job 34 24 Meaning

Elihu declares God's absolute and unquestionable sovereignty over human power structures. God, with His perfect knowledge, swiftly and decisively removes the powerful and influential who misuse their authority or are found wanting, requiring no human-like investigation or lengthy process. He then installs new leaders in their stead, demonstrating His complete control over all earthly dominion. This affirms divine justice and omnipotence against any perceived lack of action or impartiality from God regarding the wicked or the proud.

Job 34 24 Context

Job 34:24 occurs within Elihu's third speech, a pivotal section of the book where he passionately defends God's justice and sovereignty. Job, burdened by immense suffering, had previously accused God of being indifferent, unjust, or arbitrarily afflicting the righteous. Elihu’s address aims to correct Job’s understanding by proclaiming God’s unblemished righteousness and absolute power. This particular verse refutes the idea that God overlooks the transgressions of the powerful or that their authority is beyond His reach. Elihu asserts that God does not need to follow human investigative procedures because He inherently knows all deeds. In ancient Near Eastern societies, earthly rulers held immense power and were often considered inviolable or divinely chosen, expecting their authority to be unquestioned. Elihu’s declaration here serves as a powerful theological polemic, stating that even the mightiest human leaders are fully accountable to God, and He can instantaneously remove and replace them.

Job 34 24 Word analysis

• He (הוּא - Hu'): Refers directly to God, emphasizing His singular, active, and supreme agency. This personal pronoun highlights God's intentional involvement and complete responsibility for these actions.
• shatters (יַכֶּא - yakke'): From the root נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike," "smite," "overthrow," or "destroy." It implies a decisive, often violent, and complete dismantling of power and authority. It signifies God's sudden, powerful intervention to dismantle established might, not a gradual decline.
• the mighty (אַדִּירִים - addirīm): Plural of אַדִּיר (addir), meaning "mighty," "noble," "majestic," "powerful," or "magnificent." This term typically refers to kings, princes, leaders, or any who possess great influence and status. The focus is specifically on those who are exalted in human eyes, underscoring that no earthly power is beyond God’s judgment.
• without investigation (לֹא-חֵקֶר - lō'-ḥēqer):
  • without (לֹא - lō'): A strong negative, meaning "not" or "without."
  • investigation (חֵקֶר - ḥēqer): Means "searching," "examination," "inquiry," "deep investigation." This is a crucial phrase. It means God does not need to search out or investigate facts like human judges do, for His knowledge is inherent, perfect, and instantaneous. This contrasts God's omniscience with the limitations of human justice systems. He needs no evidence, no witnesses, no time for deliberation; He knows all.
• and sets up (וַיַּעֲמֵיד - wayya'ªmid): From the root עָמַד ('amad), meaning "to stand," "to cause to stand," "to raise up," or "to establish." This word signifies God's active role not just in destruction but also in establishing and appointing new order. It points to His constructive power as well as His destructive power, emphasizing His complete sovereign control.
• others (אֲחֵרִים - aḥērim): Plural of אַחֵר (aher), meaning "other," "different," "another." This implies a complete replacement, not merely a modification of existing authority. God can bring in completely new individuals, often those who were previously unknown or considered lowly, further highlighting His sovereign choice.
• in their place (תַּחְתָּם - taḥtām): Means "under them" or "instead of them." It emphasizes the direct substitution, demonstrating that no position of power is permanently secured from divine intervention. It highlights a divine reordering, a direct swapping of one power structure for another.

• "He shatters the mighty without investigation": This phrase powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty and instantaneous justice. Unlike human courts which require meticulous evidence-gathering, God's perfect knowledge (omniscience) means He has no need for investigation. He sees, knows, and acts immediately to dismantle the power of oppressive or wicked authorities, highlighting His non-partial, omniscient judgment that penetrates all facades.
• "and sets up others in their place": This segment reveals God’s constructive aspect of His sovereignty. He doesn't just tear down; He builds up. It underscores that all earthly power and authority originate from Him and are entirely dependent on His will. When He removes one, it is not for a vacuum but for another whom He ordains, illustrating His comprehensive governance over all realms, especially human governance.

Job 34 24 Bonus section

• This verse contributes to the Old Testament concept of divine kingship, emphasizing that even earthly rulers, who might view themselves as supreme, are ultimately accountable to God. Their authority is provisional, granted and removed by the Almighty.
• The contrast between God acting "without investigation" and human justice underscores a fundamental theological truth: God's justice is based on His perfect, intrinsic knowledge of all things (omniscience), rather than on external observation or accumulated evidence.
• The immediate, swift action depicted (implied by "shatters" and "without investigation") serves as a strong counterpoint to Job’s frustration with God's seemingly slow or non-existent justice concerning the wicked prospering. Elihu posits that when God acts, it is decisive and undeniable.
• This verse supports the broader biblical theme that pride and haughtiness lead to downfall, especially for those in positions of power who disregard God's law and justice.

Job 34 24 Commentary

Job 34:24 is Elihu's resounding declaration of God's incontestable and righteous governance. He clarifies that God's justice is not slow or indifferent, nor does it require human-like investigation to ascertain guilt, especially concerning the powerful. Instead, when the mighty abuse their influence or stand condemned by their deeds, God instantaneously "shatters" their authority. This decisive action signifies a complete dismantling of their power, without any judicial process or counsel needed, because God’s perfect knowledge necessitates no such search. Furthermore, God does not leave a void; He actively "sets up others in their place." This illustrates God's perpetual control over the world's affairs, affirming that all human authority is delegated and can be revoked and reassigned at His sovereign discretion. The verse underscores divine impartiality and omnipotence, assuring that no human pride or power is beyond God's reach or unpunished.