Job 34 37

Job 34:37 kjv

For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Job 34:37 nkjv

For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God."

Job 34:37 niv

To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."

Job 34:37 esv

For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."

Job 34:37 nlt

For you have added rebellion to your sin;
you show no respect,
and you speak many angry words against God."

Job 34 verses

Job 34 37 Meaning

Job 34:37 describes Elihu's climactic accusation against Job. He asserts that Job, not content with merely having sinned, has compounded his wrongdoing by actively rebellious acts and public expressions of contempt against God. Elihu sees Job's laments and defenses as escalating from an unfortunate suffering into a direct and multiplied verbal assault on divine justice and sovereignty. This verse highlights the progression of Job's perceived sinfulness in Elihu's eyes: from initial wrong to defiant rebellion and escalating blasphemy.

Job 34 37 Context

Job 34:37 is a part of Elihu's extensive discourse, which spans chapters 32-37. Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, positions himself as a wise observer who believes both Job and the three friends have missed the true understanding of God's ways and the nature of suffering. He accuses the friends of failing to answer Job, and Job himself of being overly self-righteous and accusatory towards God.

In chapter 34, Elihu presents a strong argument for God's absolute righteousness and justice. He asserts that God cannot do wrong, and that affliction serves a purpose, often for discipline or to humble. He critiques Job directly in verses 7-9, highlighting Job's statements where he seems to declare his own righteousness and suggest God is unjust. Verse 37, therefore, serves as Elihu's concluding and most severe indictment of Job's attitude throughout the dialogues. Elihu perceives Job's prolonged complaints, defenses of his innocence, and direct questioning of divine justice as not just grieving over suffering but an escalating rebellion against the Almighty and His character, publicly displayed and repeatedly verbalized.

Job 34 37 Word analysis

• For he adds (וְיֹסִיף – v'yosif): This Hebrew verb indicates a continued action or an increase. Elihu suggests that Job is not merely caught in a momentary sin, but that he compounds or escalates his wrongdoing. It implies a progression, where one layer of offense is laid upon another, making the situation worse.
• rebellion (פֶּשַׁע – pesha): This is a strong Hebrew word for sin, often implying a deliberate breach of covenant, a high-handed revolt, or a defiant transgression against an authority. It is more than just missing the mark (חַטָּאת - chatta't) or iniquity (עָווֹן - avon); it suggests a willful act of treason or uprising.
• to his sin (עַל־חַטָּאתוֹ – 'al chatta'to): The "sin" here, chatta't, denotes missing the mark, moral failing, or a trespass. Elihu suggests Job already has "sin," but then adds rebellion to it. This combination highlights an escalation from perhaps unintentional wrongdoing or human weakness to a conscious, defiant posture against God.
• He claps his hands (יְסַפֵּק כַּפַּיִם – yesappeq kappayim): While sometimes a sign of joy or assent, in this context, 'clapping hands' is a strong gesture of derision, scorn, contempt, or mockery. It is a non-verbal act of insolence or disdain, suggesting that Job is expressing open disrespect. This is not a private lament but a public, defiant act.
• among us (בָּנוּ – banu): This phrase emphasizes the public nature of Job's perceived offense. Elihu implies that Job's defiant actions and words are not merely personal grievances whispered in private, but openly displayed for all to witness, including the friends present. It brings an element of scandal and setting a bad example before others.
• And multiplies (וְיַרְבֶּה – v'yarbeh): From the root "to be many" or "to be great," this indicates an increase in quantity or intensity. Elihu asserts that Job isn't just speaking, but speaking a lot or more and more. It denotes persistent, repeated, and escalating verbal opposition.
• his words (אֲמָרָיו – amarav): Refers specifically to Job's utterances, his speeches, or claims. This clarifies that Job's rebellion is articulated verbally, not just an internal attitude. It's about what Job has actually said in the preceding chapters of dialogue.
• against God (אֶל אֵל – el 'el): This prepositional phrase indicates direct confrontation or opposition "towards God" or "against God." It points to the direct target of Job's multiplying words – not the friends, not fate, but God Himself, challenging His justice, power, or wisdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For he adds rebellion to his sin": This phrase emphasizes a qualitative progression of Job's offense. It's not just a momentary lapse, but a deliberate, increasing act of defiance (pesha) heaped upon existing moral failing (chatta't). This elevates the charge from simple human error to a graver, intentional act of contempt against divine authority.
• "He claps his hands among us": This is a powerful, visual image of public derision. It paints a picture of Job actively displaying his contempt in front of others. This move from a personal attitude to an open, defiant gesture intensifies Elihu's accusation of Job's growing insolence and lack of reverence, publicly shaming not just God but also those who bear witness.
• "And multiplies his words against God": This highlights the persistent and growing nature of Job's verbal accusations. It's not just one or two complaints, but a cascade of utterances directed against the Almighty. Elihu views Job's voluminous speech not as honest lament but as persistent, escalating blasphemy that directly impugns God's character and justice.

Job 34 37 Bonus section

While Elihu's diagnosis of Job's attitude is sharp and highlights the grave danger of self-righteous rebellion against God, it's crucial to remember that Elihu, like the other friends, does not possess full divine understanding. Elihu's perspective is limited, and he wrongly imputes an escalation of rebellion and contempt to Job that God Himself does not ultimately affirm in Job 42. God eventually commends Job's righteous speech compared to the friends (including Elihu by implication, though Elihu's theology is often seen as more profound). This verse powerfully captures the perception of Job's behavior by his interlocutors and serves as a strong warning against allowing hardship to lead to impious or blasphemous speech against God, regardless of actual innocence or suffering. The specific sin that Elihu accuses Job of – adding "rebellion" (pesha') to "sin" (chatta't) – denotes an offense far more serious than a simple mistake or failing; it implies intentional rejection of divine authority, a theological "high treason."

Job 34 37 Commentary

Job 34:37 represents Elihu's ultimate condemnation of Job, concluding his argument about Job's inappropriate response to suffering. He asserts that Job has moved beyond understandable grief into outright defiance of God. Elihu sees Job as compounding his inherent human sinfulness with "rebellion" – a strong term indicating deliberate, high-handed revolt against God's sovereignty. The imagery of "clapping his hands among us" conveys Job's public scorn and contempt, suggesting he is openly deriding divine justice. Furthermore, Job is accused of "multiplying his words against God," indicating a persistent and escalating barrage of accusations against the Almighty. Elihu implies that Job's constant verbal justifications and challenges to God's ways constitute a form of verbal assault, escalating beyond legitimate questioning to active blasphemy. This verse, therefore, captures Elihu's core message that Job, through his relentless complaints, has adopted a profoundly irreverent and defiant posture toward God, disregarding the need for humility and trust even amidst inexplicable suffering. Elihu believes this attitude demands repentance rather than self-justification.

Practical examples of this principle could involve:

• A believer who, facing hardship, moves from heartfelt prayer and lament to cynical complaints and direct accusations against God's character or fairness.
• Someone who not only questions divine justice privately but publicly speaks ill of God, inspiring others to doubt or blaspheme.
• An individual who, despite receiving clear instruction, persistently argues against God's will and words rather than submitting.