Job 35 14

Job 35:14 kjv

Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

Job 35:14 nkjv

Although you say you do not see Him, Yet justice is before Him, and you must wait for Him.

Job 35:14 niv

How much less, then, will he listen when you say that you do not see him, that your case is before him and you must wait for him,

Job 35:14 esv

How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him!

Job 35:14 nlt

You say you can't see him,
but he will bring justice if you will only wait.

Job 35 verses

Job 35 14 Meaning

Elihu contends that Job's complaint about not seeing God or not being heard is ill-founded. He argues that if God does not listen to vain or empty prayers (as stated in v. 13), how much less will He listen to Job's accusations of divine inattention, especially when God's justice is always present, and Job himself should be patiently waiting and hoping in Him. Elihu is emphasizing God's inherent justice and encouraging Job to maintain trust despite perceived hiddenness and the intensity of his suffering.

Job 35 14 Context

Job 35:14 is embedded within Elihu's fourth and final speech (Job 35-37). Throughout his addresses, Elihu acts as a distinct voice from the earlier friends, aiming to provide a more nuanced theological perspective that corrects both Job's perceived arrogance and the friends' simplistic retributive theology. While Job asserted his innocence and implicitly (or explicitly at times) challenged God's justice, and the friends accused him of specific hidden sins, Elihu introduces the concept of suffering as divine instruction, a means of preventing sin and promoting repentance (Job 33).

In chapter 35, Elihu addresses Job's despair and accusations that God is unconcerned with human affairs. Elihu first clarifies that human actions do not affect God's ultimate nature (v. 6-8) but emphasizes that God does hear the sincere cries of the oppressed (v. 9-12). However, he qualifies this in verse 13, stating that God will not heed "empty" or frivolous cries. Building on this, verse 14 specifically targets Job's lament of not seeing God or being heard, asserting that God would be even less likely to hear such a complaint, especially since His justice is ever-present and visible to discerning eyes, and Job, instead, ought to be in a posture of patient waiting and trust. Elihu implies that Job's current disposition of complaining and perceived abandonment prevents him from recognizing God's active, righteous governance, thus laying theological groundwork for the LORD's direct appearance in chapters 38-41.

Job 35 14 Word analysis

• "How much less then" (Heb. אַף כִּי, aph ki): This intensifying phrase often introduces an argument a fortiori, meaning "even more so" or "even less so." In this context, building on the previous verse (v. 13), if God does not heed the "empty cry" or the "vain thing," then Elihu suggests it's even more improbable that He will heed Job's particular complaint, which is seen as equally unmerited. It critiques the basis or manner of Job's complaint.

• "will he hear" (Heb. יִשְׁמָע, yishma): Derived from the verb שָׁמַע (shama), meaning "to hear," "to listen attentively," "to understand," and implicitly, "to respond" or "to heed." Elihu questions God's willingness to give favorable attention to Job's specific form of address.

• "when you say you do not see him" (Heb. כִּי תֹּאמַר לֹא תֶּחֱזֶה לוֹ, ki tomear lo techezeh lo):

  • תֹּאמַר (tomar): "you say." Refers to Job's explicit verbal grievances or inner convictions.
  • לֹא תֶּחֱזֶה לוֹ (lo techezeh lo): "you do not behold him." The verb חָזָה (hazah) means to "behold," "perceive," "envision," or "have a vision." Job's complaint is not merely physical blindness to God, but a feeling of His spiritual absence, unresponsiveness, or an inability to grasp His actions in his suffering.

• "though justice is before him" (Heb. מִשְׁפָּט לְפָנָיו הוּא, mishpat lefanav hu):

  • מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat): A multifaceted Hebrew term encompassing "justice," "judgment," "right," "equity," "decree," "governance," and "due process." It signifies God's unchanging righteous standard and His active upholding of moral order. It points to His intrinsic character and constant, equitable operation in the world.
  • לְפָנָיו הוּא (lefanav hu): "it is before His face" or "in His presence." This emphasizes that God's justice is not distant or hidden but continually present, inherent in His being, and ever-active in His governance of creation.

• "and you wait for him!" (Heb. וְתִּיחַל לֹו, v'tiychal lo):

  • תִּיחַל (tiychal): From the verb יָחַל (yakhal), meaning "to wait," "to hope," "to expect with patience," "to put one's trust in." This phrase introduces the expected and proper attitude towards God, contrasting with Job's complaints. Elihu implies that Job should be exercising faith, patience, and hope, given that God's justice is perpetually before Him.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "How much less then will he hear, when you say you do not see him...": This part frames Elihu's indictment of Job. By linking God's non-hearing to Job's specific complaint of not perceiving Him, Elihu implies that Job's current perspective and accusations are precisely what create a barrier to divine attention. This suggests a call for Job to reconsider his inner disposition and verbal expressions toward God.
  • "...though justice is before him and you wait for him!": This segment provides Elihu's corrective and constructive admonition. Despite Job's perceived hiddenness of God, God's inherent justice is continuously active and present. Therefore, the appropriate human response, even amidst inexplicable suffering, is one of hopeful anticipation and trust, not one of accusation or despair. It shifts the focus from Job's lament to God's enduring character and the call for enduring faith.

Job 35 14 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrase for "you wait for him" (וְתִּיחַל לֹו, v'tiychal lo) carries significant depth beyond mere passive waiting. Yakhal denotes a strong, often enduring, hopeful expectation or trust. This nuances Elihu's point: it's not simply that Job must passively endure, but that he ought to actively place his trust and hope in God. This active waiting is a theological counterpoint to Job's complaints, suggesting that trust in God's ever-present justice is the appropriate response to the paradox of righteous suffering. Elihu thus sets the stage for the revelation of God from the whirlwind (Job 38-41), where Job learns about God's sovereignty and wisdom, rather than just His justice, demonstrating that true understanding often requires humility and patience. The verse, therefore, implicitly suggests that aligning one's posture with God's enduring character is key to discerning His purposes and experiencing His peace, rather than focusing on the limitations of human perception.

Job 35 14 Commentary

Elihu's assertion in Job 35:14 functions as a pivotal theological point within his broader discourse, challenging Job's perceived sense of abandonment by God. He doesn't deny God's power to hear but questions God's willingness to favorably listen to Job's specific lament, given its accusatory tone and presumed spiritual shortsightedness. The crucial element is Elihu's declaration that "justice is before Him," highlighting God's constant and unwavering commitment to righteousness. This foundational truth implies that even when God's ways are inscrutable or His presence feels distant, His just nature remains intrinsic to His being and actions. The verse thus pivots from critiquing Job's impatience to admonishing him for not embracing the rightful posture of "waiting for Him"—an active, hopeful, and trusting expectation of God's ultimate righteous intervention. Elihu posits that true faith perseveres not by demanding immediate answers or visible presence, but by patiently relying on God's just character, even through the darkest trials.