Job 36 6

Job 36:6 kjv

He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.

Job 36:6 nkjv

He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed.

Job 36:6 niv

He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights.

Job 36:6 esv

He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right.

Job 36:6 nlt

He does not let the wicked live
but gives justice to the afflicted.

Job 36 verses

Job 36 6 Meaning

Job 36:6 proclaims God's unwavering justice, stating that He does not sustain the lives of the persistently wicked. In stark contrast, He actively grants justice and vindication to the poor, humble, and afflicted. This verse emphasizes God's impartial judgment, wherein He ensures the righteous suffer no lasting oppression, while the unrighteous cannot evade ultimate consequences for their rebellion.

Job 36 6 Context

Job 36:6 is part of Elihu's fourth and final speech (chapters 34-37). Elihu presents himself as a spokesperson for God's wisdom, aiming to correct Job's perspective. He defends God's character against Job's accusations of injustice. In this chapter, Elihu explains God's omnipotence and righteous administration of the world. He posits that God is exalted in His power (v. 22) and deals impartially with humanity. The verse directly contrasts God's treatment of the wicked with His care for the afflicted, framing suffering and prosperity within the context of God's just governance, particularly in a patriarchal society where the concept of direct divine reward and retribution was prominent. Elihu tries to emphasize God's consistent justice and sovereignty over all events, countering Job's despair over what appears to be divine indifference.

Job 36 6 Word analysis

• He: Refers to God (אֵל - ’Ēl in context). Elihu attributes these actions directly to the sovereign God. The divine "He" signifies ultimate authority and power in meting out justice.
• preserveth (לֹא יְחַיֶּה - lo yechayyeh): From the root חָיָה (chayah), meaning "to live, to sustain, to keep alive." The negation lo makes it "does not keep alive" or "does not sustain life." It's not necessarily an instantaneous cessation of life but rather God's refusal to bless, protect, or prolong the life of the wicked in any meaningful, prosperous sense, often leading to their ultimate downfall. This contrasts with divine preservation offered to the righteous.
• not (לֹא - lo): A strong negation, emphasizing God's deliberate withholding of favor or sustenance.
• life (נֶפֶשׁ - nefesh): In Hebrew thought, nefesh encompasses not only biological life but also the entire being, the soul, vitality, and well-being. So, it means God does not sustain the very existence or flourishing of the wicked.
• of the wicked (רָשָׁע - rasha): This term refers to those who are guilty, unrighteous, defiant towards God's law, and morally corrupt. It represents a state of being and action opposed to righteousness, distinguishing them from those who genuinely seek God.
• but (וְ - ve): A conjunction indicating a sharp contrast or opposition between the two clauses, highlighting God's dual aspect of judgment and salvation.
• giveth (וְיִתֵּן - veyitten): From the root נָתַן (natan), "to give, grant, place." Implies an active bestowal, a deliberate act of divine provision or intervention.
• right (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): This is a critical term, signifying "justice, judgment, legal right, ordinance, due." It doesn't mean merely "fairness" but divine intervention to secure proper rights, to vindicate, or to enforce what is just. It implies a favorable judgment or the upholding of the oppressed party's claim.
• to the poor (עָנִי - ’ani): Refers to those who are afflicted, oppressed, humble, needy, or suffering. In biblical context, ’ani often extends beyond mere economic status to encompass those who are downtrodden, lacking powerful advocates, or in a state of distress and dependence upon God. This often aligns with those who are righteous but suffering unjustly.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• He preserveth not the life of the wicked: This phrase articulates God's active disfavor and eventual judgment upon the unrighteous. It doesn't promise instantaneous destruction but emphasizes that the wicked will ultimately fail to experience God's sustaining grace and protection, leading to their downfall or lack of lasting prosperity. Their temporal success is an illusion; their ultimate end is not preservation but destruction.
• but giveth right to the poor: This directly contrasts with the former statement, revealing God's benevolent and proactive intervention for the downtrodden. "Gives right" means God champions their cause, intervenes on their behalf, secures their vindication, and establishes justice where injustice had prevailed. The "poor" here signify those who are often overlooked or exploited by society, whom God, in His character, lifts up and restores.

Job 36 6 Bonus section

Elihu, although partially understanding God's ways, accurately presents God's character as a righteous Judge who distinguishes between the wicked and the righteous, even if the latter are currently "poor" or afflicted. His theology leans towards a direct retribution model, which, while true in essence for ultimate judgment, struggled to explain Job's current blameless suffering. Nevertheless, this verse emphasizes that God is not capricious but operates on principles of justice and righteousness, a truth central to God's nature throughout Scripture. The "poor" here are not simply economically destitute but those who are marginalized and helpless without divine intervention. God acts as their divine solicitor and upholder.

Job 36 6 Commentary

Elihu's statement in Job 36:6 is a clear articulation of divine justice: God's dealings are always equitable and righteous. He does not provide life-sustaining support or blessing to those who stubbornly remain in wickedness. While they may experience temporary prosperity, their end is one of forfeiture and ruin because God's hand is not preserving them. Conversely, God acts as the advocate and champion of the "poor" or "afflicted"—those who are oppressed, humble, or suffering unjustly. He actively ensures their rights are upheld and justice is administered on their behalf. This underscores God's unwavering moral character: He is neither indifferent to suffering nor lenient towards unrepentant evil. This principle serves as both a warning to the wicked and an encouragement to the afflicted that God will indeed bring about a righteous outcome in His time.