If only Job were tried to the utmostThis phrase suggests a desire for Job to undergo a thorough examination or trial. In the context of the Book of Job, this reflects the ongoing debate between Job and his friends about the nature of suffering and righteousness. Elihu, the speaker here, believes that Job's complaints and assertions warrant further scrutiny. The idea of being "tried to the utmost" can be connected to the biblical theme of testing faith, as seen in passages like
James 1:2-4, where trials are said to produce perseverance and maturity in faith. Theologically, this reflects the belief that God allows trials to refine and purify believers, much like gold is refined by fire (
1 Peter 1:7).
for answering like a wicked man
Elihu accuses Job of speaking in a manner similar to the wicked, implying that Job's words are irreverent or blasphemous. This accusation is significant in the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, where speech was considered a reflection of one's character and relationship with the divine. In the broader narrative of Job, this accusation is part of the tension between Job's insistence on his innocence and his friends' belief that suffering is always a result of sin. Theologically, this phrase challenges readers to consider the nature of righteous speech and the importance of maintaining faith and integrity even in the face of suffering. It also foreshadows the ultimate vindication of Job by God, who rebukes the friends for not speaking rightly about Him (Job 42:7).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and his quest for understanding God's justice.
2.
ElihuA younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He is critical of Job and his friends, believing that Job has spoken wrongly about God.
3.
The Friends of JobEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up arguing that his suffering must be due to sin.
4.
GodThe ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose justice and ways are beyond human understanding.
5.
The Land of UzThe setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.
Teaching Points
Understanding SufferingSuffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. Job's account challenges the simplistic view of retributive justice and encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom.
The Role of TestingElihu's call for Job to be tested reflects a belief that trials can reveal true character and faith. Believers are encouraged to see trials as opportunities for growth and refinement.
Guarding Our WordsElihu accuses Job of speaking like a wicked man. This serves as a reminder to be mindful of our words, especially in times of distress, ensuring they reflect faith and trust in God.
The Importance of HumilityElihu's speeches remind us of the need for humility before God. We must acknowledge our limited understanding and submit to God's greater wisdom.
Community and CounselThe interactions between Job and his friends highlight the importance of providing compassionate and wise counsel, rather than judgment, to those who are suffering.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 34:36?
2.How does Job 34:36 challenge us to examine our own faithfulness to God?
3.What does Elihu's desire for Job's testing reveal about righteous suffering?
4.How can Job 34:36 inspire us to trust God's wisdom in trials?
5.Connect Job 34:36 with James 1:2-4 on enduring trials with perseverance.
6.How can we apply Elihu's perspective to support others facing spiritual struggles?
7.What does Job 34:36 reveal about God's justice and human suffering?
8.How does Job 34:36 challenge our understanding of divine testing?
9.Why does Elihu wish for Job to be tested further in Job 34:36?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 34?
11.Job 34:29 - If God can remain silent, how can we reliably distinguish divine justice from random events or coincidences?
12.In Job 36:6-7, where it states the righteous are exalted while the wicked are cut off, why do wicked individuals often thrive, and the righteous sometimes suffer?
13.In Job 12:6, how does the idea that 'the tents of robbers are at peace' harmonize with other scriptures that insist the wicked are eventually punished?
14.In Job 20:6-7, how can Zophar's claim that the wicked perish quickly align with historical records showing many oppressive rulers prospered for extended periods?What Does Job 34:36 Mean
If only Job- Elihu longs that Job’s case be revisited. He believes Job’s words merit fresh scrutiny (Job 34:31-33).
- Job had earlier maintained, “I am guiltless” (Job 9:21), yet God Himself had called him “blameless and upright” (Job 1:8; 2:3).
- Tension arises: Elihu questions Job’s tone, while Scripture has already affirmed Job’s integrity.
were tried to the utmost- Elihu thinks a deeper testing will reveal Job’s heart, echoing the refining imagery: “He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
- Trials in God’s hand purify rather than destroy (James 1:2-4;1 Peter 1:6-7).
- Elihu’s wish, however, assumes Job still needs exposure, not just refinement.
for answering- Job’s replies had grown sharp: “Let God weigh me in honest scales” (Job 31:6).
- Elihu hears defiance: Job “multiplies words without knowledge” (Job 34:35).
- Yet Job’s speeches also contain faith-filled pleas (Job 13:15). Honest lament and bold questioning coexist.
like a wicked man- Elihu equates Job’s self-defense with the talk of rebels: “For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing to delight in God’” (Job 34:9).
- Scripture warns against such cynicism (Psalm 1:1;Malachi 3:14-15).
- Still, labeling Job “wicked” oversteps what God will later confirm (Job 42:7-8).
summaryElihu urges maximum testing because he hears Job speaking with the tone of the ungodly. He assumes further affliction will expose hidden sin and silence irreverent words. The verse shows Elihu’s zeal for God’s honor but also his limited view of suffering. Job’s trials are already proving the genuineness of a believer’s faith, not unveiling secret wickedness.
(36)
My desire is that Job may be tried.--There seems to be reason to prefer the marginal rendering, and consider the words as addressed to God: "Oh my Father, let Job be tried, &c." "
Pater mi probetur Job," Vulg. Elihu's words cannot have fallen upon Job with more acceptance or with lighter weight than those of his other friends. He must have felt, however, that his cause was safe with God, whatever the misunderstanding of men.
Because of his answers for wicked men.Rather,his answering like wicked men.
Verse 36. -
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end; literally,
Would that Job were tested to the uttermost!
- "tested'"
i.e., as gold is tested, by the touchstone, and "to the uttermost," so that there should be no doubt as to the result. Elihu had his wish. Job was tried as severely as possible, and the issue was pronounced by God himself. "Ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right,
as my servant Job hath" (ch. 42:8, Revised Version).
Because of his answers for wicked men; rather,
after the manner of wicked men (comp. above, vers. 5, 6, 9.). This was the view which Elihu took of Job's rash words.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
If onlyאָבִ֗י(’ā·ḇî)Interjection
Strong's 15:LongingJobאִיּ֣וֹב(’î·yō·wḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347:Job -- a patriarchwere triedיִבָּחֵ֣ן(yib·bā·ḥên)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 974:To test, to investigatetoעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethe utmostנֶ֑צַח(ne·ṣaḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5331:Eminence, enduring, everlastingness, perpetuityforעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstansweringתְּ֝שֻׁבֹ֗ת(tə·šu·ḇōṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8666:A recurrence, a replylike a wickedאָֽוֶן׃(’ā·wen)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205:Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idolman.בְּאַנְשֵׁי־(bə·’an·šê-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male person
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OT Poetry: Job 34:36 I wish that Job were tried (Jb) 
