For Job has declaredJob, a central figure in the book named after him, is known for his righteousness and suffering. This phrase introduces Job's own words, highlighting his self-assessment amidst his trials. Job's declarations throughout the book are part of a larger dialogue with his friends and God, reflecting his struggle to understand his suffering. The narrative is set in the land of Uz, a region whose exact location is uncertain but is thought to be in the area of Edom or northern Arabia, emphasizing Job's status as a non-Israelite who still worships the true God.
‘I am righteous
Job's claim to righteousness is consistent with the opening chapters of the book, where God Himself describes Job as "blameless and upright." This assertion is not one of sinless perfection but rather a reflection of his integrity and faithfulness to God. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, righteousness was often associated with adherence to social and religious norms. Job's insistence on his righteousness is a key theme, as it challenges the retributive justice theology held by his friends, who believe suffering is always a result of personal sin.
yet God has deprived me of justice.
Job's lament that God has deprived him of justice reflects his deep sense of confusion and betrayal. In the ancient world, justice was seen as a divine attribute, and the expectation was that the righteous would be rewarded while the wicked would be punished. Job's experience contradicts this expectation, leading to his profound theological crisis. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate resolution of the book, where God addresses Job's concerns directly. The theme of divine justice is echoed in other scriptures, such asPsalm 73, where the psalmist grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. Job's cry for justice can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, though sinless, suffered unjustly, ultimately fulfilling God's redemptive purposes.
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's assertions and offers a different perspective on God's justice and righteousness.
3.
GodThe sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing and ultimately restores him. His justice and righteousness are central themes in the discourse.
4.
The Land of UzThe setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.
5.
The Heavenly CourtThe unseen realm where God permits Satan to test Job, setting the stage for the events of the book.
Teaching Points
Understanding RighteousnessJob's claim of righteousness challenges us to consider what true righteousness is. It is not merely about being blameless in human terms but aligning with God's standards.
Perception of JusticeJob feels deprived of justice, prompting us to reflect on our understanding of divine justice versus human justice. God's ways are higher than ours.
Responding to SufferingJob's response to his suffering can teach us about maintaining faith and integrity even when we do not understand our circumstances.
The Role of Friends in SufferingElihu's intervention shows the importance of wise counsel and the need for friends who can point us back to God's truth during trials.
God's SovereigntyThe account reminds us of God's ultimate control and purpose, encouraging trust in His sovereign plan even when it is not immediately apparent.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 34:5?
2.How does Job 34:5 challenge our understanding of God's justice?
3.What does Job's claim of innocence reveal about his relationship with God?
4.How can we reconcile Job 34:5 with Romans 3:23 about sinfulness?
5.In what ways can we trust God's justice in our own trials?
6.How should Job 34:5 influence our response to personal suffering?
7.How does Job 34:5 challenge the concept of divine justice?
8.Why does Job claim innocence in Job 34:5?
9.What does Job 34:5 reveal about human suffering?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 34?
11.Job 34:12 - Elihu insists God always acts justly; how does this align with texts describing God commanding destruction (e.g., Joshua 6)?
12.In Job 4:7, how could Eliphaz assert that no innocent person has ever perished when history shows countless examples of righteous people suffering?
13.How could an 'evil spirit from the Lord' (1 Samuel 19:9) align with a belief in a benevolent God?
14.In Job 15:34-35, how can the harsh depiction of divine judgment be squared with other biblical passages emphasizing God's mercy (e.g., Psalm 103:8)?What Does Job 34:5 Mean
For Job has declaredElihu introduces a direct quotation, making it clear he is responding to Job’s own words (Job 33:12). The term “for” shows he is building his argument on what Job himself has said, not on rumor or assumption (Job 32:3).
• Elihu’s method reminds us ofProverbs 18:13—listen first, then answer.
• By repeating Job’s claims, he is holding Job accountable for them, in line withMatthew 12:37: “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
• Scripture often records human words accurately even when those words are flawed (Psalm 14:1). Here, Job’s statement is truthful to his experience but incomplete in its theology.
I am righteousJob is asserting his integrity, not claiming sinless perfection (Job 1:1;Job 31:6).
• God Himself had called Job “blameless and upright” (Job 1:8), showing personal righteousness is possible in a relative sense (Luke 1:6).
• YetRomans 3:23 keeps us humble: “all have sinned.” Job’s righteousness is real but not absolute.
• Job longs for vindication before friends who accuse him falsely (Job 19:25). His statement echoesPsalm 26:1, where David says, “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity.”
Yet God has deprived me of justiceJob feels God has denied him a fair hearing, interpreting his suffering as divine injustice (Job 27:2).
• Emotionally honest lament is common in Scripture (Psalm 73:3-13;Habakkuk 1:2-4).
• Elihu counters that God is never unjust (Deuteronomy 32:4;Psalm 89:14). Suffering can have purposes beyond immediate understanding (Romans 11:33).
• Bullet points that explain why justice seems delayed:
– Timing: God’s timetable differs from ours (2 Peter 3:8).
– Perspective: God works “all things” for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
– Revelation: Trials refine faith (1 Peter 1:6-7).
summaryJob 34:5 captures Job’s heartfelt claim: “I’m innocent, but God won’t give me justice.” Elihu repeats the words to show respect for Job’s pain while preparing to correct his theology. Job’s integrity is real, yet even genuine saints can misread God’s ways. The verse invites believers to bring honest complaints to God but also to trust His unfailing justice, knowing He may have purposes we cannot yet see.
(5)
For Job hath said.--See
Job 13:18-19;
Job 27:2, especially.
Verse 5. -
For Job hath said, I am righteous. Job had maintained his "righteousness" in a certain sense,
i.e. his integrity, his honesty, his conviction that God would ultimately acquit him; but he had not maintained his sinlessness (see the comment on Job 33:9). He had not even said, in so many words, "I am righteous." The nearest that he had come to saying it was when (in
Job 13:18) he had exclaimed, "I know that I shall be held righteous," or "justified."
And God hath taken away my judgment. Job had said this (
Job 27:2), but in the sense that God had withheld from him the judgment on his cause which he desired, not that he had perverted judgment, and wrongfully condemned him (see the 'Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 4. p. 97).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionJobאִיּ֣וֹב(’î·yō·wḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347:Job -- a patriarchhas declared,אָ֭מַר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘I am righteous,צָדַ֑קְתִּי(ṣā·ḏaq·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6663:To be just or righteousyet Godוְ֝אֵ֗ל(wə·’êl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410:Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almightyhas deprived me ofהֵסִ֥יר(hê·sîr)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493:To turn asidejustice.מִשְׁפָּטִֽי׃(miš·pā·ṭî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style
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OT Poetry: Job 34:5 For Job has said 'I am righteous (Jb) 
