For he has saidThis phrase introduces the words of Elihu, one of Job's friends, who is responding to Job's earlier complaints about his suffering. Elihu is attempting to summarize Job's perspective, though he may not fully capture Job's intent. This reflects the ongoing dialogue and debate among Job and his friends about the nature of suffering and righteousness. Elihu's speeches are unique in the Book of Job as they attempt to offer a different perspective from the other friends, focusing on God's justice and sovereignty.
‘It profits a man nothing
Elihu is suggesting that Job has implied that serving God brings no tangible benefit, especially in light of his suffering. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief that the righteous should be rewarded and the wicked punished. The idea of profit or gain from serving God is a recurring theme in wisdom literature, contrasting with the prosperity gospel notion that righteousness leads to material blessings. This phrase challenges the reader to consider the intrinsic value of righteousness apart from material gain.
that he should delight in God.’
Delighting in God implies a deep, personal relationship and joy in God's presence, beyond mere obedience or ritual. Elihu's interpretation of Job's words suggests a misunderstanding of Job's faith, as Job's lamentations are more about his confusion and pain rather than a rejection of God. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of true worship and devotion, which is not contingent on external circumstances. It echoes themes found in Psalms, where delighting in the Lord is associated with spiritual fulfillment and peace (e.g.,Psalm 37:4). This also foreshadows New Testament teachings on finding joy in Christ regardless of trials (e.g.,Philippians 4:4).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ElihuA young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a different perspective on Job's suffering. He is the speaker in
Job 34.
2.
JobA righteous man who suffers immense loss and physical affliction, questioning the justice of God.
3.
Job's FriendsEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who argue that Job's suffering must be due to his sin.
4.
GodThe ultimate authority and judge, whose justice and righteousness are central themes in the Book of Job.
5.
The DialogueThe ongoing conversation between Job, his friends, and Elihu, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and righteousness.
Teaching Points
Understanding MisinterpretationElihu misinterprets Job's words, suggesting that Job believes there is no benefit in delighting in God. This teaches us to be careful in understanding others' perspectives and not to jump to conclusions.
The Value of RighteousnessDespite the trials and suffering, the Bible consistently teaches that delighting in God and living righteously is ultimately rewarding, both spiritually and eternally.
Faith in TrialsJob's account encourages believers to maintain faith and integrity even when circumstances seem to suggest that there is no immediate benefit.
God's Justice and TimingTrusting in God's justice and timing is crucial, as His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and His plans are ultimately for our good.
The Role of CounselElihu's role reminds us of the importance of wise and compassionate counsel, especially when addressing those who are suffering.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 34:9?
2.How does Job 34:9 challenge our understanding of God's justice and goodness?
3.What does Job 34:9 reveal about human perceptions of righteousness and reward?
4.How can Job 34:9 be reconciled with Romans 8:28's promise of good?
5.In what ways can Job 34:9 influence our response to personal suffering?
6.How might Job 34:9 affect our trust in God's plan during trials?
7.Does Job 34:9 suggest that serving God is pointless?
8.How does Job 34:9 challenge the concept of divine justice?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Job 34:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 34?
11.What does it profit to gain the world?
12.Ecclesiastes 7:20 claims no one is righteous--how does this align with biblical figures like Noah and Job who are described as righteous?
13.Does Job 7:20's portrayal of God as a watcher or observer of human sin conflict with the New Testament depiction of a forgiving, grace-filled God?
14.In Job 9:7, the text suggests God can command the sun not to rise, but astronomy shows consistent solar cycles--does this imply poetic exaggeration or a literal event?What Does Job 34:9 Mean
For he has said…Elihu is quoting what he believes Job’s attitude has become. By beginning with “For he has said,” Elihu frames the following words as Job’s own conclusion about life with God.
• This signals a correction is coming, since Elihu thinks Job’s view is off‐target (Job 34:10-12).
• Similar moments appear earlier when Job voiced despair: “It is all the same; therefore I say: ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked’ ” (Job 9:22).
• InPsalm 73:11-13 the psalmist briefly echoes the same complaint before regaining perspective.
It profits a man nothing…Elihu claims Job now doubts any benefit from righteousness.
• “Profit” speaks of gain, reward, or advantage; Elihu suggests Job sees no return on godliness (Job 21:15; 35:3).
• Scripture repeatedly affirms there is profit in fearing God (Proverbs 10:22;1 Timothy 4:8).
• The lament “It is futile to serve God” later reappears among disheartened Israelites (Malachi 3:14), showing this temptation crosses generations.
…that he should delight in God.The specific charge is that Job thinks delighting in God brings no benefit.
• Earlier Job pleaded for communion with God (Job 23:3-6), yet pain has pushed him toward cynicism.
• Delight in God is portrayed elsewhere as the highest good — “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
• New-covenant believers find that delight centered in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
summaryElihu quotes Job to expose what he sees as a tragic misjudgment: concluding that loving God brings no gain. Scripture counters this by affirming that God rewards those who seek Him, both now and eternally. Feeling what Job feels is human; believing what Elihu corrects is error. The verse warns us not to let pain rewrite our theology but to keep trusting that delighting in the Lord is always profitable, because His character is steadfast and His promises are sure.
(9)
It profiteth a man nothing.--Comp. what Job had said (
Job 9:20-22;
Job 9:30-31;
Job 10:6-7;
Job 10:14-15). Eliphaz had virtually said the same thing, though the form in which he cast it was the converse of this (see
Job 22:3), for he had represented it as a matter of indifference to
Godwhether man was righteous or not, which was, of course, to sap the foundations of all morality; for if God cares not whether man is righteous or not, it certainly cannot
profitman to be righteous. On the other hand, Eliphaz had in form uttered the opposite doctrine (
Job 22:21). . . .
Verse 9. -
For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. Again it must be remarked that Job had not said this. The nearest approach to it is to be found in
Job 9:22, where this passage occurs: "It is all one; therefore I say, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked" (Revised Version). Elsewhere Job speaks, not generally, but of his own individual case, remarking that his righteousness has not saved him from calamity (
Job 9:17, 18;
Job 10:15;
Job 17:9-17, etc.). And the fact is one that causes him the deepest perplexity.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionhe has said,אָ֭מַר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘It profitsיִסְכָּן־(yis·kān-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5532:To be familiar with, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customarya manגָּ֑בֶר(gā·ḇer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397:A valiant man, warrior, a person simplynothingלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nothat he should delightבִּ֝רְצֹת֗וֹ(bir·ṣō·ṯōw)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7521:To be pleased with, to satisfy a, debtinעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withGod.’אֱלֹהִֽים׃(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
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OT Poetry: Job 34:9 For he has said 'It profits (Jb) 
