Job 34:11

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 34:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.
Job 34:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the work of a man will he render unto him, etc.] The reward of his work, as Ben Gersom interprets it, whether the work of a wicked man or of a good man: and cause every man to find according to [his] ways. Which is a truth frequently inculcated in the Scriptures; and will take place especially at the resurrection of the dead, which is for that purpose, and at the final judgment, by the righteous Judge of all; for, though wicked men may not be punished now according to their deserts, they will hereafter, which is sufficient to vindicate the justice of God: and as for the works and ways of good men, though God does not proceed according to them in the methods of his grace, they are not…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Partly here; fully, hereafter (Jer 32:19; Rom 2:6; Pe1 1:17; Rev 22:12).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the work of a man shall he render unto him - He shall treat each man as he deserves - and this is the essence of justice. Of the truth of this, also, there could have been no question. Elihu does not, indeed, apply it to the case of Job, but there can be little doubt that he intended that it should have such a reference. He regarded Job as having accused God of injustice, for having inflicted woes on him which he by no means deserved. He takes care, therefore, to state this general principle, that with God there must be impartial justice - leaving the application of this principle to the facts in the world, to be arranged as well as possible. No one can doubt that Elihu in this took the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“34:11 according to their deeds: Cp. Ps 62:12; Prov 24:12; Jer 32:19; Ezek 33:20; Matt 16:27; Rom 2:6; Gal 6:7-8; 1 Pet 1:17. The ultimate harvest will take place at the end of time (2 Cor 5:10; Rev 2:23; 22:12).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the work: Job 33:26; Psa 62:12; Pro 24:12; Jer 32:19; Eze 33:17-20; Mat 16:27; Rom 2:6; Co2 5:10; Pe1 1:17; Rev 22:12 cause: Pro 1:31; Gal 6:7, Gal 6:8 Job 34:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification