Job 34:19

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 34:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.
Job 34:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, etc.] And indeed God is not the respecter of the persons of any, no, not of the greatest men on earth, kings and princes, (<441034>Acts 10:34); these are alike dealt with by him as others in the dispensations of his providence; nor do they escape the marks of his displeasure, wrath and vengeance, when they sin against him: nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? by showing favour to them, or conniving at them, for they [are] all the work of his hands; both the rich and the poor; not only as creatures made by him, but as rich men and poor men; it is God that makes men rich or poor, (<090207>1 Samuel 2:7 <202209>Proverbs…”
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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
“(Act 10:34; Ch2 19:7; Pro 22:2; Job 31:15).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“How much less to him that accepteth not the person of princes - To accept the person of anyone is to treat him with special favor on account of his rank, his wealth, or from favoritism and partiality. This God often disclaims in respect to himself; (compare Galatians 2:6; Acts 10:34; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25), and solemnly forbids it in others; see James 2:1, James 2:3,James 2:9; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19. The meaning here is, that God is entirely impartial in his administration, and treats all as they ought to be treated. He shows favor to no one on account of wealth, rank, talent, office, or joyous apparel, and he excludes no…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“34:19 doesn’t care how great a person may be: Impartiality flows from God’s justice (Acts 10:34; Rom 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; 1 Pet 1:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“accepteth: Job 13:8; Deu 10:17; Ch2 19:7; Act 10:34; Rom 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; Pe1 1:17; Heb 12:28 princes: Job 12:19, Job 12:21; Psa 2:2-4; Ecc 5:8; Isa 3:14 regardeth: Job 36:19; Psa 49:6, Psa 49:7; Jam 2:5 they: Job 31:15; Pro 14:31, Pro 22:2 Job 34:20”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification