Job 34:29

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 34:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether [it be done] unto a nation, or unto a man:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether [it be done] unto a nation, or unto a man:
Job 34:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether [it be done] unto a nation, or unto a man:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? etc.] Quietness or peace is of God; external peace to bodies of men, to communities, civil and religious, and to particular persons; quietness and contentment in outward enjoyments, peace and safety at home, and from enemies abroad; inward spiritual peace, this is of God, is in Christ, and from him; is the fruit of his righteousness, spoke by his blood, comes through faith in Christ, and is enjoyed in his ordinances, and continues as long as it is the pleasure of God to give it, and cannot be disturbed by men or devils; a national peace, when God gives it, cannot be broke in upon; nor the peace of churches, though there are always some…”
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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
“(Pro 16:7; Isa 26:3). make trouble--rather, "condemn" (Rom 8:33-34). MAURER, from the reference being only to the godless, in the next clause, and Job 34:20 translates, "When God keeps quiet" (leaves men to perish) Psa 83:1; [UMBREIT] from the Arabic (strikes to the earth), "who shall condemn Him as unjust?" Job 34:17. hideth . . . face-- (Job 23:8-9; Psa 13:1). it be done--Whether it be against a guilty nation (Kg2 18:9-12) or an individual, that God acts so.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“When he giveth quietness - That is, when God designs to give rest, comfort, ease, or prosperity in any way to a man. The Hebrew word used here may refer to any kind of ease, rest, or peace. The idea which Elihu intends to convey is, that God has all things under his control, and that he can bring prosperity or adversity upon an individual or a nation at his own pleasure. Who then can make trouble? - literally, “Who can condemn, or hold guilty” - ירשׁע yarâsha‛. The sense is, that no one can overwhelm him with the consciousness of guilt, to whom God intends to give the peace resulting from his favor and friendship. Or, no one can bring calamities upon a man “as if” he were guilty, or so as…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Whether - God can carry on his work either of mercy or justice, as irresistible upon an whole nation as upon one particular person. Job 34:30”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“When he giveth: Job 29:1-3; Sa2 7:1; Isa 14:3-8, Isa 26:3, Isa 32:17; Joh 14:27; Rom 8:31-34; Phi 4:7 when he hideth: Job 23:8, Job 23:9; Psa 13:1, Psa 27:9, Psa 30:7, Psa 143:7 who then can behold: Job 12:14, Job 23:13 whether: Kg2 18:9-12; Ch2 36:14-17; Jer 27:8 Job 34:30”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“29 If He, however, maketh peace, who will then condemn? And if He hideth His countenance - who then can behold Him? - Both concerning numbers and individuals together: 30 That godless men reign not, That they be not nets to the people. 31 For one, indeed, saith to God, "I have been proud, I will not do evil; 32 "What I see not, show Thou me; "If I have done wrong, I will do it no more"!? - If God makes peace (ישׁקיט as Psa 94:13, comp. Isa 14:7, הארץ שׁקטה כל־, viz., after the overthrow of the tyrant) in connection with such crying oppression of the poor, who will then condemn Him without the rather recognising therein His comprehensive justice? The conjecture ירעשׁ (Note: Vid., Grtz in…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification