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Job 34:30

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 34:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.
Job 34:30 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways:
28So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted.
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:
30That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.
31For hath any said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]:
32That which I see not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more?
33Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest.
← Job 34:29Job 34:31 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the hypocrite reign not, etc.] These words seem to be connected with (<183424>Job 34:24-28), “he breaketh in pieces mighty men”, etc. the whole of (<183429>Job 34:29) being read in a parenthesis; or with the phrase “he hideth his face”; as God is said to be in the destruction of mighty wicked men, who oppress the poor, and cause their cry to come to God, to prevent the reign of an hypocrite, or however to shorten it. By “an hypocrite” is not meant a common hypocrite in religion, but an hypocrite in politics; who pretends to great humanity and goodness, to a tender care of the people, and a preservation of them in their rights and liberties, and promises to support and establish the…”
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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
“Ensnared--into sin (Kg1 12:28, Kg1 12:30). Or rather, "enthralled by further oppression," Job 34:26-28.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the hypocrite reign not - All this is done to prevent wicked men from ruling over the people. The remarks of Elihu had had respect much to princes and kings, and he had shown that however great they were, they were in the hands of God, and were wholly at his disposal. He “now” says that the design of his dealings with them was to prevent their oppressing their fellow-men. The general scope of the remarks of Elihu is, that God is the universal Sovereign; that he has all people under his control, and that there are none so powerful as to be able to resist his will. The remark in this verse is thrown in, not as illustrating this general sentiment, but to show what was “in fact” the aim for…”
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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
“Reign not - May not continue his tyranny, lest the people be ensnared, lest the people should be longer kept in the the snares of oppression; God doth this to free poor oppressed people from the snares which ungodly men lay for them. Job 34:32”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Job 34:21; Kg1 12:28-30; Kg2 21:9; Psa 12:8; Ecc 9:18; Hos 5:11, Hos 13:11; Mic 6:16; Th2 2:4-11; Rev 13:3, Rev 13:4, Rev 13:11-14 Job 34:31”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification