Job 34:6

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 34:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Notwithstanding my right I am [accounted] a liar; My wound is incurable, [though I am] without transgression.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Notwithstanding my right I am [accounted] a liar; My wound is incurable, [though I am] without transgression.
Job 34:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6Notwithstanding my right I am [accounted] a liar; My wound is incurable, [though I am] without transgression.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Should I lie against my right? etc.] No; I ought not: this though Job had not said in so many words, yet this seems to be his sense in (<182704>Job 27:4-6); that should he own and say that he was a wicked man, a hypocrite, and destitute of the grace of God, he should not only speak against himself, but, contrary to his conscience, say an untruth, and not do justice to his character. Some read the words without an interrogation, as Mr. Broughton, “for my right I must be a liar;” that is, for vindicating my right, seeking and endeavouring to do myself justice, and clear myself from false imputations, I am reckoned a liar. And to this purpose is the paraphrase of Aben Ezra, “because I seek…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Were I to renounce my right (that is, confess myself guilty), I should die. Job virtually had said so (Job 27:4-5; Job 6:28). MAURER, not so well, "Notwithstanding my right (innocence) I am treated as a liar," by God, by His afflicting me. my wound--literally, "mine arrow," namely, by which I am pierced. So "my stroke" ("hand," Job 23:2, Margin). My sickness (Job 6:4; Job 16:13). without transgression--without fault of mine to deserve it (Job 16:17).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Should I lie against my right? - These are also quoted as the words of Job, and as a part of the erroneous opinions on which Elihu proposes to comment. These words do not occur, however, as used by Job respecting himself, and Elihu must be understood to refer to what he regarded as the general strain of the argument maintained by him. In regard to the meaning of the words, there have been various opinions. Jerome renders them, “For in judging me there is falsehood - mendacium est; my violent arrow (the painful arrow in me) is without any sin.” The Septuagint, “He the Lord hath been false in my accusation” - ἐψένσατο δὲ τῳ κρίματί μου epseusato de tō krimati mou - “my arrow is heavy…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Should I lie - So Job had said in effect, Job 27:4-6, should I falsely accuse myself of sins of which I am not guilty? Without transgression - Without any such crying, sin, as might reasonably bring down such terrible judgments upon my head. Job 34:7”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“34:6 Eliphaz had accused Job of being a liar (15:5), fulfilling Job’s earlier worry (6:28-29). • My suffering (literally My arrow): For the link with the Lord’s arrows, see 6:4; 16:13; Jer 10:19; 15:18; 30:12, 15; Lam 3:12; Mic 1:9; Nah 3:19.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I: Job 27:4-6 wound: Heb. arrow, Job 6:4, Job 16:13 Job 34:7”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification