Job 34:35-36

34:35 that Job speaks without knowledge

and his words are without understanding.

34:36 But Job will be tested to the end,

because his answers are like those of wicked men.


tn Adding “that” in the translation clarifies Elihu’s indirect citation of the wise individuals’ words.

tn The Hiphil infinitive construct is here functioning as a substantive. The word means “prudence; understanding.”

tc The MT reads אָבִי (’avi, “my father”), which makes no sense. Some follow the KJV and emend the word to make a verb “I desire” or use the noun “my desire of it.” Others follow an Arabic word meaning “entreat, I pray” (cf. ESV, “Would that Job were tried”). The LXX and the Syriac versions have “but” and “surely” respectively. Since this is the only ms support, albeit weak, it may be the best choice. In this sense Elihu would be saying that because of Job’s attitude God will continue to test him.