Job 34:17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?

'Can even He who (in thy view) hateth right (justice) govern?' The government of the world would be impossible if injustice were sanctioned. God must be just, because He governs (2 Samuel 23:3, "He that ruleth over men must be just").

Govern - literally, bind, namely, by authority (so 'reign,' margin, 1 Samuel 9:17; cf. Psalms 149:8). Umbreit translates, for "govern," repress wrath-namely, against Job for his accusations.

Most just - rather, 'Him who is at once mighty and just' (in His government of the world) х tsadiyq (H6662) kabiyr (H3524)].

Job 34:17

17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?