Job 34:32

32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’

Job 34:32 in Other Translations

KJV
32 That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
ESV
32 teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?
NLT
32 Or ‘I don’t know what evil I have done—tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once’?
MSG
32 Teach me to see what I still don't see. Whatever evil I've done, I'll do it no more.'
CSB
32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I won't do it again."

Job 34:32 Meaning and Commentary

Job 34:32

[That which] I see not teach thou me
Which may be understood either of the chastisements of God, and his dealings with his people in a providential way, and of the design and use of them, which are sometimes unsearchable, and at most but a part of them only seen and known; it is meet to say to God, it is but a small part and portion of thy ways that is known by me; I can see but little into them: teach me more of thy mind and will in them, or else of sins and transgressions, the cause of chastisement; it is proper for an afflicted man to say unto God, I am conscious to myself of many sinful failings and infirmities, but there may be secret sins committed by me which have escaped my notice and observation; point them out to me, that I may be humbled for them, and make a free confession of them;

if I have done iniquity, I will do no more;
that is, if I have committed any capital crime, any foul offence or gross enormity, for otherwise no man lives without sin, I sincerely repent of it, and will take care for the future, through divine grace, to do so no more.

Job 34:32 In-Context

30 to keep the godless from ruling, from laying snares for the people.
31 “Suppose someone says to God, ‘I am guilty but will offend no more.
32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’
33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.
34 “Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

Cross References 2

  • 1. Exodus 33:13; Job 35:11; Job 38:36; Psalms 15:2; Psalms 25:4; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 51:6; Psalms 86:11; Psalms 139:23-24; Psalms 143:8
  • 2. Job 33:27; S Luke 19:8
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.