Job 34:37

37 that addeth blasphemy over his sins. Be he constrained among us in the meantime; and then by his words stir he God to the doom. (who addeth blasphemy on top of his sins. Let him be constrained among us in the meantime; and then, with his words, stir he God to judgement.)

Job 34:37 Meaning and Commentary

Job 34:37

For he addeth rebellion unto his sin
Or he "may" or "will" add ^F21, if he is suffered to go on at this rate, and is not stopped; as yet he has only committed, it may be charitably hoped, some sins through ignorance, error, and mistake, but if he is let alone he will proceed from evil to evil, to more ungodliness; to be guilty of presumptuous sins, of open treason and rebellion against God;

he clappeth [his hands] amongst us,
or "he will clap"; he will either clap his hands together as expressive of extreme grief and sorrow, of the agonies of his mind; showing extravagant impatience, and pouring out his complaints in the most bitter manner, see ( Ezekiel 21:14 ) ; or rather by way of joy and triumph, as having got the victory over us, see ( Psalms 47:1 ) ;

and multiplieth his words against God,
or "will multiply"; he has said too many things already against God, his justice in his dealings with him, ( Job 34:5 ) ; he will say more if he is not restrained. These are the reasons Elihu gives for a thorough trial and strict examination of Job; and they are taken partly from a concern for the good of Job, and partly on their account, that they might not be triumphed over, and chiefly for the glory of God.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 (Poy) "addet"; Montanus, Mercerus, Drusius, Cocceius, so in the next clauses.

Job 34:37 In-Context

35 Forsooth Job hath spoken follily, and his words sound not (like) teaching. (For Job hath spoken foolishly, and his words be not sound teaching.)

36 My father (God), be Job proved unto the end; cease thou not from the man of wickedness, (My father God, let Job be proved evil unto the end; cease thou not from this wicked man,)

37 that addeth blasphemy over his sins. Be he constrained among us in the meantime; and then by his words stir he God to the doom. (who addeth blasphemy on top of his sins. Let him be constrained among us in the meantime; and then, with his words, stir he God to judgement.)