Job 34:29
New International Version
But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike,

New Living Translation
But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation.

English Standard Version
When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?—

Berean Standard Bible
But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,

King James Bible
When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

New King James Version
When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?—

New American Standard Bible
When He keeps quiet, who can condemn? And when He hides His face, who then can look at Him, That is, regarding both nation and a person?—

NASB 1995
When He keeps quiet, who then can condemn? And when He hides His face, who then can behold Him, That is, in regard to both nation and man?—

NASB 1977
When He keeps quiet, who then can condemn? And when He hides His face, who then can behold Him, That is, in regard to both nation and man?—

Legacy Standard Bible
So if He keeps quiet, who then can condemn? So if He hides His face, who then can perceive Him? He is above both nation and man altogether,

Amplified Bible
“When He keeps quiet, who then can condemn? When He hides His face [withdrawing His favor and help], who then can behold Him [and make supplication to Him], Whether it be a nation or a man by himself?—

Christian Standard Bible
But when God is silent, who can declare him guilty? When he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he watches over both individuals and nations,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when God is silent, who can declare Him guilty? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both individuals and nations,

American Standard Version
When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether it be done unto a nation, or unto a man:

Contemporary English Version
When God does nothing, can any person or nation find fault with him?

English Revised Version
When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done unto a nation, or unto a man, alike:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If he keeps quiet, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him whether it is a nation or a single person?

Good News Translation
If God decided to do nothing at all, no one could criticize him. If he hid his face, we would be helpless.

International Standard Version
"If he remains silent, who will condemn him? If he conceals his face, who can see him? He watches over both nation and individual alike,

Majority Standard Bible
But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,

NET Bible
But if God is quiet, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, then who can see him? Yet he is over the individual and the nation alike,

New Heart English Bible
When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? Alike whether to a nation, or to a man,

Webster's Bible Translation
When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

World English Bible
When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? He is over a nation or a man alike,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He gives rest, and who makes wrong? And hides the face, and who beholds it? And in reference to a nation and to a man, "" [It is] the same.

Young's Literal Translation
And He giveth rest, and who maketh wrong? And hideth the face, and who beholdeth it? And in reference to a nation and to a man, It is the same.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will give quiet, and who shall disturb? and he will hide the face, and who shall look upon him? and against a nation and against man wholly:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For when he granteth peace, who is there that can condemn? When he hideth his countenance, who is there that can behold him, whether it regard nations, or all men?

Catholic Public Domain Version
For, when he grants peace, who is there that can condemn? When he hides his face, who is there that can contemplate him, either among the nations, or among all men?

New American Bible
If he is silent, who then can condemn? If he hides his face, who then can behold him, whether nation or individual?

New Revised Standard Version
When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or an individual?—
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When he forgives, who then can condemn? And when he turns his face away, who can forgive the people, or mankind altogether?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if he forgives, who is condemned, and if he turns his face, who is forgiving the people or a son of man together?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When He giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when He hideth His face, who then can behold Him? Whether it be done unto a nation, or unto a man, alike;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he will give quiet, and who will condemn? and he will hide his face, and who shall see him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man also:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elihu Confirms God's Justice
28They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. 29But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, 30that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.…

Cross References
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

Isaiah 45:9
Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?

Romans 9:19-21
One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?” / But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” / Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?

Isaiah 14:27
The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?

Daniel 4:35
All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

Psalm 115:3
Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Isaiah 43:13
Even from eternity I am He, and none can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Lamentations 3:37-38
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? / Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?

Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

1 Corinthians 10:22
Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Isaiah 40:13-14
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?

Romans 11:33-36
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” / “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ...

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Psalm 33:10-11
The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. / The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.


Treasury of Scripture

When he gives quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hides his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

When he giveth

Job 29:1-3
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, …

2 Samuel 7:1
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

Isaiah 14:3-8
And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, …

when he hideth

Job 23:8,9
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: …

Psalm 13:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

Psalm 27:9
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

who then can behold

Job 12:14
Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

Job 23:13
But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

whether

2 Kings 18:9-12
And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it…

2 Chronicles 36:14-17
Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem…

Jeremiah 27:8
And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

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Job 34
1. Elihu accuses Job for charging God with injustice
10. God omnipotent cannot be unjust
31. Man must humble himself unto God
34. Elihu reproves Job














But if He remains silent
The phrase "remains silent" comes from the Hebrew root "חָרַשׁ" (charash), which can mean to be silent or to be still. In the context of Job, this silence can be seen as God's sovereign choice not to reveal His purposes or intervene in human affairs in a way that is immediately perceptible. This silence is not indicative of indifference or absence but rather a profound mystery of divine wisdom. Historically, God's silence has been a test of faith for believers, encouraging them to trust in His unseen hand and perfect timing.

who can condemn Him?
The word "condemn" is derived from the Hebrew "רָשַׁע" (rasha), meaning to declare guilty or to judge. This rhetorical question emphasizes God's ultimate authority and righteousness. No human or spiritual being has the standing to judge or accuse God of wrongdoing. This reflects the biblical theme of God's unassailable justice and the futility of questioning His moral governance. Throughout scripture, God is depicted as the ultimate judge, whose decisions are beyond reproach.

If He hides His face
The phrase "hides His face" is a metaphorical expression found throughout the Old Testament, often indicating a withdrawal of God's favor or presence. The Hebrew "סָתַר" (sathar) means to conceal or hide. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the face represented presence and favor; thus, God hiding His face suggests a period of trial or judgment. This concept is echoed in the Psalms and Prophets, where God's hiddenness calls His people to repentance and deeper faith.

who can see Him?
This question underscores the invisibility and incomprehensibility of God when He chooses to conceal Himself. The Hebrew "רָאָה" (ra'ah) means to see or perceive. It highlights the limitations of human understanding and perception when it comes to divine matters. Theologically, it reminds believers of the necessity of faith, as articulated in Hebrews 11:1, where faith is described as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Yet He is over both nation and man alike
The phrase "over both nation and man alike" speaks to God's sovereignty and dominion over all creation. The Hebrew "גּוֹי" (goy) refers to nations, while "אָדָם" (adam) refers to individual humans. This duality emphasizes that God's authority is comprehensive, extending from the macrocosm of nations to the microcosm of individual lives. Historically, this reflects the biblical narrative of God's involvement in the affairs of nations and His personal relationship with individuals, as seen in His covenants with Israel and His care for the patriarchs.

(29) When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?--This is probably the meaning, but literally it is, Who can condemn?

Or against a man only.--Rather, against a man alike: i.e., it is all one in either case. He judges nations as He judges individuals, and individuals as He does nations.

Verse 29. - When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? literally, Who then can condemn? The sentiment is the same as that of St. Paul in the Epistle to the Romans, "If God be for us, who can be against us?... Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth?" (Romans 8:31-34). And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? When God hideth away his face, then all flesh is troubled (Psalm 104:29); man shrinks into himself, and despairs of happiness; nature itself seems to fail and fade. None nan behold him when he hides himself; none can do more than deprecate his anger, and pray, "Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us" (Psalm 4:6). Whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only. The results are similar, whether God withdraws the light of his countenance from a nation or from an individual. In either case, there is no help from without; ruin and destruction follow.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But when He
וְה֤וּא (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

remains silent,
יַשְׁקִ֨ט ׀ (yaš·qiṭ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8252: To be quiet or undisturbed

who
וּמִ֥י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can condemn Him?
יַרְשִׁ֗עַ (yar·ši·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7561: To be, wrong, to disturb, violate

When He hides
וְיַסְתֵּ֣ר (wə·yas·têr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5641: To hide, conceal

His face,
פָּ֭נִים (pā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

who
וּמִ֣י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can see Him?
יְשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ (yə·šū·ren·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7789: To spy out, survey, lurk for, care for

Yet He watches over
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

both
יָֽחַד׃ (yā·ḥaḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly

man
אָדָ֣ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and nation,
גּ֖וֹי (gō·w)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts


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OT Poetry: Job 34:29 When he gives quietness who then can (Jb)
Job 34:28
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