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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 34:18 who says to kings, 'You are worthless!' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/34-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/18_Job_34_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 34:18 - Elihu Confirms God's Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="who says to kings, 'You are worthless!' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/34-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/34-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/34.htm">Chapter 34</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/34-17.htm" title="Job 34:17">◄</a> Job 34:18 <a href="/job/34-19.htm" title="Job 34:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/34.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/34.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Is he not the One who says to kings, &#8216You are worthless,&#8217 and to nobles, &#8216You are wicked,&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/34.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For he says to kings, ‘You are wicked,’ and to nobles, ‘You are unjust.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/34.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’ and to nobles, ‘Wicked man,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/34.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>Is it fit</i> to say to a king, <i>Thou art</i> wicked? <i>and</i> to princes, <i>Ye are</i> ungodly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Is it fitting</i> to say to a king, ‘<i>You are</i> worthless,’ <i>And</i> to nobles, ‘<i>You are</i> wicked’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who says to a king, ‘You worthless one,’ To nobles, ‘You wicked one’;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Who says to a king, &#8216Worthless one,&#8217 To nobles, &#8216Wicked ones’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’ To nobles, ‘Wicked ones’;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Who says to a king, ‘Vile one,’ To nobles, ‘Wicked ones’;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“God who says to a king, ‘You are worthless <i>and</i> vile,’ Or to princes <i>and</i> nobles, ‘You are wicked <i>and</i> evil’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who says to a king, “Worthless man! ” and to nobles, “Wicked men! ”?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who says to a king, &#8220Worthless man!&#8221 and to nobles, &#8220Wicked men!"? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Him that saith to a king, Thou art vile, Or to nobles, Ye are wicked;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Indeed, God is the one who condemns unfair rulers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art vile? or to nobles, Ye are wicked?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Should anyone [even] say to a king, 'You good-for-nothing scoundrel!' or to nobles, 'You wicked people!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God condemns kings and rulers when they are worthless or wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Can one say to a king, 'You're vile!' or to nobles, 'You're wicked!'?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />who says to kings, ?You are worthless!? and to nobles, ?You are wicked,?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />who says to a king, 'Worthless man' and to nobles, 'Wicked men,' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Who says to a king, 'Vile.' or to nobles, 'Wicked.'?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Who has said to a king, Worthless, "" To princes, Wicked?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who hath said to a king -- 'Worthless,' Unto princes -- 'Wicked?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Saying to the king, Wickedness; (Belial) to nobles, Injustice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who saith to the king : Thou art an apostate : who calleth rulers ungodly? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He says to the king, “You are an apostate.” He calls commanders impious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who says to a king, “You are worthless!” and to nobles, “You are wicked!” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who says to a king, ‘You scoundrel!’ and to princes, ‘You wicked men!’;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who says concerning the king that he is wicked, and yet he is a good ruler over princes and governors;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He who says evil about a King, a King of Rulers, a King of Governors<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Is it fit to say to a king: 'Thou art base'? Or to nobles: 'Ye are wicked'?--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>He is</i> ungodly that says to a king, Thou art a transgressor, <i>that says</i> to princes, O most ungodly one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/34-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=5279" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/34.htm">Elihu Confirms God's Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ha·’ă·mōr (V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">who says</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lə·me·leḵ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">to kings,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1100.htm" title="1100: bə·lî·yā·‘al (N-ms) -- Worthlessness. From bliy and ya'al; without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness.">‘You are worthless!’</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5081.htm" title="5081: nə·ḏî·ḇîm (Adj-mp) -- Inclined, generous, noble. From nadab; properly, voluntary, i.e. Generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee.">nobles,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">‘You are wicked,’</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-6.htm">Psalm 82:6-7</a></span><br />I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ / But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-23.htm">Isaiah 40:23</a></span><br />He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-15.htm">1 Timothy 6:15</a></span><br />which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a></span><br />Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Psalm 2:10-11</a></span><br />Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. / Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-26.htm">Acts 4:26-27</a></span><br />The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-11.htm">1 Kings 21:11-13</a></span><br />So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. / They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-11.htm">Luke 12:11-12</a></span><br />When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-2.htm">Jeremiah 22:2-3</a></span><br />saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates. / This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Is it fit to say to a king, You are wicked? and to princes, You are ungodly?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a></b></br> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Proverbs 17:26</a></b></br> Also to punish the just <i>is</i> not good, <i>nor</i> to strike princes for equity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/23-3.htm">Acts 23:3,5</a></b></br> Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, <i>thou</i> whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/31-22.htm">Base</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-7.htm">Belial</a> <a href="/job/29-17.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/job/29-10.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/job/34-2.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/job/34-8.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/job/27-8.htm">Ungodly</a> <a href="/job/18-3.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/job/34-8.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/job/24-25.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/38-4.htm">Base</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Belial</a> <a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Fit</a> <a href="/job/36-7.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/psalms/47-9.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/job/38-41.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/job/34-19.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/job/34-19.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/job/40-12.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/job/34-30.htm">Ungodly</a> <a href="/job/40-4.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/job/34-26.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Job 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-1.htm">Elihu accuses Job for charging God with injustice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-10.htm">God omnipotent cannot be unjust</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-31.htm">Man must humble himself unto God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-34.htm">Elihu reproves Job</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/34.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/34.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’</b><br>This phrase highlights the sovereignty and authority of God over earthly rulers. In the biblical context, kings were often seen as the ultimate authority, but this statement underscores that even the most powerful human leaders are subject to God's judgment. The Bible frequently emphasizes that God is the ultimate judge of all people, regardless of their status (<a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Psalm 2:10-12</a>). Historically, kings were considered divinely appointed, yet this verse reminds us that their power is limited and accountable to God. This can be seen in the story of Nebuchadnezzar in <a href="/daniel/4.htm">Daniel 4</a>, where God humbles the king to demonstrate His supreme authority.<p><b>and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’</b><br>This part of the verse continues the theme of divine judgment, extending it to nobles, who were often advisors and influential figures in ancient societies. The term "wicked" indicates moral corruption, which God condemns regardless of social standing. This reflects the biblical principle that God is no respecter of persons (<a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a>), and He judges based on righteousness rather than rank. The cultural context of the time often saw nobles as untouchable, yet this verse asserts that their actions are subject to divine scrutiny. This is echoed in the prophetic literature, such as <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>, where leaders are called out for their injustice and corruption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elihu.htm">Elihu</a></b><br>A young man who speaks in the Book of Job, offering a perspective on Job's suffering and God's justice. He is the speaker in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/kings_and_nobles.htm">Kings and Nobles</a></b><br>Representing those in positions of power and authority, whom Elihu addresses in his discourse.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the book, a man who suffers greatly and seeks understanding of his plight.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and authority, whose justice and righteousness are themes throughout the Book of Job.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_job.htm">The Book of Job</a></b><br>A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_earthly_powers.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Powers</a></b><br>God holds ultimate authority over all rulers and authorities. No position of power is beyond His judgment or correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fallibility_of_human_authority.htm">The Fallibility of Human Authority</a></b><br>Earthly leaders, regardless of their status, are fallible and can be deemed worthless or wicked without adherence to God's righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Those in positions of power should exercise humility, recognizing that their authority is granted by God and subject to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Importance of Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders are called to lead with integrity and righteousness, aligning their actions with God's standards to avoid divine rebuke.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a></b><br>Believers can trust that God will ultimately judge all leaders and authorities, ensuring justice and righteousness prevail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 34</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_18_align_with_wicked_unpunished.htm">How can Job 18's portrayal of swift divine retribution be reconciled with real-world cases where the wicked seem to escape judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_disasters_fit_god's_purposes.htm">Job 37:12-13 claims storms fulfill God's purposes of punishment or blessing; how do natural disaster patterns fit this idea?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wicked_people_often_prosper.htm">Job 18:5-6: If the wicked are supposedly extinguished like a fading lamp, why do corrupt individuals throughout history often prosper?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god's_justice_align_with_destruction.htm">Job 34:12 - Elihu insists God always acts justly; how does this align with texts describing God commanding destruction (e.g., Joshua 6)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Is it fit to say to a king?</span>--The argument is from the less to the greater. "Who could challenge a king or princes? and if not a king, how much less the King of kings?" There is a strong ellipse in the Hebrew, but yet one that is naturally supplied. (Comp. <a href="/psalms/137-5.htm" title="If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.">Psalm 137:5</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/34.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?</span> Would any subject of an earthly king deem it fitting to accuse his sovereign of wicked and unjust conduct? Would he even tax those who stood next to the king - the princes and great officers of the court - with ungodliness? If a sense of what is becoming and seemly would restrain a man from the use of language of this sort towards his earthly ruler, can it be right that he should allow himself in such liberty or speech towards his heavenly King, his absolute Lord and Master? Job had not really used such language of God, though the complaints which he had made with respect to God's treatment of him might not unreasonably be held to imply some such accusation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/34-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">who says</span><br /><span class="heb">הַאֲמֹ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’ă·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to kings,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמֶ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘[You are] worthless!’</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּלִיָּ֑עַל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·lî·yā·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nobles,</span><br /><span class="heb">נְדִיבִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḏî·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5081.htm">Strong's 5081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘[You are] wicked,’</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֝שָׁ֗ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/34-18.htm">Job 34:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/34-18.htm">OT Poetry: Job 34:18 Who says to a king 'Vile! (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/34-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 34:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 34:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/34-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 34:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 34:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>