who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The powerful truth here isn't just that God treats everyone equally, but that this impartiality stems from the fundamental reality that all people, regardless of status, are equally His creation. He doesn't favor princes or the rich because, in His eyes, every person is a unique handiwork, and thus inherently valuable in His sight.
who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elihu is pressing his argument that Job's complaints against God are misplaced. He's asserting that God's justice is perfect and impartial, unlike human rulers who can be swayed by status or wealth. Elihu insists that God regards everyone, prince or pauper, rich or poor, with the same divine perspective because they are all His creations.
We often judge people based on their status, wealth, or power. But does God see them the same way?
This verse hits us with a powerful truth about God's perspective. Elihu, speaking to Job, highlights that God doesn't show favoritism. The 'princes' and 'rich' have no special standing with Him, and neither do the 'poor' get overlooked because of their humble state.
Think about it:
What fundamental truth about humanity does our shared Creator reveal?
The reason for God's impartiality is beautifully simple yet profound: 'for they are all the work of his hands.' This isn't just about God making people; it's about His ownership and care.
Here's the core idea:
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Understand the original words
nāśā' pānîm · Hebrew Verb phrase
Partiality, or showing favor, involves discriminating in favor of or against someone based on outward status such as wealth, rank, or social standing. Scripture consistently condemns this, emphasizing that God does not judge based on human hierarchies.
ma‘aśēh yādayim · Hebrew Noun phrase
This phrase signifies that all human beings are equally creatures of the one Creator. It serves as the theological basis for human equality, as all existence originates from God's creative act.
This passage directly echoes Job's sentiment, stating clearly that God shows no partiality and accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
James 2:1-9James powerfully expands on the idea of God's impartiality, strongly rebuking any favoritism towards the rich in the community of believers, reinforcing that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith.
Leviticus 19:15This Old Testament law directly addresses justice, commanding that judgment should not be perverted and that no partiality should be shown to the poor or the great, establishing a foundational principle of divine fairness.
Deuteronomy 10:17This verse explicitly states that God does not show favoritism or take bribes, presenting Him as the ultimate, impartial judge who cares for the vulnerable and the orphaned.
clarkeJob 34:19: "How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands."
That accepteth not - If it be utterly improper to speak against a king or civil governor, how much more so to speak disrespectfully of God, who is not influenced by human caprices or considerations, and who regards the rich and the poor alike, being equally his creatures, and equally dependent on his providence and mercy for their suppor…
pulpitJob 34:19: "How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands."
Verse 19. - How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes! How much less becomingly is such language used of One so far above princes that he regards them as on a level with all other men, and pays them no special respect! Worldly rank is, of course, nothing with God. All mankind are his subjects and servants, whom he di…
The powerful truth here isn't just that God treats everyone equally, but that this impartiality stems from the fundamental reality that all people, regardless of status, are equally His creation. He doesn't favor princes or the rich because, in His eyes, every person is a unique handiwork, and thus inherently valuable in His sight.
Elihu is pressing his argument that Job's complaints against God are misplaced. He's asserting that God's justice is perfect and impartial, unlike human rulers who can be swayed by status or wealth. Elihu insists that God regards everyone, prince or pauper, rich or poor, with the same divine perspective because they are all His creations.
Elihu is pressing his argument that Job's complaints against God are misplaced. He's asserting that God's justice is perfect and impartial, unlike human rulers who can be swayed by status or wealth. Elihu insists that God regards everyone, prince or pauper, rich or poor, with the same divine perspective because they are all His creations.
"who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?" — The powerful truth here isn't just that God treats everyone equally, but that this impartiality stems from the fundamental reality that all people, regardless of status, are equally His creation.…
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Last reviewed October 2026