Job 35:6
If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The core of Elihu's point here isn't that our sins don't matter, but that they can't possibly harm God. Your sin doesn't wound the Almighty or diminish His glory; it's like spitting at the sun – the only one getting dirty is you.
Elihu is directly confronting Job, arguing that Job's focus on his own righteousness and suffering is misplaced. He's pushing back against Job's questioning of God's justice, suggesting that God's honor and well-being are completely unaffected by human actions, whether righteous or sinful. Elihu's point here is to dismantle Job's perception that his suffering is a personal affront to God that requires an explanation from the Almighty.
We often think of sin as deeply wounding God. But what does the text really say about the impact of our sin on God Himself?
Elihu's point here is profound: God's essential nature, His happiness, and His majesty are completely unaffected by our sin. Our transgressions are like tiny arrows shot at the sun – they can't reach it, let alone harm it.
An Immovable Throne
If our sins don't hurt God, why does He care so much? What's the real target of His judgment?
Elihu isn't saying sin is no big deal. The impact is real, but it's directed inward, toward the sinner.
The Real Damage
Understand the original words
chata' · Hebrew Verb
To miss the mark of God's holiness; an act of rebellion or disobedience against God's law or character. It signifies both the state of being separated from God and the specific actions that violate His will.
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
The act of crossing a boundary or breaking a covenant; a conscious rebellion against established authority or moral law. It suggests a deliberate violation of a relationship or command.
This Psalm directly echoes Elihu's point by stating, 'Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.' It highlights that sin's primary offense is against God's nature and authority, not that it can physically harm Him.
Romans 3:23This verse broadly states that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' It underscores the universality of sin, yet Job 35:6 reminds us that even this widespread failure doesn't diminish God's essential glory or power.
Hebrews 4:15This passage describes Jesus as a high priest who 'has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.' It contrasts our sinful state, which cannot truly harm God, with Christ's perfect obedience, which fulfills His divine purpose.
1 Samuel 15:22Here, Samuel tells Saul that 'to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.' This emphasizes that God values obedience over ritual, suggesting that our actions (or sins) don't alter His being, but rather reflect our disposition towards Him.
clarkeJob 35:6: "If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?"
If thou sinnest - God is not benefited by thy righteousness, nor injured by thy iniquity, howsoever multiplied it may be.
barnesJob 35:6: "If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?"
If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? - This should not be interpreted as designed to justify sin, or as saying that there is no evil in it, or that God does not regard it. That is not the point or scope of the remark of Elihu. His object is to show that God is not influenced in his treatment of his creatures as people are in their treatment of each other. He has n…
The core of Elihu's point here isn't that our sins don't matter, but that they can't possibly harm God. Your sin doesn't wound the Almighty or diminish His glory; it's like spitting at the sun – the only one getting dirty is you.
Elihu is directly confronting Job, arguing that Job's focus on his own righteousness and suffering is misplaced. He's pushing back against Job's questioning of God's justice, suggesting that God's honor and well-being are completely unaffected by human actions, whether righteous or sinful. Elihu's point here is to dismantle Job's perception that his suffering is a personal affront to God that requires an explanation from the Almighty.
Elihu is directly confronting Job, arguing that Job's focus on his own righteousness and suffering is misplaced. He's pushing back against Job's questioning of God's justice, suggesting that God's honor and well-being are completely unaffected by human actions, whether righteous or sinful. Elihu's point here is to dismantle Job's perception that his suffering is a personal affront to God that requires an explanation from the Almighty.
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"If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?" — The core of Elihu's point here isn't that our sins don't matter, but that they can't possibly harm God. Your sin doesn't wound the Almighty or diminish His glory; it's like spitting at the sun – th…
