Job 34:27 Meaning: The Cost of Turning from God’s Ways
because they turned away from following him, and wouldn’t pay attention to any of his ways,
Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways:
Because that against right They have turned aside from after Him, And none of His ways have considered wisely,
Because they have turned back from him, and would consider none of his ways;
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Elihu say the wicked are judged? Because they turned from God and refused to consider His ways. Discover the heart issue behind sin in Job 34:27.
Context
Elihu, one of Job’s younger friends, speaks in this chapter to defend God’s justice. He argues that God is not unfair, even when life seems hard. In verses 24, 28, Elihu describes how God brings down the powerful who have abused their authority. Verse 27 gives the core reason: they turned away from following God and refused to pay attention to any of His ways. Their judgment flows from a heart that has deliberately turned aside. Elihu wants Job and all who listen to see that the root of sin is not just bad actions but a willful disregard for the direction God gives.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words open up this verse. First, the verb sur (turned away) means a purposeful departure, not a casual drift. It pictures someone stepping off the road on purpose. Second, derekh (ways) in Scripture refers to the whole course of a person’s life, the direction one walks. God’s ways are His commands and the path He sets before us. Third, the verb translated pay attention or consider comes from the root sakal, meaning to act with prudence, to look with understanding. The wicked would not consider, they refused to look wisely at how God wanted them to live. And the word kol (any) underscores the totality of their rejection. They ignored not just some of God’s instructions, but all of them. This verse shows that sin is deeper than bad behavior; it begins with a refusal to look at God’s guidance.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this verse as a warning against spiritual rebellion. Matthew Henry (Reformed) emphasizes the willfulness of turning back from God. Adam Clarke (Methodist) applies it to corrupt rulers who depart from God in heart and conduct. The Geneva Bible notes (Reformed) call it apostasy. Keil and Delitzsch (Lutheran) highlight that God sees through the works of the proud and acts in justice. Catholic exegesis has readers consider the need for discernment of God’s will in daily life. All these readings agree on one point: the deepest problem is not a single sin but a heart that no longer wants to know or follow God’s ways.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that “would not consider any of his ways” means the wicked could not understand God’s mysterious plans. In fact, the word ways here refers to God’s clear commands and the path of life He reveals. The problem is not a lack of understanding but a refusal to humbly receive and follow what God has already made known.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to check your direction. Have you drifted from following God in some area? Maybe not dramatically, but in small ways you have stopped paying attention to what He says. Elihu says the wicked would not consider any of God’s ways. That is strong language. This week, pick one part of Scripture you have been ignoring, or one command you have been avoiding. Read it slowly. Ask God to help you see it as His way for you. The point is not to earn God’s favor but to walk with Him closely, not turning aside.
Main takeaway: The root of sin is a deliberate turning away from God and a refusal to consider His ways.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This verse tells us that some people stop following God and don’t listen to His ways. It’s like when you stop paying attention to your parents’ good rules. God wants you to keep following Him and listen to what He says.
For ages 9, 12
Elihu says that people get into trouble when they turn away from God and won’t consider His ways. It’s not just that they do bad things; they first stop paying attention to God. God’s ways are like a map for a good life. When you ignore the map, you get lost. This week, think about one thing God has shown you in the Bible or through wise people. Keep following that direction.
Questions People Ask
What does “turned away from following him” mean in this verse?
It means a deliberate departure from the path of obedience. The Hebrew word (sur) carries the idea of intentionally stepping aside, not a gradual drift. These people made a choice to stop walking with God.
Why does Elihu focus on refusing to “consider any of his ways” rather than listing specific sins?
Because Elihu wants to show that the root of all sin is a heart that rejects God’s guidance. Specific evil actions grow from a deeper refusal to pay attention to God and His commands. The posture comes before the acts.
Who is the “they” in this verse?
From the context, Elihu is speaking about powerful people who oppress the poor (Job 34:28). They are wicked rulers or the wealthy who abuse their authority. But the principle applies to anyone who turns from God.
How does this verse apply to me today?
It warns you to examine your attention toward God. Are you listening to His Word and following His ways, or have you started to turn aside? Small neglected areas can lead to bigger drifting. Paying attention to God keeps your heart near Him.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study