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Job 34:18

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Is it right to say to a king, 'You are wicked?' or to tell princes, 'You are ungodly?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is asking whether it's appropriate to accuse powerful rulers of being evil or ungodly.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Job, Elihu is speaking as one of Job's younger friends during a debate about suffering and divine justice, challenging Job's complaints by arguing that God is always righteous. He uses this verse to question whether it's proper to accuse kings or princes of wickedness, implying that such leaders are under God's authority and should not be lightly criticized. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern cultural understanding that rulers were seen as appointed by God, making accusations against them a serious matter tied to reverence for divine order.

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