Job 21:22
Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.
Original Language Analysis
הַלְאֵ֥ל
God
H410
הַלְאֵ֥ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
1 of 6
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יְלַמֶּד
Shall any teach
H3925
יְלַמֶּד
Shall any teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
וְ֝ה֗וּא
H1931
וְ֝ה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 6
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
The question echoes Isaiah 40:13-14 ('Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?') and anticipates Paul's quotation in Romans 11:34. Ancient wisdom recognized divine transcendence. Job's question challenges his friends' certainty about divine purposes—if God judges the exalted without human counsel, humans should not presume to explain all His actions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that God needs no instruction humble our theological certainty?
- What is the difference between seeking to understand God's ways and presuming we can fully explain them?
Analysis & Commentary
Job asks rhetorically: 'Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.' The verb lamad (לָמַד, teach) means to instruct or train. Da'at (דַּעַת, knowledge) refers to knowledge or understanding. Job's question is profound: who can instruct infinite wisdom? The phrase 'he judgeth those that are high' (hu ramim yishpot, הוּא רָמִים יִשְׁפֹּט) emphasizes God's authority over the exalted and powerful. Job refutes his friends' presumption to explain God's ways—if God needs no instruction, neither should humans presume to fully understand His judgments.