Job 23:6
Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֭חַ
power
H3581
כֹּ֭חַ
power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
2 of 9
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
יָרִ֣יב
Will he plead
H7378
יָרִ֣יב
Will he plead
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַךְ
H389
ה֝֗וּא
H1931
ה֝֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 9
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
Ancient Near Eastern deities were often portrayed as capricious tyrants who demanded submission without explanation. Job's theology stands radically distinct—he trusts a God who would strengthen rather than crush petitioners, who values relationship over raw power. This passage influenced later Jewish and Christian understanding of prayer as bold approach to a Father who welcomes honest questioning (Hebrews 4:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's confidence that God strengthens rather than crushes petitioners change how you approach God with hard questions?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between divine power and divine character?
- How does God's empowering presence in prayer fulfill Job's intuition that encounter with God strengthens rather than destroys?
Analysis & Commentary
Will he plead against me with his great power? (הַבְּרָב־כֹּחַ יָרִיב עִמָּדִי, hab'rav-koach yariv immadi)—Job questions whether God would use overwhelming might (rav koach, great power) to crush him in debate rather than engage fairly. The verb yariv (contend, plead) suggests legal disputation. Job fears divine omnipotence might silence legitimate questions through sheer force rather than reasoned argument.
No; but he would put strength in me (שָׂם־בִּי, sam-bi)—Job answers his own question, trusting God's character. Rather than crushing the petitioner, God would sim (set, place, appoint) strength within Job himself. This profound insight grasps that divine-human encounter doesn't diminish the creature but empowers. God doesn't debate to dominate but engages to elevate. This anticipates grace theology: God grants the very strength needed to relate to Him (Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 3:16).