Job 25:5
Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְ֝כוֹכָבִ֗ים
not yea the stars
H3556
וְ֝כוֹכָבִ֗ים
not yea the stars
Strong's:
H3556
Word #:
6 of 9
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient paganism often deified celestial bodies—sun worship in Egypt, moon deities in Mesopotamia, astral religion throughout the ancient Near East. Bildad's assertion that even these luminaries are impure before Yahweh represents radical monotheism, denying divinity to created objects of worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing creation's inadequacy before God's holiness magnify the wonder of redemption?
- In what ways can emphasis on human sinfulness obscure the gospel of grace?
- How does Isaiah's temple vision (Isaiah 6) provide a better response than Bildad's to God's unapproachable holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not (הֵן עַד־יָרֵחַ וְלֹא יַאֲהִיל)—Bildad argues that even the moon (יָרֵחַ, yareach) lacks inherent brightness (לֹא יַאֲהִיל, lo ya'ahil, 'does not shine') before God's surpassing glory. Yea, the stars are not pure in his sight (וְכוֹכָבִים לֹא־זַכּוּ בְעֵינָיו)—The stars (כוֹכָבִים, kokavim) are not zakku (זַכּוּ, pure, clean) before divine holiness.
This echoes Eliphaz's earlier argument (Job 15:15) and anticipates God's own words (Job 38:7). Yet Bildad draws the wrong conclusion—if celestial bodies fall short of God's purity, this magnifies grace rather than condemning humanity. Isaiah saw the same vision (Isaiah 6:3-5) but received cleansing, not condemnation. The stars' impurity before God doesn't negate human dignity but highlights the wonder of redemption.