Job 26:14
Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
Original Language Analysis
דְּרָכָ֗ו
of his ways
H1870
דְּרָכָ֗ו
of his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 13
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
דָּ֭בָר
a portion
H1697
דָּ֭בָר
a portion
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
נִשְׁמַע
is heard
H8085
נִשְׁמַע
is heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
גְּ֝בוּרֹתָ֗ו
of his power
H1369
גְּ֝בוּרֹתָ֗ו
of his power
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
11 of 13
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
Cross References
Psalms 139:6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.Psalms 145:3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!Psalms 29:3The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.Job 40:9Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?Job 4:12Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.Job 36:29Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?1 Samuel 2:10The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Historical Context
Job's humility about human understanding contrasts sharply with his friends' certainty. After describing God's cosmic power (26:5-13), Job admits these descriptions capture only the smallest portion of divine reality. This epistemological humility allows Job both to affirm what he knows (God's power and character) and admit what he doesn't (God's specific purposes in his suffering). The balance models mature faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's acknowledgment that we perceive only the 'edges' of God's ways shape appropriate humility in our theology?
- What is the difference between Job's humble wonder and his friends' presumptuous certainty?
Analysis & Commentary
Job concludes: 'Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?' The phrase 'parts of his ways' (qetsot derakhav, קְצוֹת דְּרָכָיו) uses qetsot meaning 'edges' or 'extremities'—we perceive only the fringes of God's works. The word shemets (שֶׁמֶץ, portion) means a whisper or faint sound. Ra'am (רַעַם, thunder) suggests overwhelming power. Job humbly acknowledges that even his profound descriptions of divine power barely scratch the surface—God's full majesty transcends human comprehension.