Job 36:22
Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֭ל
Behold God
H410
אֵ֭ל
Behold God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יַשְׂגִּ֣יב
exalteth
H7682
יַשְׂגִּ֣יב
exalteth
Strong's:
H7682
Word #:
3 of 7
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
בְּכֹח֑וֹ
by his power
H3581
בְּכֹח֑וֹ
by his power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
4 of 7
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
Cross References
Luke 1:52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.Isaiah 48:17Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.Isaiah 14:5The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.Isaiah 54:13And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.Psalms 75:7But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.Psalms 94:10He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?Psalms 94:12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;Job 35:11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?Jeremiah 31:38Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions valued human teachers and sages. Elihu transcends this by identifying God as the ultimate teacher whose instruction comes through creation, providence, and direct revelation. The question 'who teacheth like him' prepares for God's pedagogical approach in chapters 38-41—teaching through rhetorical questions about creation rather than propositional statements.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as the ultimate teacher affect our approach to learning and wisdom?
- What does creation teach us about God that propositional statements alone cannot?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu declares: 'Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?' The verb sagav (שָׂגַב, exalteth) means to be high, inaccessible, or exalted. Koach (כֹּחַ, power) denotes strength or might. The rhetorical question 'who teacheth like him' (mi moreh kamohu, מִי מוֹרֶה כָמֹהוּ) uses moreh (מוֹרֶה), meaning teacher or instructor. Elihu emphasizes God's unique authority as teacher—His power backs His instruction. The verse anticipates God's speeches where creation itself becomes divine curriculum teaching humanity about wisdom, power, and providence.