Job 36:24
Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
Original Language Analysis
זְ֭כֹר
Remember
H2142
זְ֭כֹר
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַשְׂגִּ֣יא
that thou magnify
H7679
תַשְׂגִּ֣יא
that thou magnify
Strong's:
H7679
Word #:
3 of 7
to grow, i.e., (causatively) to enlarge, (figuratively) laud
Cross References
Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.Psalms 72:18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.Luke 1:46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
Historical Context
In wisdom literature, observation of nature provided primary evidence for God's wisdom and power (Proverbs 6:6-8, 30:24-28). Job himself earlier appealed to creation as a teacher (12:7-9). Elihu now uses this same argument, calling Job to let God's works speak louder than his pain.
Questions for Reflection
- How does deliberately magnifying God's works in creation help combat the distortions suffering creates in our thinking?
- What specific works of God can you contemplate today that deserve your praise regardless of circumstances?
- How does the call to 'magnify his work' prepare Job (and us) for God's speeches about creation in chapters 38-41?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Remember that thou magnify his work (זְכֹר כִּי־תַשְׂגִּיא פָעֳלוֹ, z'kor ki-tasgi po'olo)—Elihu shifts from warning to worship, commanding Job to zakar (remember, recall, commemorate). The verb saga means 'to make great, magnify, exalt'—the same root as gadol (great). God's po'al (work, deed, accomplishment) deserves magnification, not criticism. This anticipates the LORD's speeches (Job 38-41) where God displays His creative works to humble Job into worship.
Which men behold (אֲשֶׁר שֹׁרְרוּ אֲנָשִׁים, asher ror'ru anashim)—The verb shur (to behold, sing, contemplate) suggests sustained observation leading to praise. Elihu argues that creation itself provides continuous testimony to God's greatness. Humanity's proper response is worship, not complaint. This theme saturates the Psalms: 'The heavens declare the glory of God' (Psalm 19:1). Paul teaches that creation renders all humanity 'without excuse' regarding God's existence and power (Romans 1:20). When suffering tempts us to question God's goodness, contemplating His works in creation and providence should restore perspective.