Job 36:25
Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אָדָ֥ם
Every man
H120
אָדָ֥ם
Every man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
חָֽזוּ
may see
H2372
חָֽזוּ
may see
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
3 of 7
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ
it man
H582
אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ
it man
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
Historical Context
Ancient astronomy and natural observation formed a key part of wisdom tradition. Without modern scientific instruments, observers still recognized patterns in the heavens, the majesty of mountains, the power of storms—all pointing to a transcendent Creator. This verse anticipates Paul's teaching that 'the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen' (Romans 1:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does focusing exclusively on personal suffering blind us to the broader testimony of God's glory in creation?
- What does it mean that we can only behold God's works 'from afar'—what does this teach about human finitude?
- How should observing creation's testimony lead us from intellectual acknowledgment to heartfelt worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Every man may see it (כָּל־אָדָם חָזוּ־בוֹ, kol-adam chazu-vo)—Elihu emphasizes the universal accessibility of God's self-revelation in creation. The phrase kol-adam (all mankind, every human) with chazah (to see, perceive, behold) indicates that God's works are visible to all. This isn't specialized knowledge requiring esoteric initiation—it's available to any who look.
Man may behold it afar off (אֱנוֹשׁ יַבִּיט מֵרָחוֹק, enosh yabit merachok)—The parallel line uses enosh (mortal man, frail humanity) with nabat (to look at, regard, consider) and rachok (distance, remoteness). The imagery suggests both spatial distance (viewing mountains, stars, horizons) and the infinite gap between Creator and creature. Even from our limited, distant perspective, we can perceive God's greatness in His works. Job has been so consumed with his own suffering that he's lost this wider perspective. Elihu calls him to lift his eyes from his immediate pain to the vast theater of God's glory. This sets the stage for God's revelation in the whirlwind (38:1), where the LORD will overwhelm Job with questions about creation.