Job 36:26
Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ל
Behold God
H410
אֵ֣ל
Behold God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֵדָ֑ע
and we know
H3045
נֵדָ֑ע
and we know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מִסְפַּ֖ר
him not neither can the number
H4557
מִסְפַּ֖ר
him not neither can the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
6 of 9
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
Cross References
Psalms 90:2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.Psalms 145:3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.Job 37:23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.Job 37:5God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.1 Corinthians 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.1 Kings 8:27But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?Job 26:14Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?Hebrews 1:12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.Job 10:5Are thy days as the days of man? are thy years as man's days,2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Historical Context
The confession that God's years cannot be searched out addresses divine eternity—God exists outside time. Ancient Near Eastern deities were often portrayed within time, aging or dying. Biblical theology uniquely affirms eternal God beyond temporal limits. Elihu's statement prepares for God's revelation where divine transcendence will be demonstrated through creation's wonders that exceed human comprehension.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold together truly knowing God while admitting we cannot know Him exhaustively?
- What does God's eternity teach us about patience when His purposes unfold on timescales beyond our comprehension?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu exclaims: 'Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.' The phrase El saggi (אֵל שַׂגִּיא, God is great) uses saggi (שַׂגִּיא), meaning abundant, great, or mighty. The confession 'we know him not' (lo neda, לֹא נֵדָע) admits epistemic limitation. The phrase 'neither can the number of his years be searched out' (u-mispar shanav lo-chaqer, וּמִסְפַּר שָׁנָיו לֹא־חֵקֶר) emphasizes divine eternity. Elihu balances knowledge and mystery—we know God truly but not exhaustively. This theological humility corrects both Job's demands and the friends' presumptuous certainty.