Job 36:5
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ל
Behold God
H410
אֵ֣ל
Behold God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
כַּ֝בִּ֗יר
is mighty
H3524
כַּ֝בִּ֗יר
is mighty
Strong's:
H3524
Word #:
3 of 8
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כַּ֝בִּ֗יר
is mighty
H3524
כַּ֝בִּ֗יר
is mighty
Strong's:
H3524
Word #:
6 of 8
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
Cross References
Psalms 22:24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.Psalms 138:6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.Jeremiah 10:12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.Psalms 147:5Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.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 31:13If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;Job 10:3Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?Job 9:19If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?Job 9:14How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern deities were often depicted as capricious and contemptuous of humans. Elihu affirms that God's might includes mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's power differ from human power that often produces contempt?
- What does it mean that God is 'mighty in strength and wisdom'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu proclaims: 'Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.' This balances divine power with divine care - God's might doesn't produce contempt for His creatures. The statement contains truth even if Elihu misapplies it.