Job 37:23
Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מְ֭צָאנֻהוּ
we cannot find him out
H4672
מְ֭צָאנֻהוּ
we cannot find him out
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
כֹ֑חַ
in power
H3581
כֹ֑חַ
in power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
5 of 10
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וּמִשְׁפָּ֥ט
and in judgment
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּ֥ט
and in judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
צְ֝דָקָ֗ה
of justice
H6666
צְ֝דָקָ֗ה
of justice
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
8 of 10
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.Psalms 99:4The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.Job 36:5Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!Job 9:4He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Isaiah 45:21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.Psalms 30:5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.Job 11:7Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?Ezekiel 18:32For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Historical Context
Ancient theodicy insisted on divine justice. Elihu's conclusion is orthodox but the book's resolution shows his understanding was incomplete.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance belief in God's justice with recognition of innocent suffering?
- What does it mean that we 'cannot find him out'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Elihu concludes: 'Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice, he will not afflict.' This final statement affirms divine justice and power while claiming God doesn't afflict without cause - yet this is precisely what Job's case challenges.