Job 38:2
Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Original Language Analysis
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 7
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
מַחְשִׁ֖יךְ
Who is this that darkeneth
H2821
מַחְשִׁ֖יךְ
Who is this that darkeneth
Strong's:
H2821
Word #:
3 of 7
to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken
בְמִלִּ֗ין
by words
H4405
בְמִלִּ֗ין
by words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
5 of 7
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
Cross References
Job 42:3Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.Job 35:16Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.1 Timothy 1:7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.Job 34:35Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued knowledge and understanding. God's rebuke suggests Job's speeches, though honest, lack necessary perspective.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your words about God's ways sometimes darken rather than clarify?
- What does it mean to speak 'without knowledge' even while being honest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's opening challenge: 'Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?' This doesn't answer Job's questions but reframes them. God questions the questioner, revealing that human words about divine ways often obscure rather than illuminate truth.