Job 38:21
Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
Knowest
H3045
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
Knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָ֣ז
H227
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
thou it because thou wast then born
H3205
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
thou it because thou wast then born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
4 of 7
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
וּמִסְפַּ֖ר
or because the number
H4557
וּמִסְפַּ֖ר
or because the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
5 of 7
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
Historical Context
Job was known for his great age (he lived 140 years after his trials, 42:16). Yet even exceptional human longevity is nothing before God's eternity. Ancient cultures often revered age and experience. God's irony levels all human pretension—even the wisest elder is ignorant before the Ancient of Days.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our temporal limitations shape our approach to eternal questions?
- In what ways do we presume to judge God's timing or methods based on our limited perspective?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?" Divine irony punctuates God's questions. Job wasn't present at creation; his lifetime, though long by human standards, is infinitesimal compared to eternity. The Hebrew ki-az tivaled (כִּי־אָז תִּוָּלֵד, "for then you were born") uses biting sarcasm to humble human presumption. This rhetorical device teaches that temporal creatures cannot comprehend or judge the Eternal One's purposes. It prepares Job for humble submission rather than demanding explanations.