Job 38:36
Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
Original Language Analysis
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
בַּטֻּח֣וֹת
in the inward parts
H2910
בַּטֻּח֣וֹת
in the inward parts
Strong's:
H2910
Word #:
3 of 9
(in the plural only) the kidneys (as being covered); hence (figuratively) the inmost thought
א֤וֹ
H176
א֤וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 9
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
6 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
נָתַ֖ן
or who hath given
H5414
נָתַ֖ן
or who hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.Psalms 51:6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.Ecclesiastes 2:26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Job 9:4He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?Exodus 31:3And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature valued human understanding but rarely questioned its source. God's question reveals that even questioning requires divine enablement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing wisdom as divine gift affect your intellectual pride?
- What does it mean that even your questions about God come from God?
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Analysis & Commentary
God questions: 'Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?' This addresses the source of human wisdom - not self-generated but divinely implanted. Even human capacity to think about God comes from God.