Job 40

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Chapter Overview

Job 40 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, salvation, righteousness. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.

The chapter can be divided into several sections:

  1. Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
  2. Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
  3. Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
  4. Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application

This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.

The Lord Continues: Will You Condemn Me?

1 Moreover the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. answered Job, and said, References Lord: Job 38:1, 40:6

2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity., let him answer it. References God: Job 3:23, 27:2. Parallel theme: Job 3:20, 9:3, 33:13, Isaiah 40:14, 50:8, Ezekiel 18:2, Matthew 20:11, 1 Corinthians 2:16 +5

3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Parallel theme: Job 21:5, 29:9, 42:6, Genesis 18:27, 32:10, Judges 18:19, Ezra 9:6, Proverbs 30:32, Isaiah 6:5, Luke 18:13 +5

5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Parallel theme: Job 33:14, Psalms 62:11

6 Then answered the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, References Lord: Job 38:1

7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Parallel theme: Job 38:3, 42:4

8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Righteousness: Job 32:2, Romans 3:4. Parallel theme: Job 10:3, Isaiah 28:18

9 Hast thou an arm like GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity.? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Parallel theme: Psalms 89:13

10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with gloryGlory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod). The Hebrew kavod (כָּבוֹד) literally means 'weight' or 'heaviness,' metaphorically denoting glory, honor, or majesty. God's glory (Shekinah) filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and temple (1 Kings 8:11). and beauty. Parallel theme: Psalms 93:1, 149:4, Isaiah 59:17

11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrathWrath: אַף (Aph). The Hebrew aph (אַף) literally means 'nose' or 'nostrils,' idiomatically expressing wrath or anger—God's righteous indignation against sin. Yet God is 'slow to anger' (Exodus 34:6) and 'abundant in mercy.': and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. Judgment: Daniel 4:37. Parallel theme: Isaiah 2:17, Nahum 1:6

12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. Evil: Malachi 4:3. Parallel theme: Isaiah 63:3

13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. Parallel theme: Isaiah 2:10

14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can saveSave: יָשַׁע (Yasha). The Hebrew yasha (יָשַׁע) means to save or deliver—rescue from danger or distress. This is the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'YHWH saves.' God alone is Savior: 'I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour' (Isaiah 43:11). thee.

Behold Behemoth

15 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.

17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.

19 He is the chief of the ways of GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity.: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.

20 Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. Parallel theme: Psalms 104:14, 104:26

21 He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.

22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.

23 Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. Parallel theme: Genesis 13:10

24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.