Job 40:12
Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
Original Language Analysis
רְאֵ֣ה
Look
H7200
רְאֵ֣ה
Look
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכְנִיעֵ֑הוּ
and bring him low
H3665
הַכְנִיעֵ֑הוּ
and bring him low
Strong's:
H3665
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
Cross References
Isaiah 63:3I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.Malachi 4:3And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Ancient societies struggled with proud oppressors and unpunished wickedness—problems persisting today. God's challenge taught that only He possesses the wisdom, power, and right to execute perfect justice. Human attempts at comprehensive justice always fail. This would encourage trust in divine justice despite visible injustice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your inability to execute perfect justice shape your trust in God's timing and methods?
- What proud people or wicked situations must you entrust to God rather than presuming to judge?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place." God challenges Job to humble the proud and judge the wicked—divine prerogatives Job cannot exercise. The verbs hakhni'ehu (הַכְנִיעֵהוּ, "bring him low/humble him") and hadokem (הֲדֹכֵם, "tread them down") describe decisive judgment. Job protested that God doesn't adequately punish wickedness; God retorts that Job lacks power to do so himself. This teaches that those who cannot remedy injustice should not presume to judge the Judge.