Job 40:14
Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אוֹדֶ֑ךָּ
Then will I also confess
H3034
אוֹדֶ֑ךָּ
Then will I also confess
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
3 of 7
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions often portrayed salvation as human achievement through ritual or moral performance. God's statement demolishes such thinking—humans cannot save themselves. Only recognizing this opens the way to receiving God's gracious salvation. This prepared for gospel revelation of salvation by grace through faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of life reveal your inability to save yourself, requiring complete dependence on God?
- How does recognizing your powerlessness paradoxically become the doorway to experiencing God's power?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee." If Job could do what verses 11-13 describe—execute perfect judgment—God would acknowledge Job could save himself. The Hebrew odeka (אוֹדֶךָ, "I will confess/acknowledge to you") indicates God admitting Job's self-sufficiency. But Job cannot, therefore needs God's salvation. This reveals the core issue: human inability to save ourselves necessitates divine grace. The verse anticipates the gospel—recognizing our powerlessness is the prerequisite for receiving God's saving power.