Job 40:2
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Original Language Analysis
הֲ֭רֹב
Shall he that contendeth
H7378
הֲ֭רֹב
Shall he that contendeth
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Isaiah 40:14With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?Job 33:13Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.Isaiah 50:8He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.Matthew 20:11And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,Ezekiel 18:2What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?Job 9:3If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.Job 3:20Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;Job 27:2As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;Job 3:23Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal language ('contend,' 'reprove') frames this as courtroom verdict. God's question forces Job to evaluate his own presumption.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you presumed to instruct or correct God?
- What's the difference between honest questioning and presumptuous reproof?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God challenges Job: 'Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.' This summarizes the divine interrogation - has Job presumed to instruct or correct God? The question demands self-examination.