Job 42:3
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Original Language Analysis
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
מַעְלִ֥ים
Who is he that hideth
H5956
מַעְלִ֥ים
Who is he that hideth
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
3 of 14
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
בְּֽלִ֫י
H1097
בְּֽלִ֫י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
לָכֵ֣ן
H3651
לָכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הִ֭גַּדְתִּי
therefore have I uttered
H5046
הִ֭גַּדְתִּי
therefore have I uttered
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבִ֑ין
that I understood
H995
אָבִ֑ין
that I understood
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
10 of 14
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
נִפְלָא֥וֹת
not things too wonderful
H6381
נִפְלָא֥וֹת
not things too wonderful
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי
H4480
מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Psalms 131:1LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.Psalms 40:5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.Psalms 139:6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.Job 38:2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued understanding, but Job acknowledges limits. The phrase 'too wonderful' suggests transcendent mystery beyond human comprehension.
Questions for Reflection
- What have you spoken about God's ways without sufficient understanding?
- How does recognizing things 'too wonderful' for you promote humility?
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Analysis & Commentary
Job confesses: 'Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.' This acknowledges speaking beyond his understanding. Job recognizes mystery in divine providence.