Job 42:4
Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Original Language Analysis
שְֽׁמַֽע
Hear
H8085
שְֽׁמַֽע
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
נָ֭א
H4994
נָ֭א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 6
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
I beseech thee and I will speak
H1696
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
I beseech thee and I will speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
Ancient legal and wisdom contexts established clear hierarchies and proper procedures. Job's acknowledgment of reversed roles demonstrated understanding of proper cosmic order. This would teach readers that submitting to rightful authority isn't defeat but wisdom—recognizing reality as it actually exists.
Questions for Reflection
- What role reversals has God required in your life, calling you from demanding to submitting?
- How does accepting God's right to question you without owing explanations bring peace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me." Job quotes God's earlier challenge (38:3, 40:7) back to Him, acknowledging the role reversal. Previously Job demanded that God answer him; now he recognizes God's right to question him. The repetition demonstrates Job's acceptance of proper order—creature submitting to Creator. This teaches that spiritual maturity involves recognizing and accepting appropriate authority relationships, especially between God and humanity.