Job 9:10
Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.
Original Language Analysis
עֹשֶׂ֣ה
Which doeth
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֣ה
Which doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
גְ֭דֹלוֹת
great things
H1419
גְ֭דֹלוֹת
great things
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
2 of 9
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
וְנִפְלָא֗וֹת
yea and wonders
H6381
וְנִפְלָא֗וֹת
yea and wonders
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Job 5:9Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:Psalms 72:18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!Ephesians 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,Ecclesiastes 3:11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.Psalms 71:15My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.Psalms 136:4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?Job 37:23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom traditions emphasized the limits of human knowledge before divine mysteries. Job's acknowledgment of God's incomprehensibility reflects this wisdom while adding existential urgency—the God whose ways cannot be fathomed is the same God who afflicts Job without apparent cause.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance intellectual humility (God's ways are past finding out) with confident trust (God's ways are good)?
- What does Job's wrestling with divine inscrutability teach about the legitimacy of asking 'why' even when answers don't come?
- In what ways does Christ's revelation make God's ways less inscrutable while maintaining proper divine transcendence?
Analysis & Commentary
Job continues describing divine works: 'Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.' The phrase 'past finding out' (ad-ein cheqer, עַד-אֵין חֵקֶר) means beyond investigation or search—God's works exceed human comprehension. 'Wonders' (pele, פֶּלֶא) denotes marvelous, extraordinary acts. The phrase 'without number' (ad-ein mispar, עַד-אֵין מִסְפָּר) emphasizes infinite abundance—we cannot count God's wonderful works.
Job quotes or echoes Eliphaz's earlier words (5:9), showing he listened to his friend's theology. However, Job applies the same truth differently: Eliphaz used God's inscrutable ways to argue Job should submit and repent; Job uses them to show the impossibility of understanding or contending with God. Same theology, different application—illustrating how doctrine's pastoral application matters as much as its accuracy.
Paul echoes this in Romans 11:33: 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!' But Paul's context celebrates grace's mystery, while Job wrestles with providence's inscrutability. Both are valid responses to divine transcendence—worship and questioning belong together in genuine faith.