Job 40:1-5

1 And the Lord ¹said to Job:

2 “Shall a faultfinder ²contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it. ”

Job Promises Silence

3 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

4 “Behold, I am ³of small account; what shall I answer you? ⁴I lay my hand on my mouth.

5 I have spoken ⁵once, and I will not answer; ⁶twice, but I will proceed no further. ”

Job 40:1-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 40

In this chapter Job is called upon to give in his answer, Job 40:1,2, which he does in the most humble manner, acknowledging his vileness and folly, Job 40:3-5; and then the Lord proceeds to give him further conviction of his superior justice and power, Job 40:6-9; and one thing he proposes to him, to humble the proud, if he could, and then he would own his own right hand could save him, Job 40:10-15; and observes to him another instance of his power in a creature called behemoth, which he had made, and gives a description of, Job 40:15-24.

Cross References

• 1. 40:1 ch. 38:1
• 2. 40:2 See ch. 33:13
• 3. 40:4 [ch. 42:6; Ezra 9:6]
• 4. 40:4 ch. 21:5; 29:9; Judg. 18:19
• 5. 40:5 ch. 33:14; Ps. 62:11
• 6. 40:5 ch. 33:14; Ps. 62:11