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 6

  • 1. Job 38:1
  • 2. See Job 33:13
  • 3. [Job 42:6; Ezra 9:6]
  • 4. Job 21:5; Job 29:9; Judges 18:19
  • 5. Job 33:14; Psalms 62:11
  • 6. Job 33:14; Psalms 62:11
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.