Job 11:7-9

7 “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

Job 11:7-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 11

In this chapter Zophar the Naamathite, Job's third friend, attacks him, and the with great acrimony and severity, and with much indecency; he charges him not only with loquacity, and vain babbling, but with lying, and with scoffing at God, and good men, Job 11:1-3; which he attempts to support by some things Job had said, misrepresented by him, Job 11:4; and wishes that God would take him in hand, and convince him of the wisdom of the divine proceedings with him, and of his lenity and mercy to him, Job 11:5,6; and then discourses of the unsearchableness of God in his counsels, and conduct; of his sovereignty, and of his power, and of the vanity and folly of men, Job 11:7-19; and as his friends before him, having insinuated that Job was guilty of some heinous sin, or sins, and especially of hypocrisy, advises him to repentance and reformation, and then it would be well with him; and he should enjoy much comfort, peace, and safety, even to old age, Job 11:13-19; and concludes it should go ill with the wicked man and the hypocrite, such as he suggests Job was, Job 11:20.

Cross References 7

  • 1. S Job 5:9; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 11:33
  • 2. Ephesians 3:18
  • 3. S Genesis 15:5; Job 22:12; Job 25:2; Psalms 57:10; Isaiah 55:9
  • 4. S Job 7:9
  • 5. Job 15:13,25; Job 33:13; Job 40:2; Psalms 139:8
  • 6. Ephesians 3:19-20
  • 7. Job 22:12; Job 35:5; Job 36:26; Job 37:5,23; Isaiah 40:26
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.