Job 42:1-6

Job Replies to the Lord

1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 I[a] know that You can do anything[b] and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
3 [You asked,] "Who is this who conceals [My] counsel with ignorance?"[c] Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to[d] know.
4 [You said,] "Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform Me."[e]
5 I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You.[f]
6 Therefore I take back [my words] and repent in dust and ashes.[g][h]

Job 42:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 42

This chapter contains Job's answer to the last speech of the Lord's, in which he acknowledges his omnipotence, and his certain performance of his purposes and pleasure; owns his own folly and ignorance, and confesses his sins; for which he abhorred himself, and of which he repented, Job 42:1-6; it also gives an account of the Lord's decision of the controversy between Job and his friends, blaming them and commending him above them; and ordered them to take sacrifices and go to Job and offer them, who should pray for them and be accepted, which was done, Job 42:7-9; and it closes with a relation of the great prosperity Job was restored unto, in which he lived and died, Job 42:10-17.

Footnotes 8

  • [a]. Alt Hb tradition reads You
  • [b]. Isa 44:24; 45:7; Jn 1:3
  • [c]. Jb 38:2
  • [d]. Lit me, and I did not
  • [e]. Jb 38:3
  • [f]. Jb 19:27; Gn 32:30; Ex 33:18-23
  • [g]. LXX reads I despise myself and melt; I consider myself dust and ashes
  • [h]. Jb 2:8; 2 Sm 13:19; Est 4:1,3
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