Job 40:3-5

Listen to Job 40:3-5

Job Promises Silence

3 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
4 “Behold, I am 1of small account; what shall I answer you? 2I lay my hand on my mouth.
5 I have spoken 3once, and I will not answer; 4twice, but I will proceed no further. ”

Job 40:3-5 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.

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Cross References 4

  • 1. 40:4 [ch. 42:6; Ezra 9:6]
  • 2. 40:4 ch. 21:5; 29:9; Judg. 18:19
  • 3. 40:5 ch. 33:14; Ps. 62:11
  • 4. 40:5 ch. 33:14; Ps. 62:11
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025