Job 40:1-9

1 The LORD said to Job:

2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”

3 Then Job answered the LORD:

4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.

5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.”

6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:

7 “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

8 “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?

9 Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?

Job 40:1-9 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. S Job 5:8; S Job 10:2; Job 13:3; Job 23:4; Job 31:35; Job 33:13
• 2. S Job 13:3
• 3. S Job 9:15; S Job 11:8; S Job 33:13; Romans 9:20
• 4. S Job 9:3
• 5. Job 42:6
• 6. S Judges 18:19; S Job 29:9
• 7. S Job 9:3
• 8. S Job 9:15
• 9. S Exodus 14:21; S Job 38:1
• 10. S Job 38:3; Job 42:4
• 11. S Job 15:25; S Job 27:2; Romans 3:3
• 12. S Job 2:3; S Job 34:17
• 13. S 2 Chronicles 32:8; S Psalms 98:1
• 14. Isaiah 6:8; Ezekiel 10:5
• 15. S Exodus 20:19; S Job 36:33; Job 37:5; Psalms 29:3-4