Job 40:2
Job 40:2 in Multiple Translations
“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Shall he that cavilleth contend with the Almighty? He that argueth with God, let him answer it.
Will he who is protesting give teaching to the Ruler of all? Let him who has arguments to put forward against God give an answer.
“Are you still going to fight with the Almighty and try to set him straight? Anyone who argues with God must give some answers.”
Girde vp now thy loynes like a man: I will demaunde of thee, and declare thou vnto me.
Is the striver with the Mighty instructed? The reprover of God, let him answer it.
“Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him ? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Gird up thy loins like a man: I will ask thee, and do thou tell me.
“Do you still want to argue with me, the Almighty One? Since you criticize me, ◄you should be able to answer my questions!/why are you not able to answer my questions?► [RHQ]”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 40:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ֭/רֹב
עִם
שַׁדַּ֣י
יִסּ֑וֹר
מוֹכִ֖יחַ
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
יַעֲנֶֽ/נָּה
הֲ֭/רֹב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
שַׁדַּ֣י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
יִסּ֑וֹר
yiççôwr
H3250
faultfinder
N-ms
מוֹכִ֖יחַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
יַעֲנֶֽ/נָּה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Juss-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:2
הֲ֭/רֹב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שַׁדַּ֣י
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
יִסּ֑וֹר
yiççôwr
H3250
"faultfinder"
N-ms
A faultfinder is someone who corrects or reproves others, as seen in the KJV translation of instruct. This word is about pointing out mistakes. It appears in the Bible as a way to guide people.
Definition: faultfinder, reprover, one who reproves
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: instruct. See also: Job 40:2.
מוֹכִ֖יחַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
יַעֲנֶֽ/נָּה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — Job 40:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:2
- Sermons on Job 40:2
Context — Job Humbles Himself before the LORD
1And the LORD said to Job:
2“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”
3Then Job answered the LORD: 4“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 2:16 | “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:14 | Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? |
| 3 | Job 33:13 | Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? |
| 4 | Romans 11:34–36 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. |
| 5 | Isaiah 45:9–11 | Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to his mother, ‘What have you brought forth?’” Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands? |
| 6 | Isaiah 50:8 | The One who vindicates Me is near. Who will dare to contend with Me? Let us confront each other! Who has a case against Me? Let him approach Me! |
| 7 | Romans 9:19–23 | One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?” But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— |
| 8 | Matthew 20:11 | On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 18:2 | “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge’? |
| 10 | Job 9:3 | If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. |
Job 40:2 Summary
[This verse reminds us that it's not our place to argue or contend with God, but rather to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.' By recognizing our limitations and God's power, we can learn to surrender our will and trust in His goodness. This means letting go of our need to control or understand everything, and instead, choosing to trust in God's love and wisdom, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says, 'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a faultfinder, and how does this relate to our relationship with God?
A faultfinder is someone who constantly criticizes or finds fault, and in the context of Job 40:2, it refers to someone who questions or argues with God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 9:20 where it says, 'But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?'
Is it ever okay to question God or argue with Him?
While it's natural to have questions and doubts, the Bible encourages us to approach God with humility and reverence, as seen in Psalm 46:10, which says, 'Be still and know that I am God.' This verse reminds us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty rather than trying to argue or contend with Him.
What does it mean to 'give an answer' in the context of this verse?
To 'give an answer' means to provide a response or justification for one's actions or words, and in this case, it refers to being able to defend or explain one's arguments or criticisms against God, as seen in Job 40:2, where God challenges Job to provide an answer for his questioning.
How does this verse relate to the concept of humility and surrender in our walk with God?
This verse highlights the importance of humility and surrender in our relationship with God, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6, which says, 'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.' By recognizing our limitations and God's sovereignty, we can learn to surrender our will and trust in His goodness and wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting as a faultfinder, questioning God's sovereignty or wisdom?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and reverence in my prayers and interactions with God?
- What are some things that I can do to 'be still and know that God is God' in my daily life, trusting in His goodness and wisdom?
- How can I balance my desire for answers and understanding with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and mystery?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:2
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct [him]?.... Is he capable of it?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:2
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. He that contendeth - as Job had so often expressed a wish to do (cf. Isaiah 45:9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:2
Shall Job, who presumed to contend with me in judgment, and to dispute the reasonableness and equity of my proceedings, give me instructions or directions how to manage my own affairs, and govern my creatures? He justly mentions his almightiness, as a convincing argument of his justice. For how can he be unjust to his creatures, who hath no obligation to them, and never did nor can receive any thing from them; and who hath an absolute, sovereign, and uncontrollable dominion over them; and who being infinitely and necessarily perfect, and all-sufficient within himself, can neither have any inclination to unrighteousness, which is an imperfection, nor any temptation to it from any need he hath of it to accomplish his designs, which he can do by his own omnipotence, or front any advantage accruing to him by it. That reproveth God; that boldly censureth his ways or works; which thou hast done. Let him answer it; let him answer my former and further questions at his peril.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:2
Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct [him]? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.Ver. 2. Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?] Or, Is it wisdom to contend with the Almighty? An disputare cum Omnipotente est eruditio? No, but the greatest folly and sottishness. Job might think otherwise, so long as he compared himself with others; but being once set by God in his super excellencies considered, he shall see his own nothingness, and sit down in silence and patience, though severely tried and sharply afflicted. He that reproveth God, let him answer it] Answer it if he can, or else yield the cause. Praestat herbam dare quam turpiter pugnare. But if Job have yet further a mind to question and quarrel God in any his ways and works, let it be heard what answer he can return to what hath been already spoken.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:2
XL.(2) Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?—Rather, Can he that reproveth (e. g., Job) contend with the Almighty? or, Can the contending with the Almighty instruct Him? “Art thou prepared still to dispute and contend with God? or, if thou dost, is there any hope that thou wilt instruct (i.e., convince) Him in argument? Let him that argueth with God (i.e., Job) answer this question.” It might, perhaps, tend to make these verses (Job 40:4-5) more effective if we transposed them after Job 42:6, and regarded them as the very climax of the poem, as some have done. But this is not necessary, and is an arrangement that has no support from external evidence. If, however, it were adopted, Job’s resolution, “Once have I spoken; but I will speak no more: yea, twice; but I will not again” (Job 40:5), would not be literally inconsistent, as it now is, with what he says in Job 42:1-6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:2
Verse 2. He that reproveth God, let him answer it.] Let the man who has made so free with God and his government, answer to what he has now heard.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:2
2. The verse means, Will the reprover contend with the Almighty? He that disputeth with God let him answer it. The “reprover” or blamer is of course Job; and so is “he that disputeth,” or, “he that would dispute.” The word it refers to the foregoing display of God’s glory in creation, which Jehovah has set before Job. And the question means, Will Job now, having God in the manifoldness of His Being thus set before him, really enter on a contention with the Almighty?
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:2
Shall he that contendeth with the A mighty instruct him? - Gesenius renders this, “Contending shall the reprover of God contend with the Almighty?” Prof.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:2
JEHOVAH’S SECOND ADDRESS TO JOB, Job 40:1-2.After a suitable pause, that the impression of the discourse may be deepened, during which humbled Job ventures no response, Jehovah makes a pointed
Sermons on Job 40:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Your Excuses by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea that sinners often contend with God and make excuses for their actions. He explains that there are two types of contending with God |
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Job #4: God's Appearance by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for humility and self-awareness in the presence of God. He references biblical examples such as Eli and Daniel, who recognized their |
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Suffering by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and the revelation of God's greatness in nature. He highlights various verses where God questions Job about his understandin |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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Revelation and Reason by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast dif |
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Holy Spirit Given From Heaven by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to |
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(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques |