Job 40:3
Job 40:3 in Multiple Translations
Then Job answered the LORD:
¶ Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
Then Job answered Jehovah, and said,
And Job said in answer to the Lord,
Job answered the Lord,
Wilt thou disanul my iudgement? or wilt thou condemne me, that thou mayst be iustified?
And Job answereth Jehovah, and saith: —
Then Job answered the LORD,
Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
Wilt thou make void my judgment: and condemn me, that thou mayst be justified?
Then Job replied to Yahweh,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:3
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 40:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֖עַן
אִיּ֥וֹב
אֶת
יְהוָ֗ה
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
וַ/יַּ֖עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִיּ֥וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:3
וַ/יַּ֖עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אִיּ֥וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Job 40:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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. 5I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.”Job 40:3 Summary
In this verse, Job is responding to God's questions and criticisms, and he's starting to realize how small and insignificant he is compared to God's power and wisdom. Job is beginning to understand that he can't fully comprehend God's ways, and he's taking a step towards humility by acknowledging his limitations, similar to what the apostle Paul says in Romans 11:33-36. This is an important lesson for us today, as we can easily get caught up in trying to figure everything out and control our circumstances, but true wisdom comes from recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's goodness, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By following Job's example, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when we don't fully understand what's happening, and instead, focus on His promise to work all things together for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Job's response to the Lord in this verse?
Job's response marks a turning point in his conversation with God, as he begins to acknowledge his own limitations and God's sovereignty, as seen in Job 40:3, and later humbles himself in Job 42:1-6, similar to the humility shown by the tax collector in Luke 18:13.
Why does Job answer the Lord at this point, after being questioned by God?
Job answers the Lord because he is being called to account for his words and actions, and he recognizes the need to respond to God's inquiry, as God says in Job 38:3, 'Gird up your loins like a man, for I will ask you, and you shall answer Me.', and Job's response is a step towards humility and recognition of God's authority.
How does Job's response in this verse relate to his previous statements?
Job's response in this verse is a departure from his earlier statements, where he was questioning God's justice and wisdom, as seen in Job 10:1-3, and instead, he begins to acknowledge his own limitations and God's sovereignty, as also seen in Psalm 131:1, where David says, 'My heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty.'
What can we learn from Job's example in this verse about responding to God's correction?
We can learn the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations when responding to God's correction, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.', and Job's example shows us that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my own limitations and God's sovereignty, like Job does in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a humble heart, like Job, and recognize when I need to respond to God's correction?
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of Job's response to my everyday life, and trust in God's goodness and wisdom, as seen in Romans 8:28?
- In what ways can I, like Job, 'place my hand over my mouth' and refrain from speaking when I don't fully understand God's ways, as also seen in Proverbs 17:28?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:3
Then Job answered the Lord,.... Finding that he was obliged to answer, he did, but with some reluctance: and said; as follows:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:3
Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Lord - Yahweh (H3068).
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:3
Job 40:3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,Ver. 3. Then Job answered the Lord, and said] It was time for him, if ever, to stoop to the Most High, so far condescending to his meanness, and to answer his expectation by acknowledging a fault, and promising amendment. Lo, this is the guise of a godly person: he may be out, but he will not usually be obstinate. A humble man will never be a heretic; convince him once, and he will yield: not so the obstinate and uncounselable person; he runs away with conviction, as the unruly horse doth with the bit between his teeth; and his wit will better serve to devise a thousand shifts to elude the truth than his pride will suffer him once to yield to it, and acknowledge his error.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:3
Chap. Job 40:1-5. Effect of the Divine Speech on Job As if the purpose of the preceding survey of Creation might be lost in the brilliancy of the individual parts of it, the Divine Speaker gathers up its general effect and brings it to bear on Job directly, demanding whether he will persevere in his contention with Jehovah;—will the reprover contend with the Almighty? Job 40:1-2. Job is abased by the glory of God which He has made to pass before him, and brought to silence—I am too mean, what shall I answer thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth; Job 40:3-5.