Job 9:12
Job 9:12 in Multiple Translations
If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’
Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?
Behold, he seizeth the prey, who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou?
If he puts out his hand to take, by whom may it be turned back? who may say to him, What are you doing?
If he takes away, who can prevent him? Who is going to ask him, ‘What are you doing?’
Behold, when he taketh a pray, who can make him to restore it? who shall say vnto him, What doest thou?
Lo, He snatches away, who bringeth it back? Who saith unto Him, 'What dost Thou?'
Behold, he snatches away. Who can hinder him? Who will ask him, ‘What are you doing?’
Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say to him, What doest thou?
If he examine on a sudden, who shall answer him? or who can say: Why dost thou so?
If he wants to snatch something away, no one [RHQ] can hinder him; no one dares to ask him, ‘Why are you doing that?’ [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:12
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 9:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֣ן
יַ֭חְתֹּף
מִ֣י
יְשִׁיבֶ֑/נּוּ
מִֽי
יֹאמַ֥ר
אֵ֝לָ֗י/ו
מַֽה
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
יַ֭חְתֹּף
châthaph
H2862
to seize
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יְשִׁיבֶ֑/נּוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יֹאמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵ֝לָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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 9:12
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
יַ֭חְתֹּף
châthaph
H2862
"to seize"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To seize or clutch something means to grab it tightly, often suddenly. This word is used to describe taking something away from someone.
Definition: (Qal) to seize, take away, snatch away
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: take away. See also: Job 9:12.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יְשִׁיבֶ֑/נּוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יֹאמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
אֵ֝לָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Job 9:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:12
- Sermons on Job 9:12
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
10He does great things beyond searching out, and wonders without number.
11Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him; were He to move, I would not recognize Him.
12If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’
13God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him. 14How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 45:9 | 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’? |
| 2 | Job 11:10 | If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him? |
| 3 | Job 23:13 | But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. |
| 4 | Job 34:29 | But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, |
| 5 | Romans 11:34 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 6 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 18:6 | “O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. |
| 8 | Job 33:13 | Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? |
| 9 | Matthew 20:15 | Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ |
| 10 | Matthew 11:26 | Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. |
Job 9:12 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is all-powerful and in control of everything, and that no one can stop Him from doing what He wants, as seen in Psalms 135:6, 'The Lord does whatever He pleases, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths'. It also teaches us that we shouldn't question God's actions or try to understand everything He does, because His ways are much higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'If He takes away, who can stop Him?'
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, implying that no one can hinder or stop God's actions, as seen in Psalms 115:3, which says 'Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases'
Why does the verse ask 'Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’'
This rhetorical question highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's power and wisdom, making it clear that humans are not in a position to question God's actions, as also stated in Romans 11:34, 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?'
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse underscores God's absolute authority and control over all things, reinforcing the idea that God's ways are not always understandable to humans, as expressed in Isaiah 55:9, 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts'
What is the significance of Job's statement in the context of his suffering?
Job's statement acknowledges God's power and wisdom, even in the midst of his own suffering, demonstrating his trust and reverence for God, similar to what is expressed in Job 2:1, 'Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not stretch out your hand against him''
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to trust God's sovereignty, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and awe for God's power and wisdom, even when I don't understand His actions?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty impact my perspective on difficult circumstances, and what comfort can I draw from it?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my limitations in understanding God's ways?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:12
Behold, he taketh away,.... There are some things God never takes away from his people; he never takes away his love from them, he always rests in that towards them, let them be in what condition
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:12
Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:12
If he determine to take away from any man his children, or servants, or estate, as he hath done from me, who is able to restrain him from doing it? or who dare presume to reprove him for it? And therefore far be it from me to quarrel with God, whereof you untruly accuse me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:12
Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?Ver. 12. Behold, he taketh away] Raptim aufert; He snatcheth away, or taketh by force, as a lion doth his prey, or a thief doth another man’ s goods. Confer Proverbs 23:28. Which if he do, who can repel or turn him back? Here Job plainly alludeth to the taking away of his children, servants, and cattle, the likelihood also of losing his life (according to the Chaldee paraphrast) by his present miseries; which, if it should befall him from God, it would not be safe for him to cavil, or once question God’ s proceeding, to urge him to restitution, or charge him with oppression; since he is chief Lord of all, and may do with his own what he pleaseth. He is uncontrollable, as Nebuchadnezzar at length acknowledged, Daniel 4:35, and his will is the true and only rule of justice itself, nec solum recta, sed et regula. Wherefore let all the earth keep silence before him, Habakkuk 2:20, and let none presume once to ask him what he hath done, either to question his right to do it, or to question his righteousness in the doing of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:12
(12) What doest thou?—Putting the case even that God were, so to say, in the wrong, and the assailant, yet even then He would maintain His cause from sheer might, and crush His adversary.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:12
Verse 12. He taketh away] He never gives, but he is ever lending: and while the gift is useful or is improved, he permits it to remain; but when it becomes useless or is misused, he recalls it. Who can hinder him?] Literally, Who can cause him to restore it? What doest thou?] He is supreme, and will give account of none of his matters. He is infinitely wise, and cannot mistake. He is infinitely kind, and can do nothing cruel. He is infinitely good, and can do nothing wrong. No one, therefore, should question either his motives or his operations.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:12
12. It is irresistible and irresponsible. taketh away] Carries off, as a beast of prey its booty. who can hinder him] Or, turn him back.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:12
Behold, he taketh away - Property, friends, or life. Who can hinder him? - Margin, turn him away. Or, rather, “who shall cause him to restore?” that is, who can bring back what he takes away?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:12
12. He taketh away — There is nothing that declares man’s impotency more than his powerlessness to save his loved ones from death. Job regards the work of death as the work of God.
Sermons on Job 9:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Exodus 11-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting and believing in God's word without questioning or arguing with it. He highlights the humility and submission tha |
|
Postgraduate Courses by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the history of denominations and how they often start with a humble and desperate cry to God. However, as they become established, they tend |
|
Even Christ Pleased Not Himself by A.B. Simpson | The preacher delves into the concept of Sabbath rest, explaining that it signifies a period of rest for God's people modeled after the traditional Sabbath, but not limited to a spe |
|
The Crook in the Lot - Part 1 by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the importance of recognizing that the crook in our lot is of God's making, designed for various purposes such as trial, correction, prevention of sin, |
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Signs of the Times by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink addresses the alarming state of modern evangelism, asserting that much of it is superficial and misleading, failing to convey the true nature of the Gospel. He emphasizes |
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The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected. -Nature of the Connection by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of true wisdom, which consists of the knowledge of God and of ourselves, emphasizing how the two are interconnected. He explains how the k |
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Godliness, Maturity and Spiritual Depth by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting God's forgiveness for all sins, past, present, and future, which can be difficult for many to believe. He enc |