Job 38:3 — Word Study
WLCאֱזָר־ נָ֣א כְגֶ֣בֶר חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ וְ֝אֶשְׁאָלְךָ֗ וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃
BSANownâʼ braceʼâzar [prepare, gird] yourselfchâlâts like a mangeber [strong individual] I will question youshâʼal▸ [demand, ask] and you shall inform Meyâdaʻ [answer, declare unto, as your Lord, in reverence]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֱזָר־ | gird up | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine singular |
| נָ֣א | please | Particle |
| כְגֶ֣בֶר | like a man | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ | loins your | Noun common feminine dual construct, suffix |
| וְ֝אֶשְׁאָלְךָ֗ | and I will ask you | Conjunction, verb qal first person common singular, suffix |
| וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃ | and make known to me | Conjunction, verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. |
| KJV | Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. |
| ASV | Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. |
| YLT | Gird, I pray thee, as a man, thy loins, And I ask thee, and cause thou Me to know. |
| WEB | Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me! |
| BBE | Get your strength together like a man of war; I will put questions to you, and you will give me the answers. |
Where they part company is אֱזָר־ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence begins with a strong command followed by two clauses detailing what God will do, creating a clear structure of expectation.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָזַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 38:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God Questions Jobgenerated
Job 38:3 is part of God's response to Job, who has been lamenting his suffering and questioning God's justice. Here, God challenges Job to brace himself like a strong man, indicating that He will pose questions that require Job's full attention and strength to answer. This sets the stage for a series of profound inquiries about creation and divine wisdom, emphasizing Job's human limitations in contrast to God's omnipotence.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 40:7 | “Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. |
| 2 | Exodus 12:11 | This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:46 | And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 1:17 | Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:13 | Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֱזָר־, 'e.zor-generated
The verb אָזַר (azar) means to gird or prepare oneself, often associated with physical readiness for action or battle. The imperative form here calls Job to take on a posture of strength, akin to a warrior ready for combat. This term emphasizes the need for mental and physical fortitude in the face of divine questioning.
In this context, the command to gird up suggests that Job must be ready to engage seriously with God's inquiries, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the expectation that Job will respond thoughtfully.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb אֱזָר (azar), gird up, governs the entire verse, with the phrase כְגֶ֣בֶר (khe.ge.ver), like a man, describing how Job is to prepare. The structure emphasizes the imperative nature of God's command, calling for immediate action.
The sentence is straightforward, with a clear command followed by the promise of questioning. The use of the particle נָ֣א (na') adds a tone of urgency and politeness, inviting Job to engage earnestly.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אֱזָר as ζῶσαι (zōsai), which also means to gird or prepare. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew imperative, maintaining the emphasis on readiness.
The use of ἀνὴρ (anēr) for כְגֶ֣בֶר reinforces the idea of a strong individual, aligning with the Hebrew's emphasis on strength and valor.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 38:3 shows God telling Job to prepare himself like a strong man for questioning. God is about to ask Job important questions that will challenge his understanding and perspective on divine wisdom and creation.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To 'gird up' means to prepare oneself for action, often by securing one's clothing or armor, indicating readiness for a challenge or task.
God's questions are meant to highlight Job's limited understanding and to demonstrate God's sovereignty and wisdom in creation.
By calling Job to brace himself like a man, God emphasizes the need for strength and maturity in facing the profound truths He is about to reveal.
This verse is pivotal in the Book of Job, as it marks the beginning of God's response to Job's suffering, shifting the focus from Job's complaints to God's ultimate authority and wisdom.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does it mean for me to prepare myself like a man in my own life challenges?
- How can I better understand God's questions and His ways in my life?
- In what areas do I need to strengthen my resolve to face difficult truths?
- How does recognizing my limitations help me in my relationship with God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers comment on this verse to illustrate God's call to Job for strength and understanding, emphasizing the importance of readiness in faith.
Since Job was overwhelmed by his dejection, God encourages him with his words, so that he may pay attention to what is said now, and he introduces his speech in the form of questions, which is the best means to convince.Early Church Fathers on Job 38 →
Gird up thy loins as a man. Holy Scripture is wont to call those persons 'men,' who follow, doubtless, the ways of the Lord with firm and steady steps. Whence it is said by the Psalmist, Do manfully, and let your heart be strengthened.Early Church Fathers on Job 38 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 38:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleGird up now thy loins like a man,.... Like a man of valour that girds on his harness for battle: Job is bid to prepare for the controversy the Lord was entering into with him; and bring forth his
Read John Gill on Job 38 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryGird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 38 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleGird up now thy loins; as warriors then did for the battle. Prepare thyself for the combat with me, which thou hast oft desired. I accept of thy challenge, , and elsewhere. I will demand of thee; or, I will ask thee questions; which he doth in the following verses.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 38 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 38:3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Ver. 3. Gird up now thy loins like a man] As men did use to do when they went to fight, 1 Kings 20:11. Stand to thy ward, and see to thyself; for I mean to assail thee and to try thy manhood. Plato hath observed, that the best fencers are the worst soldiers. Many can brave it beforehand, as that Thrasonical Gaal did, Judges 9:29, who yet cannot look their enemy in the face with blood in their cheeks. For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me] I will be thy opponent, since thou hast challenged me into the schools, as it were, and given me my choice, and prove thee with hard questions; whereunto if…
Read John Trapp on Job 38 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. Gird up now thy loins] I will not confound thee with my terrors; dismiss all fearful apprehensions from thy mind; now act like a man, כגבר kegeber, like a hero: stand and vindicate thyself. For I will demand of thee - I will ask thee a series of questions more easy of solution than those which thou hast affected to discuss already; and then thou shalt have the opportunity of answering for thyself. The most impressive and convincing manner of arguing is allowed to be that by interrogation, which the Almighty here adopts. The best orations delivered by the ancients were formed after this manner. That celebrated oration of Cicero against Catiline, which is allowed to be his…
Read AdamClarke on Job 38 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3. for I will demand] Rather, and I will. Jehovah now invites Job to prepare for that contention with Him which he had so often desired, Job 9:35, Job 13:10 seq.; and as Job had said, “Then call thou and I will answer, or let me speak and answer thou me” (ch. Job 13:22), Jehovah, as becomes Him, chooses the former half of the alternative, it may be that when He has “called” Job will be less ready than he thought to “answer” (ch. Job 40:3-5).
Read Cambridge on Job 38 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleGird up now thy loins like a man - To gird up the loins, is a phrase which has allusion to the mode of dress in ancient times.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 38 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible3. Gird up now thy loins — See note, Job 12:20. Job, who controverts the purposes of the Most High, from the nature of the case assumes an equal or co-extensive knowledge with Deity — an assumption
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 38 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!
Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
Get ready for a difficult task like a man; I will question you and you will inform me!
Tyndale line
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Girde vp nowe thy loynes like a man: I will demande of thee and declare thou vnto me.
Strictly literal
Gird up now thy loins like a man; and I will demand of thee, and inform thou me.
Gird, I pray thee, as a man, thy loins, And I ask thee, and cause thou Me to know.
Now gird your loins as a man, || And I ask you, and you cause Me to know.
Do but gird up like a mighty man thy loins: and I will ask thee, and do thou inform me.
Now gird up your loins like a man for I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.
From the Latin
Gird up thy loins like a man: I will ask thee, and answer thou me.
Simplified
Prepare yourself, be strong, for I am going to question you, and you must answer me.
Get your strength together like a man of war; I will put questions to you, and you will give me the answers.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads אֱזָר־ נָ֣א כְגֶ֣בֶר חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ וְ֝אֶשְׁאָלְךָ֗ וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃, while the Septuagint matches five of the six words, indicating a strong alignment between the two texts, though the word order differs.
אֱזָר־ נָ֣א כְגֶ֣בֶר חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ וְ֝אֶשְׁאָלְךָ֗ וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 38:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָזַר (azar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to gird, encompass, or equip. It has various forms, including Qal (to gird), Niphal (to be girded), and Piel (to hold close). The word conveys a sense of preparation and strength, often used in contexts related to readiness for action or war.
[אָזַר] vb. gird, encompass, equip
Qal gird, gird on
Niph. girded with might
Pi. gird
Hithp. gird oneself
base
H247 [אָזַר] gird, encompass, equip
247 'azar aw-zar'
a primitive root; to belt:--bind (compass) about, gird (up,
with).
אָזַר (a.zar) — to gird.
1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe
1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength)
1b) (Niphal) be girded
1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp
1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singularHVqv2ms
נָא (na') is a Hebrew particle used primarily for entreaty or exhortation, meaning 'I pray,' 'now,' or 'please.' It often appears attached to verbs in the imperative or future forms, and can also modify interjections, adverbs, or conjunctions. The entries consistently emphasize its role in expressing a plea or request.
נָא part. of entreaty or exhortation, I (we) pray, now (enclitic)
base
H4994 נָא I (we) pray, now (enclitic)
4994 na' naw
a primitive particle of incitement and entreaty, which may
usually be rendered: "I pray," "now," or "then"; added mostly
to verbs (in the Imperative or Future), or to interjections,
occasionally to an adverb or conjunction:--I beseech (pray)
thee (you), go to, now, oh.
נָא (na) — please.
1) I (we) pray, now, please
1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Part — ParticleHTj
גֶּ֫בֶר (geber) refers to a man, particularly one who is strong or valiant, often distinguished from women and children. The term is used primarily in poetic contexts and emphasizes the qualities of strength and warrior-like attributes. It is derived from a root meaning to be strong, and lexicons highlight its use in describing a mighty or capable individual.
גֶּ֫בֶר 66 n.m. man;—man as strong, disting. fr. women, children, and non-combatants whom he is to defend, chiefly poetic
base
H1397 גֶּ֫בֶר man;—man as strong, disting. fr. women, children, and non-combatants whom he is to defend, chiefly poetic
1397 geber gheh'-ber
from 1396; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a
person simply:--every one, man, X mighty.
see HEBREW for 01396
גָּבֶר (ga.ver) — great man.
man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
See ANTHROPOLOGY.
Man
(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).
(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;
Four Hebrew terms are rendered "man" in the Authorized Version: Adam, the name of the man created in the image of God. It appears to be derived from adam , "he or it was red or ruddy," like Edom. This was the generic term for the human race. Ish , "man," as distinguished from woman, husband. Geber , "a man," from gabar , "to be strong," generally with reference to his strength. Methim , "men," always masculine. Perhaps it may be derived from the root muth , "he died."
חָלָץ (chalats) refers to the loins, specifically in the dual form, indicating a focus on this area as the seat of strength, virility, and pain, particularly in the context of childbirth. The term is associated with physical vigor and is noted for its use in describing the loins as girded.
[חָלָץ] n.[f.] only dual, loins
as seat of virility
as girded
as seat of pains, like a woman in travail
base
H2504 [חָלָץ] only dual, loins
2504 chalats khaw-lawts'
from 2502 (in the sense of strength); only in the dual; the
loins (as the seat of vigor):--loins, reins.
see HEBREW for 02502
חָלָץ (cha.lats) — loin.
1) loins
1a) as seat of virility
1b) as girded
1c) as seat of pain (woman's travail)
N-cd | Suff — Noun common feminine dual construct · suffixHNcfdc/Sp2ms
שָׁאַל (sha'al) means to ask or inquire, often in the context of requesting a favor or borrowing. It covers a range of uses, including seeking counsel, consulting deities, and even begging. The verb can appear in different forms, such as asking for oneself or granting requests. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, שְׁאֵל (she.el), meaning 'to ask'.
שָׁאַל 170 vb. ask, inquire
Qal
ask, ask for
specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow
in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
inquire of
inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.
in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
Niph. ask for oneself
Pi.
inquire carefully
beg, practise beggary
Hiph. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)
base
H7592 שָׁאַל ask, inquire .. . ask, ask for
. specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow
. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
. . inquire of
. inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.
. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
. ask for oneself
. . inquire carefully
. beg, practise beggary
. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)
7592 sha'al shaw-al'
or shael {shaw-ale'}; a primitive root; to inquire; by
implication, to request; by extension, to demand:--ask
(counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand,
desire, X earnestly, enquire, + greet, obtain leave, lend,
pray, request, require, + salute, X straitly, X surely, wish.
שָׁאַל (sha.al) — to ask.
1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to ask, ask for
1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow
1a3) to enquire, enquire of
1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle)
1a5) to seek
1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully
1c2) to beg, practise beggary
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to be given on request
1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to
Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal first person common singular · suffixHC/Vqu1cs/Sp2ms
יָדַע (yada`) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to know,' encompassing a wide range of senses including perception, recognition, and experience. It can refer to knowing someone intimately or being skilled in a task. The word has various forms, indicating actions such as making known or being made known. Lexicons note its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
יָדַע 943 vb. know
Qal
know, learn to know
perceive
perceive and see; find out and discern
discriminate, distinguish
know by experience
recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
consider
not know = not expect
know a person, be acquainted with
know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
be skilful in
abs. have knowledge, be wise
Niph.
be made known, be or become known, of things
make oneself known of pers.
be perceived
be instructed
Pi. cause to know
Pu. known
Hiph. make known, declare
Hoph. made known
Hithp. make oneself known
base
H3045 יָדַע know .. . know, learn to know
. perceive
. perceive and see; find out and discern
. discriminate, distinguish
. know by experience
. recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
. consider
. not know = not expect
. know a person, be acquainted with
. know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
. . know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
. be skilful in
. abs. have knowledge, be wise
. . be made known, be or become known, of things
. make oneself known of pers.
. be perceived
. be instructed
. cause to know
. known
. make known, declare
. made known
. make oneself known
3045 yada` yaw-dah'
a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing);
used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally,
euphemistically and inferentially (including observation,
care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted
with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware,
(un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X
could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to)
discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel,
can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause
to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have
(knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be
learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man
of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell,
יָדַע (ya.da) — to know.
1) to know
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to know
1a1a) to know, learn to know
1a1b) to perceive
1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern
1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish
1a1e) to know by experience
1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
1a1g) to consider
1a2) to know, be acquainted with
1a3) to know (a person carnally)
1a4) to know how, be skilful in
1a5) to have knowledge, be wise
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
1b2) to make oneself known
1b3) to be perceived
1b4) to be instructed
1c) (Piel) to cause to know
1d) (Poal) to cause to know
1e) (Pual)
1e1) to be known
1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare
1g) (Hophal) to be made known
1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Conjunction · verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHC/Vhv2ms/Sp1bs
