Job 40:3
New International Version
Then Job answered the LORD:

New Living Translation
Then Job replied to the LORD,

English Standard Version
Then Job answered the LORD and said:

Berean Standard Bible
Then Job answered the LORD:

King James Bible
Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

New King James Version
Then Job answered the LORD and said:

New American Standard Bible
Then Job answered the LORD and said,

NASB 1995
Then Job answered the LORD and said,

NASB 1977
Then Job answered the LORD and said,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Job answered Yahweh and said,

Amplified Bible
Then Job replied to the LORD and said,

Christian Standard Bible
Then Job answered the LORD:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Job answered the LORD:

American Standard Version
Then Job answered Jehovah, and said,

Contemporary English Version
Job said to the LORD:

English Revised Version
Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Job answered the LORD,

International Standard Version
Then Job replied to the LORD. He said:

Majority Standard Bible
Then Job answered the LORD:

NET Bible
Then Job answered the LORD:

New Heart English Bible
Then Job answered the LORD,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

World English Bible
Then Job answered Yahweh,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Job answers YHWH and says:

Young's Literal Translation
And Job answereth Jehovah, and saith: --

Smith's Literal Translation
And Job will answer Jehovah, and say,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Job answered the Lord, and said :

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Job answered the Lord, saying:

New American Bible
Then Job answered the LORD and said:

New Revised Standard Version
Then Job answered the LORD:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Job answered and said to LORD JEHOVAH:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Job answered the LORD, and said:And Job answered and said to the Lord,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job Humbles Himself Before the LORD
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
Job 42:1-6
Then Job replied to the LORD: / “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. / You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. ...

Job 9:2-3
“Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God? / If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.

Job 38:1-3
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: / “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? / Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.

Job 23:3-5
If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. / I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. / I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.

Job 31:35-37
(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. / Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown. / I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)—

Isaiah 6:5
Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

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?

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’?

Isaiah 50:2
Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.

Jeremiah 1:6
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”

Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

Romans 9:20
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?”

Romans 11:33-34
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”

1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

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Then Job
This marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Book of Job. Job, who has been suffering and questioning the reasons for his afflictions, is now given the opportunity to respond. The use of "then" indicates a transition from God's preceding speeches, where God challenges Job's understanding of divine wisdom and power. Job's response is significant as it follows God's overwhelming display of His creation and sovereignty, which humbles Job.

answered
The act of answering implies a dialogue, a key feature of the Book of Job. Throughout the book, Job has been in conversation with his friends and now directly with God. This response is not just verbal but reflects a change in Job's heart and understanding. It is a moment of submission and recognition of God's ultimate authority. The Hebrew word used here can also imply a response that acknowledges one's position before a superior.

the LORD
The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it denotes the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This is the same name used when God reveals Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14. In the context of Job, it underscores the personal relationship and covenantal faithfulness of God, even amidst suffering. The LORD's speeches remind Job of His omnipotence and the limitations of human understanding. This encounter with the LORD is transformative for Job, leading to his repentance and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central human figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who engages in a dialogue with Job, challenging him and ultimately revealing His sovereignty and wisdom.

3. The Dialogue
This verse marks the beginning of Job's response to God's second speech, where God questions Job's understanding and challenges his perspective on divine justice and power.
Teaching Points
Humility Before God
Job's response to God begins with humility. Recognizing our limitations in understanding God's ways is crucial for a faithful walk with Him.

The Importance of Listening
Job's answer comes after listening to God's speeches. We must prioritize listening to God's Word and seeking His wisdom in our lives.

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Job's dialogue with God reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God's ultimate control and authority over all creation.

Trust in God's Wisdom
Even when we do not understand our circumstances, trusting in God's wisdom and plan is essential for maintaining faith.

Repentance and Submission
Job's response sets the stage for his repentance and submission to God's will, a model for us when we face trials and questions.Verses 3, 4. - Then Job answered, the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile; literally, I am light; i.e. I am of small account (see the Revised Version). It would be absurd for one so weak and contemptible to attempt to argue with the Almighty. What shall I answer thee? or, What should I answer thee! What should I say, if I were to attempt a reply? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth (see the comment on Job 21:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Job
אִיּ֥וֹב (’î·yō·wḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347: Job -- a patriarch

answered
וַיַּ֖עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

the LORD:
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Poetry: Job 40:3 Then Job answered Yahweh (Jb)
Job 40:2
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