What is the meaning of Job 40:3? Then • Indicates sequence: God has just spoken (Job 40:1–2) challenging Job to “answer” Him; this is the immediate follow-up. • Marks a turning point; the whirlwind discourse (Job 38–39) has humbled Job and sets the stage for his brief reply. • Scripture often uses “then” to show decisive moments after divine revelation (Genesis 22:1–3; Isaiah 6:8). It signals that human response must follow God’s initiative. Job • The man God Himself called “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1). • His identity reminds us that even the most righteous need correction when confronting the Almighty (James 5:11; Ezekiel 14:14). • Job’s earlier speeches were lengthy; here his words will be few, illustrating growth in humility (compare Job 3; Job 29 with Job 40:4–5). answered • Response, not rebuttal. Job finally fulfills God’s request to “answer Me” (Job 38:3; 40:2). • Signifies submission: he no longer argues his case but acknowledges God’s supremacy (Job 42:2–3). • Highlights a biblical pattern—true reverence listens first, then speaks sparingly (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2; James 1:19). the LORD • The personal, covenant name used throughout the book (Job 1:21; 38:1). • Affirms that Job’s dialogue is with the sovereign Creator, not fate or friends (Psalm 115:3). • Emphasizes accountability: every human will ultimately answer to the LORD (Romans 14:11–12; Revelation 20:12). summary Job 40:3 is the brief hinge between God’s searching questions and Job’s humbled confession. “Then” situates the moment right after divine confrontation; “Job” reminds us of a righteous man still in need of refinement; “answered” shows a shift from debating to yielding; “the LORD” focuses all attention on the sovereign voice that demands—and deserves—human response. |
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