Job 11:9

⁸They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? ⁹Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

Summary

This verse from the book of Job highlights the incomprehensibility of God's wisdom and the vastness of His understanding. It emphasizes that God's wisdom is higher than the heavens and deeper than the depths of Sheol, emphasizing the limitless nature of His knowledge. The verse serves as a reminder of the greatness and majesty of God, encouraging humility and awe in the face of His infinite wisdom. It also underscores the limitations of human understanding compared to the boundless wisdom of God, prompting reverence and trust in His divine guidance.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Length is generally ascribed to the earth, and width to the sea; the ends of the earth are used for a great distance, and the sea is called the great and wide sea; see (k) Psa 72:1; but God and his perfections, particularly his wisdom and understanding, are infinite, Psa 147:5; and will admit of no dimensions; as his love, so his wisdom, has an height which cannot be reached, a depth that cannot be fathomed, and a length and breadth immeasurable; see Eph 3:18; from hence it appears that God is omniscient, omnipresent, and incomprehensible; and since he is to be found in Christ, and in him only, it is in vain for us to seek for him elsewhere: next the sovereignty of God is discoursed of. (k) "Quid oceano longius inveriri potest", Cicero. Orat. 36.

Job 11:9

Zophar Rebukes Job

⁸They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? ⁹Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.