Job 26:1
Job 26:1 in Multiple Translations
Then Job answered:
But Job answered and said,
Then Job answered and said,
Then Job made answer and said,
Job replied,
Bvt Iob answered, and sayde,
And Job answereth and saith: —
Then Job answered,
But Job answered and said,
Then Job answered, and said:
Job replied to Bildad, saying this sarcastically:
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 26:1
BAB
Word Study
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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 26:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
אִיּ֗וֹב
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 26:1
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
Study Notes — Job 26:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Job: Who Can Understand God’s Majesty?
Job 26:1 Summary
[Job 26:1 is a simple statement, but it marks an important turning point in the conversation between Job and his friends. Job is about to respond to their criticisms and advice, and to point out the flaws in their reasoning. As we read this verse, we can remember that it's okay to question and challenge the opinions of others, especially when they don't line up with what we know about God's character, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6. We can trust in God's power and wisdom, and find comfort in His presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as described in Jeremiah 29:11 and Jeremiah 33:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job 26:1 in the book of Job?
Job 26:1 is part of a response by Job to his friends, who have been trying to convince him that his suffering is a result of his own sin, as seen in Job 4:7-8 and Job 8:1-7.
Why does Job answer his friends in this way?
Job answers his friends in this way because he is trying to point out the inconsistency in their argument, as they claim to be wise and knowledgeable, but have not been able to provide any real help or comfort to him in his time of need, similar to the way the prophet Isaiah spoke out against false wisdom in Isaiah 5:21.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of a larger dialogue between Job and his friends, and it sets the stage for Job's eloquent speech in the following chapters, where he will describe the power and wisdom of God, as seen in Job 26:5-14 and Job 28:1-28.
What can we learn from Job's response in this verse?
We can learn from Job's response that it is okay to question and challenge the advice and opinions of others, especially when they are not based on a genuine understanding of God's character and ways, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Proverbs 14:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's power and wisdom at work in my own life, and how can I trust in Him more fully?
- How do I respond when others try to offer me advice or criticism, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- In what ways do I struggle with feelings of powerlessness or weakness, and how can I find comfort and strength in God's presence, as described in Psalm 23:4 and Psalm 46:1-3?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character and ways, and to trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Romans 11:33-36?
Gill's Exposition on Job 26:1
But Job answered,.... In a very sharp and biting manner; one would wonder that a man in such circumstances should have so much keenness of spirit, and deal in so much irony, and be master of so much
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:1
But Job answered and said, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:1
Job 26:1 But Job answered and said,Ver. 1. But Job answered and said] Bildad had vexed him with his impertinence and superfluous discourses of God’ s attributes, as if Job had denied them or doubted of them, which was far from him, witness this chapter. He therefore rippleth up Bildad with a continued smart irony in the three next following verses, letting loose the reins to his justly conceived grief and indignation, and invading his adversary with these sharp questions by way of wonderment.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:1
XXVI. (1) Then answered Job.—Job himself has virtually said much the same as Bildad (Job 9:2; Job 14:4), so he makes no further comment on his remarks here, but merely asks how he has helped him thereby, or others like him in a weak and helpless condition.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 26:1
CHAPTER XXVI Job, perceiving that his friends could no longer support their arguments on the ground they had assumed, sharply reproves them for their want both of wisdom and feeling, 1-4; shows that the power and wisdom of God are manifest in the works of creation and providence; gives several proofs; and then adds that these are a small specimen of his infinite skill and unlimited power, 5-14. NOTES ON CHAP. XXVI
Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:1
JOB’S EIGHTH REPLY. 1. But Job answered — As Bildad had made no reply to his argument, Job, in the deepest spirit of sarcasm, fills out the jejune speech of the former with a transcendent description