Job 37:19
Job 37:19 in Multiple Translations
Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case when our faces are in darkness.
Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
Teach us what we shall say unto him; For we cannot set our speech in order by reason of darkness.
Make clear to me what we are to say to him; we are unable to put our cause before him, because of the dark.
So why don't you teach us what to tell God? We cannot make our case because we are in the dark!
Tell vs what we shall say vnto him: for we can not dispose our matter because of darknes.
Let us know what we say to Him, We set not in array because of darkness.
Teach us what we will tell him, for we can’t make our case by reason of darkness.
Teach us what we shall say to him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
Shew us what we may say to him: for we are wrapped up in darkness.
“Job, tell us(exc) what we should say to God; we do not know anything [IDM]. As a result, we do not know what to say to him to defend ourselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 37:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 37:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֭וֹדִיעֵ/נוּ
מַה
נֹּ֣אמַר
ל֑/וֹ
לֹ֥א
נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ
מִ/פְּנֵי
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
ה֭וֹדִיעֵ/נוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נֹּ֣אמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
מִ/פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 37:19
ה֭וֹדִיעֵ/נוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] 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, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נֹּ֣אמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
מִ/פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Job 37:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 37:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 37:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:19
- Cambridge Bible on Job 37:19
- Barnes' Notes on Job 37:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:19
- Sermons on Job 37:19
Context — Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
17You whose clothes get hot when the land lies hushed under the south wind,
18can you, like Him, spread out the skies, as strong as a mirror of bronze?
19Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.
20Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up ? 21Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:2 | “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? |
| 2 | Psalms 73:22 | I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. |
| 3 | Job 42:3 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 John 3:2 | Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. |
| 5 | Job 28:20–21 | From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air. |
| 6 | Job 13:3 | Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. |
| 7 | Psalms 73:16–17 | When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. |
| 8 | Proverbs 30:2–4 | Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 9 | Job 26:14 | Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” |
| 10 | Psalms 139:6 | Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. |
Job 37:19 Summary
[This verse is saying that sometimes we feel so overwhelmed or unsure that we don't know what to say to God. It's like we're in a dark place and can't find the words to express ourselves. In those moments, we need to remember that God is our helper and guide, and we can look to His Word for comfort and direction, as in Psalms 23:4, where David says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.' We can also remember that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, as it says in Romans 8:26, and that we can cast our anxieties on God, as in 1 Peter 5:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have our faces in darkness in Job 37:19?
This phrase symbolizes a state of uncertainty, confusion, or being overwhelmed, much like the Psalmist's cry in Psalms 38:8, where he feels his body is weak and his soul is in anguish, unable to find the right words to say to God.
Why do we need to be taught what to say to God in times of darkness?
We need guidance on what to say because, like Job, we often find ourselves in situations where we are unsure of how to express ourselves to God, as seen in Job 37:19, and we can look to examples like Moses in Exodus 4:10-12, who also struggled with knowing what to say to God and to others.
How does this verse relate to our everyday struggles with God?
This verse reminds us that it's normal to feel uncertain about what to say to God, especially in difficult times, and we can take comfort in knowing that we're not alone, as expressed in Romans 8:26, where the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, and in 1 Peter 5:7, where we're encouraged to cast our anxieties on God.
What does this verse teach us about humility in prayer?
This verse teaches us the importance of humility in prayer, recognizing our limitations and inability to fully express ourselves to God, and instead, seeking His guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we're told to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel like I'm in darkness, and I don't know what to say to God?
- How can I apply the principle of humility in my prayers, recognizing my limitations and seeking God's guidance?
- What are some Bible verses or stories that give me comfort and guidance when I'm struggling to find the right words to say to God?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, especially in times of uncertainty or darkness?
Gill's Exposition on Job 37:19
Teach us what we shall say unto him,.... To this wonder working God, of whose common works of nature we know so little; how we should reason with him about his works of Providence, when we know so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:19
Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. Men cannot explain God's wonders; we ought, therefore, to be dumb, and not contend with God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:19
Unto him, i.e. unto God, either by way of apology for thee; or rather, by way of debate and disputation with him about his counsels and ways: about which we know not what to say, and therefore are willing to be taught by thee, who pretendest to such exquisite knowledge of these matters. So it is a reproof of his presumption and arrogance. We cannot order our speech; we know neither with what words or matter, nor in what method and manner, to maintain discourse with him, or plead against him. The words our speech are easily understood out of the former clause of the verse. By reason of darkness; both because of the darkness of the matter, God’ s counsels and ways being a great depth, and far out of our reach; and because of the darkness or blindness of our minds.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:19
Job 37:19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; [for] we cannot order [our speech] by reason of darkness.Ver. 19. Teach us what we shall say unto him] A notable scoff, a sharp sarcasm. Verba sunt urgentis et insultantis; q.d. Velim ut e tot argumentis, Job 23:4, aliqua nunc proferas, I would that thou wouldst bring out some of those many arguments thou didst brag of; for we are at a fault; neither can we (such is our ignorance) find what to say in thy just defence, had we never so good a mind to it. For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness] We are benighted and word bound; forced to acknowledge our ignorance, our infancy, and to complain (as Anaxagoras afterwards did), omnia esse circumfusa tenebris; and (as Empedocles) angustas esse sensuum semitas, that we are far to seek of what to say in this case, and ready to think that silence would be our safest eloquence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:19
(19) Teach us what we shall say unto (or, concerning) him—i.e., the sun. “He is altogether hidden by the clouds; but is he gone? is he not still there behind them?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:19
Verse 19. Teach us what we shall say unto him?] Thou pretendest to be so very wise, and to know every thing about God, pray make us as wise as thyself, that we may be able to approach with thy boldness the Sovereign of the world; and maintain our cause with thy confidence before him. As for our parts, we are ignorant; and, on all these subjects, are enveloped with darkness. Mr. Good translates: - "Teach us how we may address him, When arrayed in robes of darkness." It is a strong and biting irony, however we take it.
Cambridge Bible on Job 37:19
19. This thought of the strong expanse of heaven stretched out by God suggests to Elihu His unspeakable greatness and unsearchableness, and he demands of Job with what words of man such a Being is to be addressed, if one sought to contend with Him. by reason of darkness] That is, of understanding—in presence of the unsearchableness of God.
Barnes' Notes on Job 37:19
Teach us what we shall say unto him - This seems to be addressed to Job. It is the language of Elihu, implying that he was overawed with a sense of the majesty and glory of such a God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:19
19. We cannot order our speech — Literally, We cannot set in order.This is evidently a stern rebuke of Job for his boastful declarations in Job 13:18, and in Job 23:4, that he had set in order his
Sermons on Job 37:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God No Longer Winks at Unbelief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God and having a hunger for His word. He highlights that salvation is only possible through the work of the Holy S |
|
Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
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Studies in Job-03 Job-3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and explores the theme of God's sovereignty and power. The sermon begins by highlighting God's role as the creator of the un |
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Why Is My Pain Unending? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the question of unending pain and suffering, emphasizing that while God has reasons for His actions, He is not obligated to reveal them to us. He warns agai |
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The Sixth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of a monk, highlighting the sixth degree of humility which involves being content with the poorest and wors |
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Closing Address on Communion Sabbath, January 27, 1889. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the prophetic role of Christ in his closing address on Communion Sabbath, reflecting on the Samaritan woman's statement about the coming Prophet. He highlig |
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(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the antici |