Job 38:3
Job 38:3 in Multiple Translations
Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Get your strength together like a man of war; I will put questions to you, and you will give me the answers.
Prepare yourself, be strong, for I am going to question you, and you must answer me.
Girde vp nowe thy loynes like a man: I will demande of thee and declare thou vnto me.
Gird, I pray thee, as a man, thy loins, And I ask thee, and cause thou Me to know.
Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Gird up thy loins like a man: I will ask thee, and answer thou me.
I want to ask you some questions, so, just like men prepare themselves for a difficult task [MET], prepare to answer my questions.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:3
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 38:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱזָר
נָ֣א
כְ/גֶ֣בֶר
חֲלָצֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ֝/אֶשְׁאָלְ/ךָ֗
וְ/הוֹדִיעֵֽ/נִי
אֱזָר
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
כְ/גֶ֣בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
Prep | N-ms
חֲלָצֶ֑י/ךָ
châlâts
H2504
loin
N-cd | Suff
וְ֝/אֶשְׁאָלְ/ךָ֗
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/הוֹדִיעֵֽ/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:3
אֱזָר
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
כְ/גֶ֣בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
חֲלָצֶ֑י/ךָ
châlâts
H2504
"loin"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'loins' refers to the seat of vigor and strength, like in Genesis where it describes a woman's travail. It represents the source of power and energy.
Definition: 1) loins 1a) as seat of virility 1b) as girded 1c) as seat of pain (woman's travail)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: loins, reins. See also: Genesis 35:11; Job 40:7; Isaiah 5:27.
וְ֝/אֶשְׁאָלְ/ךָ֗
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
וְ/הוֹדִיעֵֽ/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | 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.
Study Notes — Job 38:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:3
- Sermons on Job 38:3
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2“Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge?
3Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
4Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 40:7 | “Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. |
| 2 | Exodus 12:11 | This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 1:17 | Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 18:46 | And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:13 | Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 6 | 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.)— |
| 7 | Job 13:22 | Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. |
| 8 | Job 13:15 | Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. |
| 9 | Job 23:3–7 | 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. Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me. Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
Job 38:3 Summary
[This verse means that God is getting ready to talk to Job and ask him some tough questions. God wants Job to be brave and honest, and to recognize God's power and wisdom. As it says in Psalm 111:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and Job needs to understand that God is in control. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of His wisdom and power, just like Job did in this passage.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'brace yourself like a man' in Job 38:3?
This phrase is an idiom that means to prepare oneself to face a challenge or a difficult situation with courage and strength, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 where Moses encourages the Israelites to be strong and courageous.
Why does God say He will question Job and Job shall inform Him?
God is not seeking information from Job, but rather, He is about to reveal His wisdom and power to Job, as stated in Job 38:4-5, and Job's response will demonstrate his understanding and humility, much like in Psalm 119:66 where the psalmist asks God to teach him knowledge and good judgment.
Is God being confrontational or aggressive in this verse?
While God's tone may seem confrontational, it is actually a call to humility and recognition of His sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 55:9 where God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and we should approach Him with humility and reverence, as stated in Hebrews 4:13 where it says that all things are naked and open to God's eyes.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'brace myself like a man' and face challenges with courage and strength?
- How can I demonstrate humility and recognition of God's sovereignty in my daily life, as seen in this verse?
- What are some things that I think I know or understand, but may actually be 'words without knowledge', as mentioned in Job 38:2?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom and power, as revealed in this verse and the surrounding passages?
- What are some ways that I can respond to God's call to humility and recognition of His sovereignty, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:3
Gird up now thy loins like a man,.... Like a man of valour that girds on his harness for battle: Job is bid to prepare for the controversy the Lord was entering into with him; and bring forth his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:3
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:3
Gird up now thy loins; as warriors then did for the battle. Prepare thyself for the combat with me, which thou hast oft desired. I accept of thy challenge, , and elsewhere. I will demand of thee; or, I will ask thee questions; which he doth in the following verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:3
Job 38:3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Ver. 3. Gird up now thy loins like a man] As men did use to do when they went to fight, 1 Kings 20:11. Stand to thy ward, and see to thyself; for I mean to assail thee and to try thy manhood. Plato hath observed, that the best fencers are the worst soldiers. Many can brave it beforehand, as that Thrasonical Gaal did, Judges 9:29, who yet cannot look their enemy in the face with blood in their cheeks. For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me] I will be thy opponent, since thou hast challenged me into the schools, as it were, and given me my choice, and prove thee with hard questions; whereunto if thou canst give no good answer, see thine own folly, and be satisfied.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:3
Verse 3. Gird up now thy loins] I will not confound thee with my terrors; dismiss all fearful apprehensions from thy mind; now act like a man, כגבר kegeber, like a hero: stand and vindicate thyself. For I will demand of thee - I will ask thee a series of questions more easy of solution than those which thou hast affected to discuss already; and then thou shalt have the opportunity of answering for thyself. The most impressive and convincing manner of arguing is allowed to be that by interrogation, which the Almighty here adopts. The best orations delivered by the ancients were formed after this manner. That celebrated oration of Cicero against Catiline, which is allowed to be his masterpiece, begins with a multitude of short questions, closely pressed upon each other. See the end of the chapter. See Clarke on Job 38:41.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:3
3. for I will demand] Rather, and I will. Jehovah now invites Job to prepare for that contention with Him which he had so often desired, Job 9:35, Job 13:10 seq.; and as Job had said, “Then call thou and I will answer, or let me speak and answer thou me” (ch. Job 13:22), Jehovah, as becomes Him, chooses the former half of the alternative, it may be that when He has “called” Job will be less ready than he thought to “answer” (ch. Job 40:3-5).
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:3
Gird up now thy loins like a man - To gird up the loins, is a phrase which has allusion to the mode of dress in ancient times.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:3
3. Gird up now thy loins — See note, Job 12:20. Job, who controverts the purposes of the Most High, from the nature of the case assumes an equal or co-extensive knowledge with Deity — an assumption
Sermons on Job 38:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gird Up Now Thy Loins by Emanuel Esh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of God's mercy in revealing one's true nature. He uses the analogy of a person trying to escape from God's convictio |
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Greatness of Christ by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher emphasizes the importance of being mentally prepared and ready for spiritual battle, drawing from various biblical examples where individuals were instructed to gird u |
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Homily 23 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and being well-equipped with the armor of God. He highlights the significance of standing firm in the faith, symboliz |
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Prove All Things by Charles Finney | Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of 'loins' (osphus) in the Bible, highlighting its literal and figurative meanings such as readiness for service or battle, standing |
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The Passover by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the significance of the Lord's Passover, reflecting on the night of Israel's deliverance from Egypt's bondage. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trustin |
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September 24. 1678. the Passover. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the significance of Redemption and the process of yielding to God's will, emphasizing the need to remove any impurity from our lives as the Lord's Passover |
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He Was Despised and Rejected of Men by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the need for preachers to brace themselves for rejection, persecution, and attacks, even from unexpected sources within the evangelical church. It calls for |