Job 40:4
Job 40:4 in Multiple Translations
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth.
Truly, I am of no value; what answer may I give to you? I will put my hand on my mouth.
“Me—I am nothing at all. I have no answers. I put my hand in front of my mouth.
Or hast thou an arme like God? or doest thou thunder with a voyce like him?
Lo, I have been vile, What do I return to Thee? My hand I have placed on my mouth.
“Behold, I am of small account. What will I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.
And hast thou an arm like God, and canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
“Now I realize that I am completely worthless. So ◄how could I answer those questions?/I could not possibly answer those questions!► [RHQ] I will put my hand over my mouth and not say anything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:4
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 40:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֣ן
קַ֭לֹּתִי
מָ֣ה
אֲשִׁיבֶ֑/ךָּ
יָ֝דִ֗/י
שַׂ֣מְתִּי
לְמוֹ
פִֽ/י
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
קַ֭לֹּתִי
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֲשִׁיבֶ֑/ךָּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
יָ֝דִ֗/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
שַׂ֣מְתִּי
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לְמוֹ
lᵉmôw
H3926
upon
Prep
פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:4
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
קַ֭לֹּתִי
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
מָ֣ה
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.
אֲשִׁיבֶ֑/ךָּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יָ֝דִ֗/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
שַׂ֣מְתִּי
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לְמוֹ
lᵉmôw
H3926
"upon"
Prep
Means 'to or for', often used to show direction or purpose, as in 'to' or 'for' someone. Appears in various Bible books, including Genesis and Psalms. It's a preposition that indicates movement or intention.
Definition: 1) at, to, for, in, of, by, in reference to 1a) poetic form of inseparable preposition
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: at, for, to, upon. See also: Job 27:14; Job 38:40; Job 40:4.
פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Job 40:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:4
- Sermons on Job 40:4
Context — Job Humbles Himself before the LORD
2“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”
3Then Job answered the LORD:
4“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
5I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.” 6Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:32 | If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth. |
| 2 | Job 29:9 | The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands. |
| 3 | Job 21:5 | Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth. |
| 4 | Job 42:6 | Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.” |
| 5 | Genesis 18:27 | Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— |
| 6 | Ezra 9:6 | and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens. |
| 7 | Judges 18:19 | “Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?” |
| 8 | Luke 5:8 | When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” |
| 9 | Psalms 39:9 | I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done. |
| 10 | Zechariah 2:13 | Be silent before the LORD, all people, for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.” |
Job 40:4 Summary
[In this verse, Job is saying that he feels very small and insignificant compared to God, and he doesn't know how to respond to God's questions. He's essentially saying, 'I don't have anything to say, God, because I'm just a human and you're the all-powerful Creator.' This is a powerful example of humility, and it's something we can all learn from, as seen in Psalms 131:1 where David also recognizes his own limitations. By recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, we can, like Job, learn to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, as encouraged in Romans 11:33-36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job's attitude in this verse?
Job's attitude is one of humility and recognition of his limitations before God, as he says 'I am insignificant' and 'I place my hand over my mouth', indicating he has nothing to say in response to God's questioning, much like the Psalmist in Psalms 38:13 who also remained silent before God.
Why does Job feel he cannot reply to God?
Job feels he cannot reply to God because he recognizes his own insignificance and the vast difference between himself and the Almighty, as stated in Job 40:2, where it is asked 'Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?'
Is Job's response an admission of guilt?
While Job's response may imply a recognition of his own limitations and mistakes, it is primarily an expression of humility and awe in the presence of God, similar to the response of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5 who also felt unworthy before God.
What can we learn from Job's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations before God, as encouraged in Proverbs 9:10, which states that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom', and in Micah 6:8, which reminds us to 'walk humbly with our God'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to recognize my own limitations and humbly submit to God's sovereignty?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God in my daily life, as Job exhibits in this verse?
- In what ways can I, like Job, learn to be still and silent before God, listening for His voice and guidance?
- What are some things that I have been trying to 'say' or argue with God about, and how can I, like Job, learn to place my hand over my mouth and trust in His wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:4
Behold, I am vile,.... Or "light" (a); which may have respect either to his words and arguments, which he thought had force in them, but now he saw they had none; or to his works and actions, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:4
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. I am (too) vile - to reply. It is a very different thing to vindicate ourselves before God from what it is before men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:4
I am vile, what am I, a mean and contemptible creature that should presume to contend with my Maker and Judge? I confess my fault and folly. What shall I answer thee? I neither desire nor am able to dispute with thee. I will for the future bridle my tongue, and instead of contesting with thee, do here humbly and willingly submit myself to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:4
Job 40:4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.Ver. 4. Behold, I am vile] Light and little worth; and therefore deserve to be slighted and laid by, as a broken vessel. The humble man vilifies, yea, nullifies, himself before God, as Abraham, Genesis 18:27; as Agur, Proverbs 30:3; as Paul, Ephesians 3:8; as that martyr who cried out, Gehenna sum Domine, Lord, Thou art heaven, but I am hell, &c. Tantillitas nostra, saith Ignatius of himself and his colleagues. Behold, I am an abject, saith Job here, contemptible and inconsiderable. This was well, but not all; an excellent confession, but not full enough: his meanness he acknowledgeth, and that he was no fit match for God; but not his sinfulness, with desire of pardon and deprecation of punishment; God therefore gives him not over so, but sets upon him a second time, Job 40:6, and brings him to it, Job 42:1. There must be some proportion between a man’ s sin and his repentance, Ezra 9:1-15, and this God will bring all his Jobs to ere he leave them. What shall I answer thee?] I am silenced, and set down; I see there is no reasoning against thee; I acknowledge thy greatness so plainly and plentifully demonstrated in the foregoing discourse; and am well pleased that thou shouldest be justified when thou speakest and overcome when thou judgest, Psalms 51:4 Romans 3:4. I will lay my hand upon my mouth] I that have spoken more freely and boldly than I ought, Et ore patulo multa sine iudicio effutivi, and have opened my mouth more wide than was meet, will henceforth be better advised, and keep my mouth with a bridle, or muzzle, as Psalms 31:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:4
Verse 4. Behold, I am vile] I acknowledge my inward defilement. I cannot answer thee. I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.] I cannot excuse myself, and I must be dumb before thee.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:4
4. behold, I am vile] The word vile here is not a moral term, it signifies, mean, small. The verse may be read, Behold I am too mean; what shall I answer thee? I lay mine hand upon my mouth. Job is abased before Jehovah; he feels his meanness and is silent, comp. ch. Job 21:5, Job 29:9.
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:4
Behold, I am vile: what shall I answer thee? - “Instead of being able to argue my cause, and to vindicate myself as I had expected, I now see that I am guilty, and I have nothing to say.” He had argued boldly with his friends.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:4
JOB’S ANSWER — HIS SELF- AND , 4, 5.Job confesses that he is base, and that he has been foolish in his repeated speeches; and, finally, retracting his arrogant challenges of God, covenants with him
Sermons on Job 40:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(I Want an Answer) Will I Ever Be Found Out? by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who becomes drunk and neglects his faithful dog. One night, an intruder enters the man's garage, but the man is too intoxicat |
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Psalm 37:7 by Bill Ammon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also di |
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Knowing God Through Brokenness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally and experiencing eternal life as defined by Jesus in John 17. It highlights that eternal life is not just living for |
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Job Chapter 40: by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher references several verses from the Bible, including Matthew 6:26, Revelation 3:8, and Revelation 22:20. He emphasizes the message of the Christian fait |
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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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I Am of Small Account; What Shall I by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of humility and silence in our relationship with God, reflecting on Job's acknowledgment of his smallness before the Almighty. He contrasts the |
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Job 40:4 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the theme of self-discovery through Job's encounter with God, emphasizing Job's realization of his insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe. God chal |