Job 40:7
Job 40:7 in Multiple Translations
“Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Gird up thy loins now like a man: 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.
Looke on euery one that is arrogant, and bring him lowe: and destroy the wicked in their place.
Gird, I pray thee, as a man, thy loins, I ask thee, and cause thou Me to know.
“Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me.
Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou to me.
Look on all that are proud, and confound them, and crush the wicked in their place.
“I want to ask you some more questions. So as men prepare themselves for a difficult task [MET], prepare yourself again to answer some more questions.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:7
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 40:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱזָר
נָ֣א
כְ/גֶ֣בֶר
חֲלָצֶ֑י/ךָ
אֶ֝שְׁאָלְ/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
אֶ֝שְׁאָלְ/ךָ֗
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
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 40:7
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.
אֶ֝שְׁאָלְ/ךָ֗
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
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 40:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:7
- Sermons on Job 40:7
Context — The LORD Challenges Job Again
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:
7“Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
8Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? 9Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:3 | Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. |
| 2 | Job 42:4 | You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’ |
| 3 | Job 23:3–4 | 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. |
| 4 | Job 13:22 | Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. |
Job 40:7 Summary
In Job 40:7, God tells Job to prepare himself for a conversation where God will ask him some tough questions. This is not because God needs to learn something from Job, but because God wants Job to understand his own limitations, as seen in Psalm 139:6 where it says that God's knowledge is too wonderful for us to understand. God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and He wants us to trust in Him, even when we don't understand what's happening in our lives, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to say 'brace yourself like a man' in Job 40:7?
This phrase is an idiomatic expression meaning to prepare oneself for a challenging conversation or situation, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 12:5 where God tells Jeremiah to prepare himself for greater challenges ahead.
Is God really seeking information from Job in Job 40:7?
No, God is not seeking new information, but rather, He is about to question Job to help him understand his limited perspective, as stated in Job 38:2-3 where God says Job has spoken without knowledge.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse marks a turning point in the book of Job, where God begins to speak directly to Job, addressing his questions and concerns, similar to how God spoke to Moses in Exodus 33:11, providing guidance and correction.
What does God mean by 'you shall inform Me' in Job 40:7?
This is a rhetorical statement, meaning that God is about to ask Job a series of questions that will reveal Job's limited understanding, as seen in Job 40:8-9 where God asks Job if he can do the things that God can do, highlighting the vast difference between God's power and human abilities.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'brace myself' and be prepared to face challenges, just like Job was asked to do?
- How can I, like Job, come to a deeper understanding of God's power and wisdom, as seen in Job 40:7-9?
- What are some questions that I have been asking God, and how can I, like Job, be open to hearing His response, even if it's not what I expect?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson from Job 40:7 to my own life, recognizing that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, as stated in Psalm 115:3 and Isaiah 46:10?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:7
Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and, declare thou unto me,.... And prepare to give an answer to what should be demanded of him. The same way of speaking is used in Job 38:3; [See comments on Job 38:3].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:7
Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:7
Job 40:7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.Ver. 7. Gird up thy loins now like a man] Resume new strength, and prepare yourself for a second encounter; for I have not yet done with you. If, therefore, you think yourself able to stand in contention with me, show your valour.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:7
Verse 7. Gird up thy loins] See Job 38:1-3. Some think that this and the preceding verse have been repeated here from Job 38:1-3, and that several of the words there, here, and Job 42:3, have been repeated, in after times, to connect some false gatherings of the sheets of parchment, on which the end of this poem was originally written. See on Job 40:1, and at the end of the chapter. See Clarke on Job 40:24.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:7
Chap. Job 40:6 to Job 42:6. The Lord’s Second Answer to Job out of the Storm Shall Man charge God with unrighteousness in His Rule of the World? All that the first speech of the Lord touched upon was the presumption of a mortal man desiring to contend with the Almighty. The display from Creation of that which God is had the desired effect on Job’s mind: he is abased, and will no more contend with the Almighty. But Job had not only presumed to contend with God, he had charged Him with unrighteousness in His rule of the world and in His treatment of himself. This is the point to which the second speech from the storm is directed. The passage has properly two parts. First, Job 40:6-14, as Job had challenged the rectitude of God’s rule of the world, he is ironically invited to clothe himself with the Divine attributes and assume the rule of the world himself. Then follows, ch.
Job 40:15 to Job 41:34, a lengthy description of two monsters, Behemoth and Leviathan. Second, ch. Job 42:1-6, Job’s reply to the Divine challenge. He confesses that he spoke things which he understood not. He had heard of God by the hearing of the ear, but now his eye saw Him, and he abhorred his former words and demeanour, and repented in dust and ashes.
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:7
Gird up thy loins now like a man - An expression taken from the ancient mode of dress.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:7
7. Gird up… man — Same as chap. Job 38:3. The objects contemplated by the following discourse, are similar to those of the preceding discourses, and on this account begin with a like appeal to Job,
Sermons on Job 40:7
| 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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A Due Consideration of God Necessary by John Owen | John Owen emphasizes the necessity of a proper understanding of God as the ultimate judge in relation to the doctrine of justification. He argues that recognizing God's greatness, |
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The Sinner Sentenced by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge delivers a powerful sermon warning sinners about the impending judgement day, emphasizing the universal curse pronounced by God's law on all transgressors, leading |
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 2. Where Job Went Wrong by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Job and explores where Job went wrong in his understanding of God's moral philosophy. The speaker explains that the ancient Orien |
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Why Doesn't God Do Something? by Vance Havner | Vance Havner addresses the profound question of why God seems silent in the face of suffering and tragedy, drawing parallels to the cries of Job and the psalmists. He reflects on p |