Add parallel Print Page Options

40 1-2 Job, you challenged Almighty God;
    will you give up now, or will you answer?

Job

3-4 I spoke foolishly, Lord. What can I answer?
    I will not try to say anything else.
I have already said more than I should.

Read full chapter

40 And the Lord said to Job:

“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?[a]
    Anyone who argues with God must respond.”(A)

Job’s Response to God

Then Job answered the Lord:

“See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
    I lay my hand on my mouth.(B)
I have spoken once, and I will not answer,
    twice but will proceed no further.”(C)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 40.2 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai

40 Continuing to address Iyov, Adonai said:

“Does the critic still want to dispute Shaddai?
Let him who wants to correct God give an answer!”
Then Iyov replied to Adonai:

“I am too ashamed; I have nothing to say.
I lay my hand over my mouth.
Yes, I spoke once, but I won’t answer more;
all right, twice, but I won’t go on.”

Read full chapter

40 1-2 God then confronted Job directly:

“Now what do you have to say for yourself?
    Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”

Job Answers God

I’m Ready to Shut Up and Listen

3-5 Job answered:

“I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me.
    I should never have opened my mouth!
I’ve talked too much, way too much.
    I’m ready to shut up and listen.”

Read full chapter