Add parallel Print Page Options

Job Is Humbled and Satisfied

42 Then Job answered the Lord:

“I know that you can do all things
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.(A)
‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me that I did not know.(B)

Read full chapter

Job’s Confession

42 Then Job answered the Lord:

“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted;
you asked,[a] ‘Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?’
But[b] I have declared without understanding[c]
things too wonderful for me to know.[d]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Job 42:3 tn The expression “you asked” is added here to clarify the presence of the line to follow. Many commentators delete it as a gloss from Job 38:2. If it is retained, then Job has to be recalling God’s question before he answers it.
  2. Job 42:3 tn The word לָכֵן (lakhen) is simply “but,” as in Job 31:37.
  3. Job 42:3 tn Heb “and I do not understand.” The expression serves here in an adverbial capacity. It also could be subordinated as a complement: “I have declared [things that] I do not understand.”
  4. Job 42:3 tn The last clause is “and I do not know.” This is also subordinated to become a dependent clause.