The LORD Convinces Job of Ignorance

381 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer [1] thou me.

Other Translations of Job 38:1-3

New International Version

The LORD Convinces Job of Ignorance

381 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

English Standard Version

The LORD Convinces Job of Ignorance

381 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: 2 "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Dress for actionHebrew Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.

The Message

The LORD Convinces Job of Ignorance

381 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: 2 "Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about? 3 Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers.

New King James Version

The LORD Convinces Job of Ignorance

381 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2 "Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.

New Living Translation

The LORD Convinces Job of Ignorance

381 Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: 2 "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? 3 Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 38:1-3

Commentary on Job 38:1-3

(Read Job 38:1-3)

Job had silenced, but had not convinced his friends. Elihu had silenced Job, but had not brought him to admit his guilt before God. It pleased the Lord to interpose. The Lord, in this discourse, humbles Job, and brings him to repent of his passionate expressions concerning God's providential dealings with him; and this he does, by calling upon Job to compare God's being from everlasting to everlasting, with his own time; God's knowledge of all things, with his own ignorance; and God's almighty power, with his own weakness. Our darkening the counsels of God's wisdom with our folly, is a great provocation to God. Humble faith and sincere obedience see farthest and best into the will of the Lord.