Log inSign up

Job 38 · a question people ask

"Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" (38:2). Who is this?

In the text

The heading says "the LORD answered Job" (38:1), and after the question he says to Job, "Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!" (38:3). The question comes again in Job's last answer, where the WEB has him say, "You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I didn’t understand" (42:3). In Hebrew 42:3 has no words for You asked; it has the question, with another verb for darkens and without by words. Elihu spoke just before this chapter (32:6-37:24), and he had said that Job "multiplies words without knowledge" (35:16). Elihu isn't named after 36:1, and the book doesn't say whether 38:2 has him in view as well. These notes keep to what the verses say and don't decide.

The verses

“Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!”
Job 38:1-3 · World English Bible
“You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I didn’t understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know.”
Job 42:3 · World English Bible
“Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.”
Job 32:6 · World English Bible
“Therefore men revere him. He doesn’t regard any who are wise of heart.””
Job 37:24 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Job 38

Job 38: Where were you?

When the LORD at last answers Job out of the whirlwind, he doesn't tell him why he suffered. He asks him questions, from "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (38:4) to "Who provides for the raven his prey" (38:41). And his "you answer me" (38:3) is in Hebrew a form of know, not of answer.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekJob 38 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Job 38

All questions about Job →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions