King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Behold, God [is] mighty, and despiseth not [any: he is] mighty in strength [and] wisdom.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"Look, God is powerful and despises no one, powerful in his strength of understanding.
Berean Standard Bible:
Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding.
American Standard Version:
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Behold, God{H410} is mighty{H3524}, and despiseth{H3988} not any: he is mighty{H3524} in strength{H3581} and wisdom{H3820}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 22:24
- For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Jeremiah 10:12
- He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Psalms 138:6
- ¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Psalms 147:5
- Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite.
Jeremiah 32:19
- Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
Job 37:23
- [Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out: [he is] excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
Job 31:13
- If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
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Commentary for Job 36:5
Job 36:5 is part of the Book of Job, which is found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This verse is spoken by Elihu, one of the friends of Job, during a series of dialogues that take place after Job has suffered great personal loss and physical affliction. The Book of Job addresses profound theological questions, particularly the nature of suffering and the justice of God in allowing the righteous to suffer.
In Job 36:5, Elihu is affirming the might and wisdom of God, emphasizing that God's power is not arbitrary or capricious. The verse highlights two key attributes of God: His immense strength and His profound wisdom. Elihu's statement serves to reassure Job that despite his current suffering, God is not a deity who despises or overlooks anyone, but rather One who is great in both power and understanding. This declaration is meant to comfort Job by reminding him of God's sovereignty and the belief that there is a purpose behind his trials, even if it is beyond human comprehension.
The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, as it does not fit neatly into a specific period of Israel's history. It is generally considered one of the Wisdom Books, which include Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These books are thought to have been written over a long period, with some suggesting that the Book of Job could date as far back as the time of the Patriarchs (circa 2000-1500 BCE) or later, possibly during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE).
In summary, Job 36:5 underscores the theme of God's omnipotence and wisdom, which are central to the theological discourse within the Book of Job. Elihu's words aim to console and provide perspective to Job amidst his suffering, asserting that God's ways, though inscrutable, are ultimately rooted in might and wisdom. This verse reflects the broader quest within the book to understand the nature of God and His relationship to human suffering.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H410
There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵל
Transliteration: ʼêl
Pronunciation: ale
Description: shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' - Strong's Number: H3524
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כַּבִּיר
Transliteration: kabbîyr
Pronunciation: kab-beer'
Description: from כָּבַר; vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many; [phrase] feeble, mighty, most, much, strong, valiant. - Strong's Number: H3988
There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָאַס
Transliteration: mâʼaç
Pronunciation: maw-as'
Description: a primitive root; to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. - Strong's Number: H3581
There are 121 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֹּחַ
Transliteration: kôach
Pronunciation: ko'-akh
Description: or (Daniel 11:6) כּוֹחַ; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its hardiness) a large lizard; ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. - Strong's Number: H3820
There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵב
Transliteration: lêb
Pronunciation: labe
Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.