Job 38:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then ADONAI answered Iyov out of the storm:

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

American Standard Version:

Then Jehovah answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then the LORD^{H3068} answered^{H6030} Job^{H347} out of the whirlwind^{H5591}, and said^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Job 38:1

Job 38:1 marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Job, which is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Hebrew Bible. The verse reads, "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said," signaling the beginning of God's direct response to Job after a long period of silence amidst Job's intense suffering and questioning.

The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat ambiguous, but it is generally thought to have been written during or after the Babylonian exile, possibly between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. The book addresses the timeless question of why the righteous suffer, a particularly poignant issue in the wake of the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jews.

In the preceding chapters, Job, a man described as blameless and upright, has endured severe losses, including his children, wealth, and health. His friends offer various explanations for his suffering, suggesting that it must be a punishment for sin. However, Job maintains his innocence and challenges God to provide an answer for his unjust suffering.

Job 38:1 introduces God's response, which spans several chapters. God does not directly answer Job's questions about suffering but instead speaks from a whirlwind, a powerful and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, emphasizing the vast gulf between the divine and human understanding. God's response focuses on the wonders of creation and the limits of human knowledge, challenging Job to consider his own place in the grand scheme of the universe.

The themes of this verse and the chapters that follow include the majesty and mystery of God, the complexity of creation, and the humility required of humans in the face of divine omnipotence. God's speech serves to reframe the question of suffering by highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and the need for trust and faith in the face of life's inscrutabilities. Job's response to God's speech is one of repentance and humility, acknowledging the sovereignty and incomprehensibility of God's ways.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6030
   There are 317 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָנָה
   Transliteration: ʻânâh
   Pronunciation: aw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce; give account, afflict (by mistake for עָנָה), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for עָנָה), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also בֵּית עֲנוֹת, בֵּית עֲנָת.
   
3. Strong's Number: H347
   There are 2478 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִיּוֹב
   Transliteration: ʼÎyôwb
   Pronunciation: ee-yobe'
   Description: from אָיַב; hated (i.e. persecuted); Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience; Job.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5591
   There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סַעַר
   Transliteration: çaʻar
   Pronunciation: sah'-ar
   Description: or (feminine) סְעָרָה; from סָעַר; a hurricane; storm(-y), tempest, whirlwind.
   
5. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.