Job 15:25

KJV

For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he stretcheth out {H5186} his hand {H3027} against God {H410}, and strengtheneth {H1396} himself against the Almighty {H7706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"He raises his hand against God and boldly defies Shaddai,

Berean Standard Bible

For he has stretched out his hand against God and has vaunted himself against the Almighty,

American Standard Version

Because he hath stretched out his hand against God, And behaveth himself proudly against the Almighty;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:25 encapsulates Eliphaz the Temanite's severe indictment of Job, asserting that Job's persistent lamentations and refusal to admit wrongdoing constitute a defiant challenge to God. This verse vividly portrays the perceived arrogance of the wicked, claiming they "stretch out their hand against God" and "strengthen themselves against the Almighty," thereby implying a futile and foolish rebellion against divine sovereignty. Eliphaz employs this potent imagery to condemn Job's perceived impudence, arguing that such defiance inevitably leads to ruin, thus reinforcing his rigid, conventional theological framework that suffering is a direct consequence of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15:25 is situated within Eliphaz's second discourse (Job 15:1-35), which directly follows Job's passionate defense of his innocence and his fervent desire to present his case before God (Job 13-14). Eliphaz, consistently representing the traditional wisdom theology, posits a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. In this particular chapter, Eliphaz significantly escalates his accusations, moving from subtle suggestions to direct charges that Job's intense suffering is an undeniable indicator of his profound wickedness. He elaborates extensively on the grim fate of the wicked, implicitly applying these characteristics to Job, with the imagery of defiance in Job 15:25 serving as a climactic point of his condemnation. This speech not only deepens the theological debate but also sets the confrontational tone for Zophar's subsequent, equally condemnatory address in [Job 20](/job/20 "Job 20 - Zophar's Second Discourse").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of the Book of Job unfolds in the land of Uz, a region likely situated east of Palestine, reflecting a patriarchal society where wisdom traditions held immense cultural and religious significance. The arguments presented by Job's friends are deeply rooted in a prevalent ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice, where deities were widely believed to administer immediate rewards for the righteous and punishments for the wicked within this earthly life. This "retribution theology" was a dominant worldview, offering a seemingly rational and orderly explanation for the complexities of human suffering. The cultural idiom of "stretching out the hand" against a superior figure was a powerful and universally understood symbol of open rebellion, direct challenge to authority, or an act of aggression, often carrying severe, even capital, consequences. The friends, including Eliphaz, operate entirely within this established framework, finding themselves utterly unable to comprehend the concept of righteous suffering or to acknowledge a God whose wisdom and ways transcend human constructs of justice, a truth ultimately revealed by God Himself in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches").
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several central themes woven throughout the Book of Job. Firstly, it starkly highlights the theme of **Human Arrogance vs. Divine Sovereignty**, portraying the ultimate futility of any human defiance against an omnipotent God. Eliphaz's words underscore the immense and unbridgeable chasm between finite human weakness and infinite divine power, a contrast that God Himself will later powerfully emphasize. Secondly, it exemplifies the **Misinterpretation of Suffering**, as Eliphaz erroneously attributes Job's profound suffering to his supposed rebellion, rather than understanding it as a test of faith, a refining process, or part of a larger, inscrutable divine purpose. This misinterpretation vividly exposes the friends' limited theological perspective and their inability to grapple with suffering that does not conform to their rigid, simplistic framework. Thirdly, it underscores the **Limits of Conventional Wisdom**, demonstrating how traditional theological constructs, when applied inflexibly, can fail to adequately explain complex realities like innocent suffering, leading to false accusations, spiritual distress, and a profound lack of empathy. This tension between conventional wisdom and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of God's ways is a central conflict throughout the book, particularly when contrasted with Job's persistent and faith-filled pleas for justice, as powerfully articulated in [Job 23](/job/23 "Job 23 - Job's Desire to Find God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stretcheth out (Hebrew, _nâṭâh_):** This verb (H5186) signifies "to stretch or spread out," often implying an extension of the hand or arm. In this context, it denotes a deliberate, outward action of aggression or challenge. When combined with "hand," it forms an idiom for open hostility, a direct and confrontational gesture of defiance against a superior power.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** This noun (H3027) refers to the physical hand, but idiomatically, it carries a rich semantic range, symbolizing power, authority, means, or action. To "stretch out one's hand" (as derived from H5186 and H3027) against someone signifies an act of direct opposition, an attempt to inflict harm, or a bold assertion of one's will in defiance of another's authority.
* **Strengtheneth himself (Hebrew, _gâbar_):** The verb (H1396) means "to be strong," "to prevail," or "to act insolently." In its reflexive form used here, it conveys the idea of making oneself strong, asserting one's might, or acting defiantly. It implies a deliberate and self-willed exertion of power or resistance, a conscious effort to assert one's strength or will against another, specifically against the divine.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday_):** This sacred name for God (H7706) emphasizes His overwhelming power, self-sufficiency, and omnipotence. To "strengthen oneself" against _Shadday_ underscores the utter futility and absurdity of such a human endeavor, highlighting the infinite disparity between human weakness and divine omnipotence, and the inevitable failure of any attempt to defy Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he stretcheth out his hand against God":** This initial clause describes an act of overt and aggressive defiance. The imagery of "stretching out the hand" serves as a potent metaphor for a direct challenge, an attempt to engage in conflict, or to strike out against a superior authority. In Eliphaz's accusation, this is Job's perceived transgression: his complaints, his unwavering insistence on his innocence, and his questioning of divine justice are interpreted as an act of rebellion, a direct confrontation with God's sovereign will and authority.
* **"and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty":** This second clause intensifies the first, underscoring the profound foolishness and inherent futility of such an act. To "strengthen oneself" against God, particularly against "the Almighty" (_Shadday_), implies a deliberate, self-reliant, and ultimately arrogant effort to resist, overcome, or challenge the One who possesses all power, sufficiency, and ultimate authority. Eliphaz suggests that Job is not merely expressing discontent but actively attempting to assert his own will or righteousness in direct opposition to God's unquestionable dominion, an act that Eliphaz views as both presumptuous and doomed to fail.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's statement in Job 15:25 is rich in literary devices, primarily employing **Symbolism** and **Hyperbole**. The act of "stretching out his hand against God" is profoundly **Symbolic**, representing not a literal physical assault but a deep-seated spiritual posture of defiance, rebellion, and open challenge to divine authority. It vividly conveys an inner attitude of insolence and opposition to the Creator. This symbolic action is further amplified by **Hyperbole**, as Eliphaz exaggerates the extent of the wicked person's (and implicitly, Job's) audacity. No human being can literally "strengthen himself against the Almighty"; the phrase is an intentional overstatement designed to convey the extreme foolishness, ultimate powerlessness, and dire consequences of such an endeavor. The strategic use of the divine name **Shaddai** ("Almighty") further underscores the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human weakness and God's infinite might, rendering any human attempt to "strengthen oneself" against Him seem all the more absurd, arrogant, and, in Eliphaz's view, deserving of severe divine punishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:25, though spoken by a misguided friend in a context of misapplied theology, nonetheless points to a profound theological truth regarding God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent folly of human rebellion. While Eliphaz wrongly applies this truth to Job, the underlying principle holds: any attempt to defy, challenge, or assert human will in opposition to the divine Creator is ultimately futile and evidences a deep-seated pride. This verse highlights the profound danger of human arrogance, which elevates self-righteousness or perceived wisdom above God's inscrutable ways, leading to a posture of opposition rather than humble submission. It underscores that true wisdom lies not in questioning God's justice from a position of perceived superiority, but in acknowledging His boundless power, infinite wisdom, and ultimate goodness, even amidst incomprehensible suffering.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Isaiah 45:9](/isaiah/45-9 "Isaiah 45:9 - Woe to him who strives with his Maker!")
* [Romans 9:20](/romans/9-20 "Romans 9:20 - Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:25, though originating from a flawed perspective, serves as a potent mirror for self-examination, compelling us to reflect deeply on our own posture before God, particularly during seasons of adversity, confusion, or disappointment. It challenges us to honestly consider whether our reactions to suffering, unanswered prayers, or perceived injustices ever subtly or overtly cross the line into defiance or an attempt to "strengthen ourselves" against the Almighty. Genuine faith, as ultimately exemplified by Job's profound surrender and trust despite his earlier questions, is not about fully comprehending all of God's mysterious ways, but rather about humbly submitting to His sovereign will and trusting in His inherent goodness, knowing that His wisdom infinitely surpasses our own finite understanding. This verse serves as a sober reminder that while it is profoundly human to question, lament, and even wrestle with God in our pain, our ultimate response should be one of humble trust and dependent submission, recognizing the infinite chasm between our limited comprehension and God's boundless wisdom and power. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound dependence, acknowledging that our strength, wisdom, and control are utterly insignificant when compared to His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be tempted to "stretch out my hand against God" when life's circumstances do not align with my expectations or desires?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more resilient sense of humility and submission to God's sovereignty, even when I cannot fully grasp His purposes or the reasons for my suffering?**
* **What is the crucial distinction between expressing honest lament or questioning God from a place of genuine faith, and engaging in defiant rebellion against His authority?**

### FAQ
**Why does Eliphaz accuse Job of defying God?**

Answer: Eliphaz accuses Job of defying God because his theological framework, which was common in his time, rigidly dictates that all suffering is a direct and proportional consequence of sin. Since Job is enduring intense and prolonged suffering, Eliphaz logically concludes, within his limited understanding, that Job must have committed grievous sins. Job's steadfast refusal to confess any specific wrongdoing, his persistent declarations of innocence, and his impassioned pleas for God to answer him are all interpreted by Eliphaz as acts of profound rebellion and arrogance—a "stretching out of his hand against God" and a deliberate "strengthening himself against the Almighty." Eliphaz firmly believes Job is challenging divine justice and refusing to humble himself before God, which, in his view, constitutes the ultimate defiance. He is simply unable to conceive of righteous suffering or God's purposes extending beyond a simple retribution principle, a truth that is later profoundly revealed by God Himself in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches").

**Is it ever right to question God during suffering?**

Answer: The Book of Job itself powerfully demonstrates that questioning God during suffering is not inherently wrong, provided that such questioning stems from a place of genuine faith, a desire for understanding, and a longing for God's presence, rather than outright rebellion or arrogant defiance. Job himself pours out his heart to God, questioning His justice, lamenting his fate, and longing for an explanation (e.g., [Job 7:17-21](/job/7-17 "Job 7:17-21 - Job's Lament and Questioning")). Similarly, the Psalms contain numerous examples of honest lament and questioning directed towards God (e.g., [Psalm 22:1](/psalm/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?")). The crucial distinction lies between a faith-filled wrestling with God, which ultimately seeks His face and understanding even in the midst of pain, and a defiant, arrogant challenging of His authority, which is precisely what Eliphaz wrongly accuses Job of doing in [Job 15:25](/job/15-25 "Job 15:25 - Eliphaz's Accusation of Defiance"). God, in His infinite grace, welcomes our honest cries, our raw questions, and our heartfelt laments, but He ultimately calls us to trust in His sovereign wisdom and unwavering goodness, even when we cannot fully comprehend His ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Eliphaz's accusation in Job 15:25 wrongly condemns Job, it paradoxically serves to highlight the profound contrast between fallen humanity's inherent tendency toward rebellion and the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its pride and self-sufficiency, often "stretches out its hand against God," seeking autonomy, asserting its own will, and attempting to establish its own righteousness in opposition to the Creator, a rebellion powerfully evident from the very first sin in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). We frequently "strengthen ourselves against the Almighty" through self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, and a stubborn refusal to submit to divine authority. Yet, Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodied the antithesis of this human rebellion. He never stretched out His hand in defiance but always in perfect submission, famously praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). He did not "strengthen himself" against the Father but rather humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even the agonizing death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Christ, the true Lamb of God, willingly absorbed the righteous wrath due to humanity's defiance, offering perfect obedience where we offered rebellion. His ultimate victory over sin and death was achieved not through human strength asserted against God, but through divine strength perfectly yielded to the Father's will, thereby securing reconciliation and eternal life for all who believe and trust in His perfect submission, rather than their own futile defiance ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Job 36:9

Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Psalms 73:9

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

Malachi 3:13

¶ Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?

Job 9:4

[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

1 Samuel 6:6

Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?