Job 25:5

KJV

Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold even to the moon {H3394}, and it shineth {H166} not; yea, the stars {H3556} are not pure {H2141} in his sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why, before him even the moon lacks brightness, and the stars themselves are not pure.

Berean Standard Bible

If even the moon does not shine, and the stars are not pure in His sight,

American Standard Version

Behold, even the moon hath no brightness, And the stars are not pure in his sight:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 25:5, part of Bildad's final and concise discourse, serves as a profound rhetorical statement designed to emphasize God's absolute, unapproachable majesty and unparalleled purity. Bildad asserts that even the most brilliant and seemingly perfect celestial bodies—the moon and the stars—are utterly diminished in their radiance and deemed impure when measured against the infinite holiness of the Creator. This declaration underscores the vast and unbridgeable chasm between divine perfection and the inherent limitations and impurity of all creation, implicitly setting the stage for his concluding statement on humanity's even greater frailty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 25:5 is situated within Bildad's third and shortest speech, found in [Job 25:1-6](/job/25 "Job 25 - Bildad's Third Speech"). This brief address marks the conclusion of the formal dialogue between Job and his three friends. It immediately follows Job's latest defense of his integrity and his profound reflections on God's omnipotence and wisdom, detailed in [Job 23-24](/job/23 "Job's Desire for a Hearing with God"). Bildad's contribution here is largely a reiteration of the friends' consistent theological framework: God is supremely powerful and just, and therefore, human suffering must be a consequence of human sin and impurity. By invoking the grandeur of the cosmos, Bildad attempts to overwhelm Job with the sheer magnitude of God's glory, aiming to silence any further protestations of innocence. This speech serves as a final, albeit truncated, attempt to uphold their traditional understanding of divine retribution before Job launches into his extensive final discourse in [Job 29-31](/job/29 "Job's Final Defense").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies like the moon and stars held immense significance. They were often viewed as symbols of divine power, order, beauty, and even as deities themselves in surrounding cultures. The moon was a vital source of light for nocturnal travel and agriculture, while the stars were used for navigation and marking seasons, often inspiring awe and reverence. By asserting that even these revered and seemingly perfect celestial entities are "not pure" or "do not shine" in God's sight, Bildad is making a profound theological statement that challenges common human perceptions of grandeur and purity. He is elevating the God of Israel far above any created thing or pagan deity, emphasizing His unique and incomparable holiness. This context highlights the radical nature of Bildad's claim, as it subverts typical human estimations of what is bright, pure, and powerful, redirecting all ultimate reverence to God alone, a theme also present in [Psalm 19:1-6](/psalms/19-1-6 "Psalm 19:1-6 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **God's Transcendent Purity and Majesty**. Bildad's argument asserts God's absolute holiness, a standard so lofty that even the celestial luminaries fall short. This concept of God's unapproachable glory is a consistent motif throughout Job, as seen in passages like [Job 4:17-19](/job/4-17-19 "Eliphaz's Question about Human Righteousness") and [Job 9:2-10](/job/9-2-10 "Job's Reflection on God's Power and Justice"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Human Insignificance and Impurity** in comparison to God. If the moon and stars are found wanting, how much more so is frail humanity? This sets up the explicit statement in [Job 25:6](/job/25-6 "Job 25:6 - Humanity as a Maggot") regarding humanity's inherent impurity, aligning with the friends' persistent argument that Job's suffering must stem from his sin. Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Incomparability**, affirming that God's power and holiness are utterly distinct and superior to anything in the created order, reinforcing the idea that no created being can stand righteous before Him by their own merit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moon (Hebrew, _yârêach'_):** This word (H3394) refers to the celestial body that provides light at night. In this context, Bildad uses it as a prime example of something considered luminous and grand in human experience. The assertion that it "shineth not" in God's sight is a hyperbolic statement emphasizing the moon's utter insignificance and lack of brilliance when compared to the infinite, unapproachable light of God's glory. It highlights the vast qualitative difference between created light and divine radiance.
* **Shineth (Hebrew, _ʼâhal'_):** From the root H166, meaning "to be clear" or "to shine." The negative particle attached to this verb means "does not give light" or "does not shine." This is not a literal cessation of the moon's light, but a statement of comparative brilliance. In the overwhelming, unapproachable light of God's presence and glory, even the moon's radiance is so utterly eclipsed and diminished that it appears as if it does not shine at all. It speaks to the infinite qualitative difference between God's glory and any created light.
* **Pure (Hebrew, _zâkak'_):** This word (H2141) means "to be transparent or clean," physically or morally. When applied to the stars, it signifies that even these seemingly pristine and distant celestial bodies, often associated with perfection and order, are not without blemish or impurity when held up to God's absolute standard of holiness. It's a statement about ultimate, unblemished purity, which only God possesses, highlighting that no created thing can meet the divine standard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not":** Bildad begins with an emphatic "Behold" (הֵן, _hēn_), drawing the listener's immediate attention to a profound truth. He then points to the moon, a prominent and universally recognized celestial body, known for its light in the darkness. The declaration that "it shineth not" is a hyperbole, not a literal denial of the moon's light, but an assertion that its light is utterly insignificant and effectively non-existent when compared to the infinite, blazing glory of God. It implies that God's light is so immense that it renders even the moon's brilliance negligible, demonstrating God's supreme radiance.
* **"yea, the stars are not pure in his sight":** This clause extends the argument from the moon to the stars, which are even more numerous and often seen as symbols of perfection, order, and divine power. The statement that they "are not pure" means they are found wanting, stained, or imperfect when measured against God's absolute and unblemished holiness. The phrase "in his sight" is critical, emphasizing that this judgment of impurity comes from God's perfect perspective and His uncompromised standard, not from human observation. It highlights that no created thing, no matter how magnificent or seemingly perfect, can meet the divine standard of purity.

#### Literary Devices
Job 25:5 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful theological message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphatic effect. By stating that the moon "shineth not" and the stars "are not pure," Bildad is not making literal scientific claims but using extreme language to underscore the infinite qualitative difference between God's absolute glory and the relative impurity of all creation. This exaggeration serves to magnify God's transcendence. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, setting the immense, unapproachable purity and light of God against the diminished and impure nature of even the most magnificent created things. This contrast highlights the vast chasm between Creator and creation. Furthermore, the verse uses **Cosmic Imagery**, drawing on familiar and awe-inspiring celestial bodies to make a theological point about God's supremacy over all that exists. The implicit **Rhetorical Argument** is also at play: if even these grand celestial bodies fall short of God's standard, then how much more so does frail and mortal humanity, thereby setting up the explicit statement in the following verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 25:5 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's transcendent holiness and the inherent impurity of all creation when measured against His absolute standard. It establishes an unbridgeable gulf between the Creator and the created, emphasizing that no part of the cosmos, no matter how grand or luminous, can stand in perfect purity before the Almighty. This theological assertion serves to humble humanity, revealing the futility of any self-righteous claims and underscoring the universal need for a purity that originates outside of oneself. It points to a God whose glory is so immense that it eclipses all other light, and whose holiness is so absolute that it exposes the slightest blemish in even the most seemingly perfect entities, thereby laying foundational groundwork for understanding the depth of human sin and the necessity of divine grace.

* [Psalm 8:3-4](/psalms/8-3-4 "God's Majesty and Man's Place")
* [Isaiah 40:25-26](/isaiah/40-25-26 "Isaiah 40:25-26 - God's Incomparable Power")
* [Psalm 147:4-5](/psalms/147-4-5 "Psalm 147:4-5 - God's Knowledge and Power over Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 25:5, though spoken by Bildad with a flawed application to Job's suffering, nevertheless offers a profound truth about God's character that should deeply impact our lives. It calls us to a posture of profound humility and awe before a God whose majesty and purity are utterly beyond human comprehension or attainment. Recognizing that even the moon's light pales and the stars are deemed impure in His sight should shatter any illusion of self-sufficiency or inherent goodness we might harbor. This perspective compels us to acknowledge our own limitations and inherent impurity, not to despair, but to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness and to recognize our absolute dependence on His grace. It reminds us that our best efforts, our greatest achievements, and even the most magnificent parts of creation are utterly insignificant and imperfect when compared to His infinite majesty and absolute purity. This truth should lead us to worship God in spirit and truth, acknowledging Him as the source of all true light and purity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the moon "not shining" and the stars "not being pure" in God's sight challenge our human perceptions of greatness and perfection?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the standard of purity God expects, and how does that impact our understanding of our own spiritual state?**
* **How can contemplating God's transcendent glory, as depicted in this verse, deepen our sense of awe and worship?**
* **If even the celestial bodies are imperfect before God, what does this imply about our need for a righteousness that comes from outside ourselves?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 25:5 mean that the moon literally stops shining or that stars are physically dirty?**

Answer: No, Job 25:5 uses **hyperbole**, a literary device of exaggeration for emphasis. Bildad is not making a scientific statement about the physical properties of the moon or stars. Instead, he is making a theological point about the incomparable glory and absolute purity of God. In the overwhelming presence of God's infinite light and holiness, the moon's light is so utterly eclipsed that it appears as if it "shineth not," and the stars, though seemingly pristine to human eyes, are revealed as "not pure" when measured against God's perfect, unblemished standard. It's a statement about comparative purity and brilliance, not a literal physical condition.

**Why would the stars be considered "not pure" in God's sight?**

Answer: The "impurity" of the stars, like the moon's diminished light, is a theological and comparative statement, not a literal one. In ancient cultures, stars were often seen as symbols of perfection, order, and even divine beings. By declaring them "not pure," Bildad asserts that even these seemingly perfect celestial bodies fall short of God's absolute, unblemished holiness. God's standard of purity is so infinitely high that nothing in creation, no matter how magnificent or seemingly flawless, can meet it. This highlights the vast qualitative difference between the Creator and all creation, emphasizing that only God possesses true, absolute purity, a concept also explored in [Psalm 104:1-2](/psalms/104-1-2 "Psalm 104:1-2 - God Clothed in Light and Glory").

**Is Bildad's theology in Job 25:5 entirely correct or flawed?**

Answer: Bildad's statement about God's absolute majesty and the comparative impurity of creation is theologically sound in itself. The Bible consistently affirms God's transcendent holiness and the fallenness or limitation of creation (e.g., [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - God's Holiness") or [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, where Bildad (and Job's other friends) errs is in the *application* of this truth to Job's specific situation. They wrongly assume that Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of his personal sin, implying that his impurity is the cause of his calamity. While humanity is indeed impure before God, this does not mean that all suffering is a direct result of individual sin, a central theme the book of Job challenges. So, the premise is true, but its rigid application to Job's blameless suffering is flawed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 25:5, while spoken by Bildad to emphasize God's unapproachable holiness and the impurity of creation, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse highlights humanity's desperate need for a purity that no created being can possess on its own. It paints a picture of a God whose standard of holiness is so absolute that even the celestial bodies are found wanting. This profound inadequacy of creation sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Christ, who alone perfectly embodies divine purity and light. Jesus is the [true light that gives light to everyone](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - Jesus, the True Light"), far surpassing the dimness of the moon or the relative impurity of the stars. He is the [radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"), the very embodiment of the holiness that Bildad describes as belonging solely to God. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ provides the righteousness and purity that humanity inherently lacks. We, who are like the "impure stars" in God's sight, can be [made pure and righteous in Him](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness"), not by our own merit, but by faith in His perfect sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God, [without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood"), who takes away the sin of the world, offering the only pathway for humanity to stand truly pure and justified before the infinitely holy God, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant").

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

Isaiah 60:19

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Job 15:15

Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.

Job 31:26

If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking [in] brightness;

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

2 Corinthians 3:10

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.