Job 36:22

KJV

Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, God {H410} exalteth {H7682} by his power {H3581}: who teacheth {H3384} like him?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Look, God is exalted in his strength; who is a teacher like him?

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?

American Standard Version

Behold, God doeth loftily in his power: Who is a teacher like unto him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:22, spoken by Elihu, serves as a powerful declaration of God's inherent and unparalleled majesty, asserting that His exaltation is a direct outflow of His immeasurable power. The verse then poses a rhetorical question, challenging anyone to identify a teacher comparable to the Almighty, thereby underscoring God's unique and supreme capacity to instruct, guide, and reveal truth to humanity. This statement encapsulates Elihu's central argument regarding God's sovereign wisdom and His use of various means, including suffering, for the purpose of divine instruction and purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 36:22 is situated within Elihu's final and most extensive discourse, spanning chapters 32-37. Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, positions himself as a mediator between God and Job, offering a perspective that critiques both Job's self-righteousness and the traditional, simplistic retribution theology of the three friends. In chapter 36, Elihu shifts his focus from Job's specific plight to a broader exposition of God's greatness, power, and justice, particularly as manifested in nature and His providential dealings with humanity. He emphasizes that God is far greater than human comprehension, using suffering not merely as punishment for sin but as a means of instruction, discipline, and revelation. This verse, therefore, acts as a pivotal summary of God's omnipotence and His role as the ultimate instructor, setting the stage for the dramatic appearance of God Himself in the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Israel, suggesting a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era. The cultural milieu reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, where the concept of divine justice and the relationship between suffering and sin were central concerns. While the friends adhere to a rigid cause-and-effect theology (suffering equals sin), Elihu introduces a more nuanced view, suggesting that God's ways are inscrutable and that suffering can serve a pedagogical purpose. The idea of a powerful, wise deity who instructs humanity through various means was common, but Elihu elevates this concept to an unparalleled degree, asserting God's absolute uniqueness in this regard. The emphasis on God's power and His ability to "exalt" also resonates with ancient Near Eastern concepts of kingship and divine authority, where a ruler's power was directly linked to his ability to elevate or abase individuals.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, asserting that God's supreme position and authority are inherent to His boundless strength, as seen in [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God's Sovereignty"). He does not need external validation; His power is the source of His greatness and ability to govern all creation. Secondly, it elevates **God as the Ultimate Teacher**, emphasizing His unique and unparalleled ability to instruct. God teaches not only through direct revelation and His Word, but also through life experiences, natural phenomena, and the consequences of actions, as illuminated in [Psalm 94:12](/psalms/94-12 "Psalm 94:12 - Blessed is the one whom God disciplines"). His teaching is perfect, comprehensive, and ultimately for our good, even when it comes through difficult circumstances. Lastly, the rhetorical question points to **Unsearchable Wisdom**, underscoring the profound depth of God's wisdom, which far surpasses human understanding. This wisdom is evident in His power and His methods of instruction, which are often beyond our comprehension, as emphasized in [Isaiah 55:9](/isaiah/55-9 "Isaiah 55:9 - God's Higher Ways") where God's thoughts and ways are described as infinitely higher than ours.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalteth (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** The Hebrew verb נָשָׂא (_nasa'_) carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to lift up," "to bear," "to carry," "to take," or "to exalt." In this context, it signifies God's inherent loftiness, His self-exaltation, and His ability to elevate others by His own power. It speaks to a divine act of raising to a higher position, whether in status, dignity, or power. This is not an external validation bestowed upon God, but an intrinsic quality of His being, demonstrating His supreme authority and majesty.
* **Power (Hebrew, _koach_):** The Hebrew noun כֹּחַ (_koach_) refers to strength, might, vigor, or ability. It denotes the inherent capacity or force by which God operates. Elihu emphasizes that God's exaltation is not arbitrary or dependent on external factors, but is directly rooted in His boundless and unchallengeable power. This divine power is the engine of creation, providence, and instruction, demonstrating that God's actions are always backed by infinite strength.
* **Teacheth (Hebrew, _yarah_):** The Hebrew verb יָרָה (_yarah_) means "to throw," "to cast," "to instruct," "to guide," or "to show the way." While it can refer to the physical act of throwing (e.g., an arrow), in its pedagogical sense, it implies a comprehensive form of instruction that not only imparts knowledge but also guides one along a path, showing the right direction. The rhetorical question, "who teacheth like him?", highlights God's unique pedagogical role, implying that no one else possesses such perfect wisdom, authority, and ability to instruct effectively and comprehensively, leading to true understanding and transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, God exalteth by his power:"** This opening clause functions as a direct, emphatic declaration, calling the listener's attention to a profound truth about God. The interjection "Behold" (הֵן, _hen_) serves to underscore the certainty and significance of the statement. It asserts that God's supreme position, His inherent majesty, and His ability to elevate or bring low are not contingent on anything external but flow directly and solely from His own infinite power. This emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and all circumstances.
* **"who teacheth like him?"** This is a powerful rhetorical question that demands a negative answer, implying that no one can teach or instruct with the same wisdom, authority, and effectiveness as God. It challenges any human or divine entity to compare their pedagogical abilities to God's. This clause highlights God's unique role as the ultimate source of all knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. His teaching encompasses not only direct revelation but also the lessons learned through life experiences, natural phenomena, and even suffering, all orchestrated for His purposes and for the ultimate good of those who learn from Him.

#### Literary Devices
Job 36:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "who teacheth like him?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer but to emphasize the absolute uniqueness and unparalleled superiority of God's teaching ability. By posing it, Elihu forces his audience to acknowledge that no other being, human or divine, possesses the wisdom, authority, or comprehensive instructional capacity of the Almighty. This device serves to magnify God's wisdom and authority. The verse also begins with an **Interjection**, "Behold" (KJV), which functions as an attention-grabber, signaling that a significant and foundational truth is about to be declared. This draws the listener into the profundity of Elihu's statement regarding God's power and wisdom. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Assertion** or **Declaration** ("God exalteth by his power"), presenting a foundational truth about God's nature directly and unequivocally. This direct statement, combined with the rhetorical question, creates a powerful and undeniable affirmation of God's supreme attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:22 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's nature as both supremely powerful and infinitely wise. It asserts His absolute sovereignty, emphasizing that His exaltation is not a conferred status but an inherent quality derived from His boundless might. This power is not arbitrary but is inextricably linked to His perfect wisdom, which He employs in His role as the ultimate instructor of humanity. God's teaching methods are multifaceted, encompassing the grandeur of creation, the intricacies of providence, the discipline of suffering, and the direct revelation of His Word. This verse calls us to a posture of humble submission and eager receptivity, recognizing that true understanding and spiritual growth come only from learning at the feet of the One who teaches like no other.

* [Psalm 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4-5 "Psalm 25:4-5 - God's Guidance and Truth")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depth of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:22 invites us to contemplate the awe-inspiring reality of a God who is both infinitely powerful and perfectly wise. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and a constant search for knowledge, this verse anchors us in the truth that God's power ensures His ultimate control, and His wisdom guarantees the perfection of His purposes, even when they are beyond our comprehension. Recognizing that God "exalteth by his power" encourages us to trust in His sovereign plan, even when circumstances are difficult or seemingly unjust, as they were for Job. His power is not merely brute force but is always exercised in conjunction with His perfect wisdom and righteous character. Furthermore, the rhetorical question, "who teacheth like him?", challenges our reliance on human wisdom and calls us to eagerly seek God's instruction above all else. Whether through His written Word, the lessons embedded in creation, the discipline of life's trials, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God is continually teaching. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, attentiveness, and teachability, knowing that His guidance is unparalleled and leads to true understanding, spiritual maturity, and a deeper relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's power as the source of His exaltation impact your trust in His sovereignty during difficult times?**
* **In what ways has God, the ultimate teacher, instructed you through unexpected circumstances or even suffering?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more intentionally seek God's instruction and wisdom in your daily life?**
* **How does the uniqueness of God's teaching challenge your reliance on human wisdom or worldly philosophies?**

### FAQ

**What is the main message Elihu is trying to convey in Job 36:22?**

Answer: Elihu's main message in Job 36:22 is a dual assertion of God's absolute supremacy and His unparalleled wisdom as the ultimate instructor. He wants to emphasize that God's power is the foundation of His inherent greatness and that there is no one who can teach or guide humanity with the same perfection and authority as God. This serves to justify God's actions and wisdom, particularly in the context of suffering, which Elihu suggests can be a means of divine instruction and purification, rather than solely punishment. He is preparing Job and his friends for a deeper understanding of God's ways, which are beyond human comprehension, foreshadowing God's own appearance in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech").

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of suffering in the Book of Job?**

Answer: This verse significantly contributes to the theme of suffering by reframing its purpose. While Job's friends insisted that suffering was solely a punishment for sin, Elihu introduces the idea that God's power and wisdom are also manifested in His use of suffering as a pedagogical tool. He suggests that God disciplines and instructs through trials, leading to purification and a deeper understanding of His ways. Thus, Job's suffering, from Elihu's perspective, might not be solely punitive but a unique form of divine teaching, designed to draw Job closer to God and reveal profound truths about His character, aligning with the idea that God "chastens whom he loves" as seen in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves").

**What does "exalteth by his power" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "Exalteth by his power" means that God's inherent greatness and supreme authority are not dependent on human recognition or circumstances; they are intrinsic to His boundless might. For believers today, this means we can trust in God's unwavering sovereignty and control over all things, even when life feels chaotic or unjust. It reassures us that His plans are always backed by infinite strength and wisdom. Practically, it calls us to humble ourselves before His majesty, to acknowledge His supreme rule in our lives, and to find security in the fact that the One who governs the universe does so with perfect power and purpose, as described in [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Established Throne").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 36:22, with its declaration of God's unparalleled power and unique teaching ability, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's power, being "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Christ, God's power to exalt is fully displayed, not only in His resurrection and ascension, where He was "highly exalted" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")), but also in His ability to lift up humanity from sin and death. Furthermore, Jesus is the supreme Teacher, the one of whom it was said, "Never has anyone spoken like this man!" ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - Never Has Anyone Spoken Like This Man")). He is the living Word, the perfect revelation of God's wisdom, who came to instruct humanity not merely through words, but through His life, death, and resurrection. All the wisdom and knowledge of God are "hidden in Christ" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")), making Him the ultimate fulfillment of Elihu's rhetorical question, for truly, "who teacheth like him?" He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, guiding us into all understanding and leading us to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Romans 13:1

¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Jeremiah 27:5

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

Jeremiah 27:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Isaiah 48:17

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go.