Job 36:25

KJV

Every man may see it; man may behold [it] afar off.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every man {H120} may see {H2372} it; man {H582} may behold {H5027} it afar off {H7350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone has seen it, [but] humans see it [only] from a distance.

Berean Standard Bible

All mankind has seen it; men behold it from afar.

American Standard Version

All men have looked thereon; Man beholdeth it afar off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:25, embedded within Elihu's profound discourse, serves as a powerful declaration of God's undeniable power and majestic wisdom, overtly manifested through His creation and providential acts. This verse underscores that the grandeur of God's works is not concealed but is openly visible and universally discernible to all humanity, compelling contemplation and acknowledgment of His incomparable sovereignty and transcendent presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 36:25 is situated within Elihu's fourth and final speech, which spans from [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Conclusion"). Elihu, a younger man, emerges after Job's three friends have exhausted their arguments and God has remained silent. Unlike the friends, who primarily attribute suffering to sin, Elihu offers a more nuanced theological perspective, suggesting that God's ways are just and that suffering can serve as a means of divine discipline, instruction, and purification. In the immediate preceding verse, Elihu has urged Job to "remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold" ([Job 36:24](/job/36-24 "Job 36:24 - Magnifying God's Work")). This exhortation sets the stage for verse 25, which emphasizes the sheer clarity and universal visibility of God's work, particularly His sovereign control over natural phenomena like rain, storms, and the vastness of the heavens, which Elihu elaborates on in the subsequent verses of [Job 36](/job/36 "Job 36 - Elihu Continues to Speak") and [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Conclusion"). Elihu's overarching aim is to humble Job and prepare him for God's eventual appearance from the whirlwind by highlighting God's incomprehensible greatness and His just governance of the cosmos.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the observation of natural phenomena—such as the changing seasons, the awe-inspiring power of storms, and the predictable regularity of celestial bodies—was universally interpreted as direct evidence of divine activity and power. Unlike modern scientific explanations, these cultures understood such events as direct, tangible manifestations of the gods' will and character. Elihu's argument taps into this pervasive worldview, asserting that the God of Israel's power is not only real but overwhelmingly evident in the observable world. The phrase "afar off" suggests a recognition of divine transcendence, where God's works are so grand that their impact and scope are perceived even from a distance, signifying His immense scale and omnipresence. This context also reflects a pre-scientific understanding where divine revelation through creation (often termed general revelation) was a primary and universally accessible means of understanding the divine, making humanity accountable for their response to this self-disclosure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Revelation through Creation**, often referred to as general revelation. Elihu posits that God's attributes, power, and wisdom are openly manifested through the natural world, making His mighty deeds universally apparent. This concept is foundational to biblical understanding of God's self-disclosure, as seen in [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory") which proclaims the heavens declaring God's glory. Secondly, the phrase "Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off" highlights the **Universal Accessibility of Truth**. It underscores that the evidence of God's existence and power is not limited to a select few or esoteric knowledge but is accessible to all people, regardless of their background or proximity, implying an undeniable truth that confronts humanity. Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Incomparable Power and Majesty**. The "it" refers to the vast and intricate works of God—His control over the elements, His wisdom in creation, and His sovereign governance—all of which are so grand that they are discernible even "afar off," signifying their immense scale and overwhelming presence, serving as a prelude to God's own declarations in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God Challenges Job from the Whirlwind").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **châzâh (Hebrew, _châzâh'_):** From H2372, meaning "to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of; behold, look, prophesy, provide, see." In "Every man may see it," this word denotes a profound and contemplative observation, moving beyond mere physical sight to a deeper apprehension or spiritual insight. It implies that God's works are not just superficially visible but invite a gaze that leads to understanding and even a sense of wonder.
* **nâbaṭ (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** From H5027, meaning "to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care; (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see." In "man may behold [it] afar off," this verb reinforces the idea of intentional, focused observation. It suggests a deliberate act of considering or paying attention, implying that the evidence of God's works is so compelling that it draws humanity to look intently and consider its implications, even from a distance.
* **râchôwq (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** From H7350, meaning "remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition); (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come." In the phrase "afar off," this word emphasizes the immense scale and pervasive nature of God's works. It signifies that the grandeur of God's handiwork is so vast and transcendent that its impact and evidence are discernible even from a great distance, highlighting God's omnipresence and the universal scope of His revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every man may see it":** This initial clause powerfully asserts the universal accessibility of God's revelation through His works. The use of "every man" (comprising both H120 _ʼâdâm_ and H582 _ʼĕnôwsh_ in the broader context, signifying all humanity) emphasizes that the perception of God's divine manifestations is not limited to a select few or to those with specialized knowledge. The clarity and undeniable nature of God's self-disclosure in creation are such that they are evident to all humanity without exception, making ignorance inexcusable. It speaks to the objective reality and plainness of God's self-disclosure in creation, accessible to the casual observer.
* **"man may behold [it] afar off":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the first, employing a different Hebrew word for "man" (H582 _ʼĕnôwsh_, often referring to humanity in its frailty or mortality, yet here capable of profound perception) and a more intense verb for "behold" (H5027 _nâbaṭ_). The phrase "afar off" (H7350 _râchôwq_) highlights the immense scale and transcendent nature of God's works. Even from a distance, or through indirect observation, the grandeur and power of God's handiwork are overwhelmingly evident. This signifies their vastness, the pervasive reach of His sovereignty, and the inescapable nature of His self-revelation, compelling even distant observers to acknowledge His greatness.

#### Literary Devices
Job 36:25 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "man may behold [it] afar off," reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first clause, "Every man may see it." This repetition with slight variation serves to intensify Elihu's assertion, underscoring the universal and undeniable clarity of God's works. The phrase "afar off" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the immense scale and pervasive nature of God's power—it's so grand that its evidence is visible even from a great distance, suggesting a scope beyond immediate human perception yet still discernible. This also hints at God's **Transcendence**, suggesting that His works are so vast and His being so beyond human grasp that even a distant glimpse reveals His overwhelming majesty. Furthermore, the use of two distinct, though related, verbs for "seeing" (H2372 _châzâh_ and H5027 _nâbaṭ_) creates a subtle **Climax**, moving from a general capacity to see to a deeper, more contemplative and intentional apprehension, inviting the listener to not just observe, but to truly understand and acknowledge God's character and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:25 is a profound statement on general revelation, asserting that God's existence, power, and wisdom are clearly discernible through the natural world. This truth is not hidden but is openly displayed for all humanity to perceive, making human beings accountable for their response to this pervasive evidence. Elihu's argument here anticipates later biblical teachings that God has not left Himself without witness, providing a foundational understanding of how humanity can know something of God apart from special revelation. It implies that the created order itself functions as a divine sermon, continually testifying to the glory of its Creator and inviting all people to acknowledge His supreme authority and wisdom.

* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen")
* [Acts 14:17](/acts/14-17 "Acts 14:17 - God's Witness in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:25 serves as a timeless call for humanity to engage with the world around us with intentionality and reverence. In an age often characterized by distraction, technological immersion, and a diminished sense of wonder, this verse encourages us to pause, observe, and truly "behold" the intricate design, immense power, and profound wisdom evident in creation. It challenges us to move beyond mere physical sight to a deeper, contemplative understanding of the divine Artist behind the masterpiece. Recognizing God's undeniable presence and power in the natural order should cultivate humility within us, leading to an acknowledgment of His supreme authority and sovereignty over all things. This active engagement with general revelation can foster a spirit of awe, gratitude, and worship, drawing us into a deeper relationship with the Creator who has so clearly revealed Himself. It also reminds us of our accountability before God, for His truth is not hidden but openly displayed for all to see.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you personally "see" and "behold" God's works in your daily life, moving beyond casual observation?**
* **How does the universal accessibility of God's revelation in creation impact your understanding of human accountability before God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder at God's creation, allowing it to draw you closer to the Creator?**
* **How might acknowledging God's power and wisdom in creation influence your trust in His providence and goodness during times of suffering or uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**What does the "it" refer to in Job 36:25?**

Answer: The "it" in Job 36:25 refers to God's "work" (מַעֲשֵׂהוּ, _ma'asehu_, "His work") mentioned in the preceding verse, [Job 36:24](/job/36-24 "Job 36:24 - Magnifying God's Work"). This encompasses the totality of God's majestic actions and manifestations in the created order and His providential governance of the world. It includes natural phenomena like storms, rain, clouds, and the vastness of the heavens, which Elihu details in the surrounding chapters ([Job 36:26-37:13](/job/36 "Job 36 - Elihu Continues to Speak")). Essentially, "it" refers to the comprehensive display of God's power, wisdom, and majesty evident in all He has made and does, serving as a perpetual testament to His divine nature.

**Is the "afar off" meant literally or figuratively?**

Answer: The phrase "afar off" (מֵרָחֹוק, _merachok_) in Job 36:25 carries both literal and figurative dimensions. Literally, it suggests that God's works are so grand and pervasive that their evidence is discernible even from a great distance, implying their immense scale and overwhelming presence across the earth. Figuratively, it speaks to the transcendent nature of God; even though He is beyond full human comprehension and distant in His majesty, His works are so clear that even a "distant" or indirect perception of them is sufficient to reveal His power and wisdom. It emphasizes the undeniable clarity of God's general revelation, making it accessible to all humanity regardless of their immediate proximity to specific phenomena, underscoring the inescapable nature of His self-disclosure.

**Does this verse imply that general revelation is sufficient for salvation?**

Answer: While Job 36:25 strongly affirms the clarity and universal accessibility of God's general revelation through creation, it does not imply that this revelation alone is sufficient for salvation. General revelation reveals God's power, wisdom, and existence, making humanity accountable for acknowledging Him and leaving them "without excuse" ([Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen")). However, it does not reveal the specific plan of salvation, the nature of sin, or the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. For these specific truths, humanity requires special revelation, found supremely in God's inspired Word ([Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")) and ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ. Elihu's point is that no one can claim ignorance of God's existence or power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 36:25 speaks profoundly of God's general revelation through creation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme and most perfect revelation of God. If creation allows "every man" to "behold [it] afar off," then Christ enables us to behold God intimately and fully. The New Testament declares that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), and that "in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All")). The very "work" that Elihu speaks of, the majestic display of God's power and wisdom, was brought into being through Christ Himself. Furthermore, [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") states that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This moves beyond merely seeing God's works "afar off" to beholding the very glory of God incarnate, full of grace and truth. Christ is the ultimate "beholding" of God, the one through whom God has "spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he created the world" ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), making Him the perfect and complete revelation that general revelation only hints at. In Christ, the invisible God is made visible, accessible, and intimately knowable, providing the full and saving knowledge of God that creation alone cannot provide.

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.