Job 36:5

¶ Behold, God [is] mighty, and despiseth not [any: he is] mighty in strength [and] wisdom.

Behold, God {H410} is mighty {H3524}, and despiseth {H3988} not any: he is mighty {H3524} in strength {H3581} and wisdom {H3820}.

"Look, God is powerful and despises no one, powerful in his strength of understanding.

Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding.

Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding.

Job 36:5 (KJV), spoken by Elihu, offers a profound declaration about the nature of God, emphasizing His immense power combined with His righteous and discerning character. This verse serves as a crucial point in Elihu's argument, contrasting with the limited perspectives of Job's other friends.

Context

This verse is part of Elihu's extended discourse to Job, found in chapters 32-37. Elihu, the youngest of Job's companions, steps in after Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have exhausted their arguments. Unlike the others who largely accuse Job of sin to explain his suffering, Elihu aims to defend God's justice and sovereignty, suggesting that suffering can also be a means of discipline or instruction, not solely punishment. In this section, Elihu builds a case for God's greatness and wisdom, urging Job to recognize God's perfect governance over all creation. He seeks to correct Job's perception that God is indifferent or unjust.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence and Strength: The declaration "God is mighty... mighty in strength" underscores the absolute power and irresistible force of the Almighty. This theme is central to the book of Job, reminding both Job and the reader that God's capabilities far exceed human comprehension or challenge. His power is not merely raw force but is always exercised with purpose.
  • God's Impartiality and Care: The phrase "despiseth not any" is profoundly significant. It means God does not scorn, reject, or disregard anyone, regardless of their status, suffering, or perceived righteousness. This counters the idea that God might ignore the afflicted or only favor the powerful. Elihu asserts God's attentiveness and care for all, even in the midst of trials. This attribute of God's impartiality is a cornerstone of His just character.
  • God's Perfect Wisdom: Coupled with His might, God is also "mighty in... wisdom." This highlights that God's power is not blind or arbitrary but is always guided by perfect understanding and righteous judgment. His actions, even those that seem inexplicable to humans, are rooted in an infinite wisdom that far surpasses human intellect. This combination of power and wisdom ensures that God's rule is both effective and just, providing reassurance that His ways, though often mysterious, are ultimately good. God's wisdom is unsearchable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mighty" here is addir (אדיר), which conveys majesty, nobility, and power. It emphasizes God's supreme authority and overwhelming greatness. The phrase "despiseth not" comes from the Hebrew root ma'as (מאס), meaning to reject, scorn, or despise. The negative construction strongly affirms God's non-rejection of individuals. The term for "wisdom" is chokmah (חכמה), a comprehensive term denoting skill, insight, and understanding, especially in moral and spiritual matters. Elihu's use of these terms highlights the interconnectedness of God's power with His moral character and intelligent design.

Practical Application

Job 36:5 offers immense comfort and a call to humility. For those enduring suffering, it reminds us that God, though mighty and sovereign, does not despise or disregard our pain. He is attentive and cares deeply. His power is not wielded arbitrarily but is always informed by His perfect wisdom. This encourages trust in God's plan, even when it is unclear. It also challenges us to acknowledge God's ultimate authority and wisdom, understanding that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). We can find peace in knowing that the God who holds all power also governs with infinite wisdom and compassion.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 22:24

    For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

  • Jeremiah 10:12

    He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

  • Psalms 138:6

    ¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

  • Psalms 147:5

    Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite.

  • Jeremiah 32:19

    Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

  • Job 37:23

    [Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out: [he is] excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.

  • Job 31:13

    If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;

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