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.

Touching the Almighty {H7706}, we cannot find him out {H4672}: he is excellent {H7689} in power {H3581}, and in judgment {H4941}, and in plenty {H7230} of justice {H6666}: he will not afflict {H6031}.

Shaddai, whom we cannot find, whose power is immense, in his great righteousness does not pervert justice.

The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress.

Touchingthe Almighty, we cannot find him out: He is excellent in power; And in justice and plenteous righteousness he will not afflict.

Job 37:23 is a profound statement from Elihu, one of Job's younger companions, about the incomprehensible nature and perfect character of God. This verse encapsulates Elihu's defense of God's sovereignty and justice amidst Job's suffering.

Context

This verse comes near the conclusion of Elihu's lengthy discourse (chapters 32-37). Elihu steps in after Job's three friends have failed to provide satisfactory answers, arguing that God is just in all His ways, even if His reasons are not immediately clear to humanity. Chapter 37 specifically focuses on God's immense power displayed in nature, particularly storms, as a demonstration of His majesty and control. Elihu's words here serve as a prelude to God's own direct intervention and questions to Job from the whirlwind in Job 38:1.

Key Themes

  • Divine Incomprehensibility: The opening phrase, "Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out," highlights that God's ways, His essence, and His plans are ultimately beyond full human comprehension. He is infinite, and we are finite.
  • God's Omnipotence: He is described as "excellent in power," underscoring His supreme might and ability to do whatever He wills. This power is not arbitrary but exercised with perfect wisdom.
  • God's Perfect Justice: The verse emphasizes His excellence "in judgment, and in plenty of justice." This assures us that God's actions are always righteous and fair, even when they appear mysterious to us. There is an abundance of justice in His character.
  • God's Non-Affliction (Just Character): The concluding phrase, "he will not afflict," has been interpreted in various ways. In the KJV, it suggests that God does not arbitrarily cause suffering or treat His creation unjustly. Elihu is arguing that God's justice is so abundant that He does not need to oppress or cause suffering capriciously. Instead, His dealings are always consistent with His righteous character. This challenges the simplistic view that all suffering is direct punishment for sin.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Almighty" is often translated from the Hebrew El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי), emphasizing God's all-sufficient power and might. The phrase "cannot find him out" (לֹא מְצָאנֻהוּ - lo metsa'anuhu) literally means "we have not found Him," conveying the idea that His ways are unsearchable and His essence undiscoverable by human effort. The "plenty of justice" comes from rav tsedakah (רַב צְדָקָה), indicating an abundance or overflowing measure of righteousness, making it impossible for God to act unjustly. The final phrase, "he will not afflict" (לֹא יְעַנֶּה - lo ye'anneh), could also be rendered "He will not answer" (meaning provide a full explanation) or "He will not pervert justice," reinforcing the idea that God's actions are always just, even if His rationale isn't fully revealed.

Reflection and Application

Job 37:23 calls us to a posture of humility and trust before God. When faced with life's mysteries or personal suffering, this verse reminds us that God is infinitely powerful and perfectly just, even when we cannot fully grasp His purposes. We are encouraged to trust in His character, knowing that His actions are always rooted in righteousness and abundant justice, not arbitrary cruelty. This truth provides comfort, knowing that the Lord works all things for good and that His judgments are always right, even if they are beyond our immediate understanding, as seen in Romans 11:33.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 6:16

    Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

  • Job 36:5

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

  • Romans 11:33

    ¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • Psalms 99:4

    The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

  • Job 9:4

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

  • Lamentations 3:32

    But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

  • Lamentations 3:33

    For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

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