Job 38:21

KJV

Knowest thou [it], because thou wast then born? or [because] the number of thy days [is] great?

KJV (with Strong's)

Knowest {H3045} thou it, because thou wast then born {H3205}? or because the number {H4557} of thy days {H3117} is great {H7227}?

Complete Jewish Bible

You know, of course, because you were born then; by now you must be very old!

Berean Standard Bible

Surely you know, for you were already born! And the number of your days is great!

American Standard Version

Doubtless, thou knowest, for thou wast then born, And the number of thy days is great!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 38:21 is a profound rhetorical question delivered by God from a whirlwind, directly challenging Job's limited human understanding and presumed wisdom. It serves as a pivotal moment in God's grand interrogation, contrasting Job's finite existence and experience with the Creator's infinite knowledge and eternal presence at the genesis of the cosmos. This verse, embedded within God's comprehensive discourse on creation, aims to humble Job, exposing the vast chasm between human comprehension and divine omniscience, and ultimately prompting a posture of awe and submission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 38:21 is situated within the climactic section of the Book of Job, specifically God's first direct address to Job from a whirlwind, beginning in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). Prior to this, Job had repeatedly longed for an audience with God to present his case and demand an explanation for his suffering, asserting his righteousness and questioning divine justice. God's response is not a direct answer to Job's complaints but a series of overwhelming rhetorical questions about the natural world and its governance. These questions systematically dismantle Job's assumptions about his own understanding and control. Verse 21 specifically follows a barrage of inquiries about the earth's foundations, the sea's boundaries, the sources of light and darkness, and the storehouses of snow and hail (e.g., [Job 38:4-18](/job/38-4 "Job 38:4-18 - God's Questions about Creation")). The verse's sarcastic tone ("Knowest thou [it], because thou wast then born?") directly challenges Job's claim to any knowledge of these cosmic operations, implicitly asking if he was present at creation or if his long life grants him such insight. It serves as a powerful summation of God's point: Job, as a mere creature, cannot possibly comprehend the Creator's works or ways.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, a genre that often explored themes of divine justice, human suffering, and the limits of human knowledge. In this cultural milieu, wisdom was highly valued, often attributed to age and experience. Job himself was depicted as a man of great wisdom and righteousness. However, God's appearance from the whirlwind (a classic theophany, or divine manifestation) radically redefines the source and nature of true wisdom. This divine encounter subverts the typical human-centric wisdom discourse by asserting God's absolute sovereignty and incomprehensibility. The rhetorical questions posed by God echo the challenges found in other wisdom traditions, but here they are delivered by the ultimate authority, emphasizing that true understanding of the universe's complexities is not gained through human longevity or intellectual prowess, but is inherent only in the eternal, uncreated God. The cultural expectation of a litigant presenting his case before a judge is dramatically overturned; instead of Job questioning God, God questions Job, revealing the infinite qualitative difference between Creator and creature.
* **Key Themes:** Job 38:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Divine Omniscience vs. Human Ignorance**, highlighting the stark contrast between God's infinite, comprehensive knowledge as the Creator and humanity's finite, limited understanding. God's knowledge is foundational, stemming from His presence at creation (cf. [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation")), while Job's is constrained by his temporal existence. This leads to the theme of the **Creator-Creature Distinction**, emphasizing God's unique, transcendent position as the sovereign Maker, distinct from His creation and its inhabitants. Job, as a created being, cannot fathom the full scope of God's wisdom or His inscrutable ways. Consequently, the verse underscores the necessity of **Humility** before the divine. God's questions are designed to humble Job, demonstrating that his complaints and demands for answers were based on an inflated view of his own comprehension and a profound misunderstanding of God's nature. This humility is a prerequisite for true wisdom and worship, as seen in Job's eventual repentance and submission in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Submission"). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Unsearchable Wisdom**, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, asserting that God's judgments and ways are often beyond human comprehension, inviting trust rather than exhaustive understanding (cf. [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depth of God's Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowest (Hebrew, _yada'_):** The verb יָדַעְתָּ (_yada'ta_), from the root יָדַע (_yada_), means "to know," "to perceive," "to understand," or "to be acquainted with." In this context, it carries a strong implication of comprehensive, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent. God is challenging Job's claim to such deep, foundational understanding of the universe's workings, implying that Job lacks the direct, firsthand knowledge that only the Creator possesses. The rhetorical question mocks Job's presumption of knowing "it" – referring to the vast cosmic operations God has just described.
* **Born (Hebrew, _yalad_):** The word יֻלַּדְתָּ (_yulladta_), from the root יָלַד (_yalad_), means "to be born," "to be brought forth." The passive form here emphasizes Job's status as a created being, one who *came into existence* at a specific point in time. By asking "because thou wast then born?", God highlights Job's temporal limitation and absence during the foundational acts of creation. It's a sarcastic jab at any implied pre-existence or ancient wisdom Job might claim, contrasting his recent birth with God's eternal presence.
* **Great (Hebrew, _rav_):** The adjective רַב (_rav_) means "much," "many," or "great." When applied to "the number of thy days," it acknowledges Job's advanced age, which in ancient cultures was often associated with wisdom and experience. However, God uses it ironically. Even if Job's days are "great" in human terms, they are infinitesimally small compared to eternity, and utterly insufficient to grant him insight into the mysteries of creation known only to the eternal God. It underscores the qualitative difference between human longevity and divine eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowest thou [it],":** This opening phrase sets the stage for the divine challenge. The "it" refers to the preceding questions about the earth's foundations, the sources of light, the storehouses of natural phenomena, and the very design of the cosmos. God is asking Job if he possesses comprehensive, intimate knowledge of these profound mysteries. The rhetorical nature implies a resounding "no," immediately establishing the vast gap between divine and human understanding.
* **"because thou wast then born?":** This clause provides the first sarcastic reason for Job's supposed knowledge. God challenges Job's claim to understanding by asking if he was present at the moment of creation, implying that only one who witnessed or participated in the universe's genesis could truly "know" its intricacies. It highlights Job's temporal limitation as a created being, contrasting it with God's eternal pre-existence and active role in creation.
* **"or [because] the number of thy days [is] great?":** This second clause offers an alternative, equally impossible, sarcastic reason. God acknowledges Job's longevity (a common ancient marker of wisdom) but dismisses it as a source of cosmic knowledge. Even a very long human life is but a fleeting moment in the scope of eternity and offers no access to the deep secrets of the universe, which are known only to the eternal Creator. This further emphasizes the qualitative difference between human experience and divine omniscience.

#### Literary Devices
Job 38:21 is rich in **Rhetorical Question**, a primary device used throughout God's discourse in Job 38-41. God asks questions not to elicit information, but to make a forceful point, the implied answer being obvious and humbling to Job. The verse employs strong **Irony** and **Sarcasm**, particularly in the phrases "because thou wast then born?" and "the number of thy days [is] great?" God is mockingly suggesting reasons for Job's supposed wisdom that are demonstrably false, thereby highlighting Job's profound ignorance. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between God's infinite, eternal knowledge and Job's finite, temporal understanding. The entire passage is an example of **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God, which lends immense authority and weight to these questions, transforming a philosophical debate into a direct divine encounter. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God speaks in human language and uses human concepts (like "birth" and "days") to communicate His divine truth to Job.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 38:21 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of God and humanity. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty, His comprehensive wisdom, and His unique position as Creator, distinct from all creation. The verse underscores that true wisdom and understanding originate solely with God, and that human attempts to fully comprehend divine ways or challenge divine justice are inherently limited by our finite nature. It calls for a posture of humble faith, recognizing that while we may not always understand the "why" of our circumstances, we can always trust in the "Who" – a God of infinite wisdom and power whose ways are ultimately good, even when mysterious. This divine interrogation serves to reorient Job's perspective from self-justification to God-centered awe, reminding us that reverence for God begins with acknowledging His unsearchable greatness.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33-36 - Doxology to God's Unsearchable Wisdom")
* [Psalm 147:5](/psalm/147-5 "Psalm 147:5 - God's Greatness and Infinite Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 38:21 serves as an enduring reminder of our place in the cosmos relative to our Creator. In an age that often prioritizes human intellect and self-sufficiency, this verse calls us back to a fundamental humility. It challenges our tendency to demand answers from God, especially during times of suffering or confusion, and reminds us that our finite minds cannot fully grasp the infinite wisdom of the Almighty. Instead of striving to comprehend every detail of God's plan, we are invited to cultivate a spirit of awe and trust. When faced with life's unanswerable questions or seemingly unjust circumstances, this verse encourages us to relinquish our need for complete understanding and instead rest in the perfect wisdom and unwavering sovereignty of God. It shifts our focus from our limited perspective to His boundless knowledge, fostering a deeper worship that acknowledges His right to rule and His inherent goodness, even when His ways are mysterious.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself demanding answers or explanations from God, rather than trusting His wisdom?**
* **How does reflecting on the vastness of God's creation (as described in Job 38) impact your sense of humility and awe before Him?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the limits of human knowledge and the necessity of faith in the face of divine mystery?**
* **How might adopting Job's eventual posture of humility (Job 42:1-6) transform your response to suffering or unanswered prayers?**

### FAQ
**What is the main purpose of God's rhetorical questions in Job 38, including verse 21?**

Answer: The main purpose of God's rhetorical questions in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Response to Job") is not to gain information, but to humble Job and reorient his perspective. Job had been demanding a legal hearing with God, confident in his own righteousness and understanding of divine justice. God's questions, particularly in verse 21, expose the vast chasm between Job's finite human understanding and God's infinite, comprehensive knowledge as the Creator. They demonstrate that Job, as a creature, cannot possibly comprehend the intricate workings of the universe, let alone judge the ways of its Maker. The questions serve to dismantle Job's self-righteousness, foster humility, and lead him to a place of awe and submission, recognizing God's unchallengeable sovereignty and wisdom.

**Does Job 38:21 discourage intellectual inquiry or seeking knowledge?**

Answer: No, Job 38:21 does not discourage intellectual inquiry or the pursuit of knowledge. Rather, it places human knowledge in its proper context relative to divine wisdom. The verse highlights the limits of human understanding, especially concerning the ultimate mysteries of creation and divine governance, which are known only to God because He was present and active in their making. It serves as a caution against intellectual arrogance or the belief that human reason can fully grasp or judge God's infinite wisdom and ways. It encourages a humble approach to knowledge, recognizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")) and acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all truth and understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 38:21 emphasizes God's unsearchable wisdom and the limits of human understanding, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and clarification in the person of Jesus Christ. The very "wisdom" that was present with God at creation, through whom all things were made, is revealed to be Christ Himself. [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation") speaks of Wisdom personified, delighting in God's creative acts, a passage often understood to prefigure Christ's pre-existence and active role in creation. Colossians explicitly states that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). Therefore, the knowledge that Job lacked – the intimate understanding of creation's origins and operations – is embodied in Christ. He is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")), the One through whom God fully reveals Himself. What was mysterious and overwhelming to Job becomes accessible in the person of Jesus, who is "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")) and "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Thus, the ultimate answer to Job's questions about God's ways is not a philosophical treatise, but the incarnate Son, who perfectly embodies and reveals the Creator's wisdom, power, and love, inviting us not merely to humble submission, but to intimate relationship and saving faith.

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.