Job 38:36

KJV

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who hath put {H7896} wisdom {H2451} in the inward parts {H2910}? or who hath given {H5414} understanding {H998} to the heart {H7907}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Who put wisdom in people's inner parts? Who gave understanding to the mind?

Berean Standard Bible

Who has put wisdom in the heart or given understanding to the mind?

American Standard Version

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the mind?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 38:36 presents a profound rhetorical challenge from God to Job, emerging from the heart of a divine whirlwind discourse. This verse serves as a climactic assertion of God's absolute sovereignty, not merely over the vast cosmos but also over the intricate, unseen realm of human intellect and consciousness. By questioning the origin of wisdom and understanding within humanity, God underscores the inherent limitations of human knowledge and unequivocally declares Himself as the sole, ultimate source and bestower of all intelligence, discernment, and insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within God's first and most extensive speech to Job, spanning [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") and [Job 39](/job/39 "Job 39 - God Continues His Speech"). Following the exhaustive, often circular, arguments between Job and his friends concerning the nature of suffering and divine justice, God directly intervenes. His discourse is not an explanation for Job's suffering but a majestic display of His omnipotence and omniscience, primarily through a series of unanswerable questions about the natural world, cosmic phenomena, and the intricate behaviors of animals. [Job 38:1-3](/job/38-1-3 "Job 38:1-3 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind") sets the scene for this divine interrogation. Verse 36 marks a significant shift from the external, observable wonders of creation to the internal, mysterious workings of the human mind, thereby extending God's sovereign reach into the very core of human identity and capacity. The rhetorical questions are designed to humble Job and all humanity, demonstrating the vast chasm between finite human comprehension and infinite divine wisdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the "inward parts" (often referring to organs like the kidneys or liver) were not merely anatomical but were considered the seat of deep emotions, moral conscience, and profound thoughts. Similarly, the "heart" (Hebrew: _lev_ or _levav_ generally, but here, _sekvîy_) was understood as the center of intellect, will, and emotion—the very core of a person's being and understanding. The setting of the book of Job, likely in the patriarchal period, emphasizes a worldview where divine intervention and the direct hand of God in all aspects of life were readily acknowledged. God's appearance from a "whirlwind" ([Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind")) is a classic biblical depiction of a theophany, a powerful manifestation of God's presence, underscoring the gravity and authority of His words. This cultural understanding amplifies the impact of God's questions, asserting His authorship over even the most intimate and fundamental aspects of human existence.

* **Key Themes:** Job 38:36 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Divine Authorship of Intellect**, asserting that God alone is the ultimate bestower of wisdom and understanding. Human beings do not inherently generate these capacities; rather, they are a divine gift, showcasing God's creative power even in the intricate design of the mind. This leads directly to the theme of **Human Limitations and Humility**. By posing the unanswerable questions, "Who hath put wisdom... or who hath given understanding?", God underscores the finite nature of human knowledge and the profound humility required when confronted with His infinite wisdom. Job, who had presumed to question God's justice, is confronted with his own intellectual boundaries, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 3:5-7](/proverbs/3-5-7 "Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Finally, the verse implicitly teaches that **God is the Source of All Knowledge**. Every facet of intelligence, intuition, and discernment within humanity originates from the Creator, encouraging a perspective where our mental faculties are seen as divinely endowed, leading to a necessary reliance on God for true insight and discerning truth, as seen in [Psalm 119:104](/psalm/119-104 "Psalm 119:104 - Through Your Precepts I Get Understanding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** (Strong's H2451) This term signifies not merely intellectual knowledge but also practical skill, discernment, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. In this context, it refers to the profound insight and understanding necessary to navigate life and comprehend truth.
* **Inward parts (Hebrew, _ṭuchâh'_):** (Strong's H2910) Literally referring to the kidneys, in ancient Hebrew thought this term was often used metaphorically to denote the deepest, most hidden parts of a person's being—the seat of profound emotions, conscience, and innermost thoughts. Here, it signifies the source of intuitive, innate wisdom that operates beneath conscious reasoning.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _bîynâh'_):** (Strong's H998) This word refers to the ability to discern, distinguish, and comprehend. It implies a deeper grasp of truth, moving beyond mere facts to grasp relationships and implications, enabling a deeper insight into complex matters.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _sekvîy'_):** (Strong's H7907) While "heart" typically translates _lev_ or _levav_, _sekvîy_ specifically denotes observant intelligence, understanding, or intuition, sometimes linked to "sight" or "insight." It points to the conscious faculty of intellect, discernment, and the ability to comprehend and reason.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?":** This clause challenges Job, and by extension, all humanity, to consider the origin of their deepest, most intuitive wisdom. It refers to the innate, often subconscious, capacity for insight and moral discernment that seems to reside within the very core of one's being. The rhetorical question implies that no human or created entity could possibly be the source of such a profound internal endowment; only the Creator possesses the power and knowledge to implant such a faculty.
* **"or who hath given understanding to the heart?":** This parallel clause extends the inquiry to the more conscious faculties of intellect and discernment. The "heart" here, representing the mind and will, is presented as the recipient of understanding. The question highlights that the ability to comprehend, reason, and make sense of the world is not self-generated but is a bestowed gift. Both clauses together emphasize that every aspect of human intelligence, from the deepest intuition to conscious reasoning, is a direct impartation from God.

#### Literary Devices
Job 38:36 is primarily structured as a **Rhetorical Question**, a powerful literary device where a question is posed not to elicit an answer, but to make a statement or produce an effect. God knows the answer (He is the one who did it), and the question serves to highlight Job's (and humanity's) ignorance and God's unparalleled wisdom and power. The verse also employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a common feature of Hebrew poetry, where the second line reiterates or expands upon the thought of the first line using different words ("wisdom in the inward parts" paralleled by "understanding to the heart"). This repetition amplifies the central message: God is the sole source of all forms of human intellect. While not strictly **Anthropomorphism**, the language of God "putting" and "giving" to human internal organs attributes human-like actions to God, emphasizing His direct, personal involvement in the intricate design and function of the human mind.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 38:36 profoundly asserts God's exclusive claim as the ultimate source of all wisdom and understanding, extending His creative and sustaining power not only to the vast cosmos but also to the intricate, unseen mechanisms of the human mind. This truth grounds the biblical teaching that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is not something human beings can generate independently. It challenges any humanistic notion that intellect is purely a product of evolution or self-development, instead pointing to a divine endowment that enables humanity to think, reason, and discern. This verse reminds us that our cognitive abilities, far from being inherent, are a miraculous gift, intended to lead us back to the Giver, fostering humility and dependence on divine revelation for genuine insight.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Recognizing God as the ultimate source of our wisdom and understanding profoundly reshapes our perspective on learning, decision-making, and even our own identity. It cultivates a deep sense of humility, reminding us that no matter how intelligent or accomplished we become, our capacities are derived, not inherent, and pale in comparison to God's infinite knowledge. This understanding should drive us to seek God continually for guidance, insight, and discernment in every area of life, acknowledging that true wisdom comes from His Word and His Spirit. It also calls us to be good stewards of the intellect He has graciously bestowed, using our minds not for pride or self-aggrandizement, but for His glory, to understand His truth, to serve others, and to navigate the complexities of the world with godly wisdom. Our ability to think, reason, and comprehend is a miraculous gift, prompting us to use our cognitive faculties to know Him more deeply and to make His wisdom known.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God as the source of your intellect influence your approach to education, problem-solving, and decision-making?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to rely solely on your own understanding, and how can you intentionally seek God's wisdom in those areas?**
* **Considering your mind as a divine gift, what practical steps can you take to better steward your intellectual capacities for God's glory and the benefit of others?**

### FAQ

**Why does God ask rhetorical questions instead of directly explaining Job's suffering?**

Answer: God's primary purpose in His discourse with Job is not to provide a direct explanation for Job's suffering, which remains largely a mystery in the book, but to re-establish His own absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power. The rhetorical questions, such as those in [Job 38:36](/job/38-36 "Job 38:36 - God's Question about Wisdom"), serve to highlight the vast gap between divine omnipotence and human finitude. By demonstrating His mastery over creation and even the internal workings of the human mind, God shifts Job's focus from his own plight ("why me?") to the incomparable greatness of God ("who is God?"). This approach ultimately leads Job to humility and repentance ([Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1-6 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance")), fostering a deeper trust in God's character rather than a mere intellectual understanding of his circumstances.

**What is the significance of "inward parts" and "heart" in this verse, and why are they distinct?**

Answer: In ancient Hebrew thought, both "inward parts" (_ṭuchâh_, referring to kidneys or inner being) and "heart" (_sekvîy_, here denoting intellect or intuition) represent the deepest, most intimate aspects of human consciousness and intellect. While often used somewhat interchangeably in broader biblical literature to signify the core of a person, their distinct usage in [Job 38:36](/job/38-36 "Job 38:36 - God's Question about Wisdom") emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's control over human intelligence. "Inward parts" likely refers to the more intuitive, subconscious, or innate wisdom—the deep-seated understanding that seems to reside within one's very being. "Heart" (specifically _sekvîy_ here) points to the more conscious, active intellectual faculty of discernment and comprehension. Together, they underscore that every facet of human intelligence, from the deepest intuition to conscious reasoning, is a direct, divinely bestowed gift, not self-generated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 38:36, with its profound assertion of God as the sole source of wisdom and understanding, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a recipient of divine wisdom but is the very embodiment and personification of it. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge") declares that "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." As the eternal Word of God, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Was God")), Christ is the active agent of creation, the one who indeed "put wisdom in the inward parts" and "gave understanding to the heart" of humanity. The wisdom of God, which confounds human intellect, is most powerfully revealed in the cross of Christ, which to the world appears foolishness but is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" to those who are being saved ([1 Corinthians 1:24-25](/1_corinthians/1-24-25 "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Furthermore, it is Christ who, after His resurrection, "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Jesus Opens Their Minds")), demonstrating His ongoing role in bestowing true spiritual understanding and insight to His followers, enabling them to grasp the divine truths that originate from the Father.

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

Job 32:8

But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Psalms 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Job 9:4

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

Exodus 31:3

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,