Job 40:1

KJV

¶ Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} answered {H6030} Job {H347}, and said {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Continuing to address Iyov, ADONAI said:

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to Job:

American Standard Version

Moreover Jehovah answered Job, and said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:1 marks a profound turning point in the Book of Job, signifying the continuation of God's direct, authoritative discourse to Job following Job's humble and submissive reply. This verse underscores the divine initiative in revelation, asserting God's unwavering sovereignty and His ongoing intent to deepen Job's understanding of His majestic power and inscrutable wisdom, even amidst immense suffering. It sets the stage for a second, equally powerful divine speech designed to solidify Job's posture of awe and trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Job's initial, contrite response to God's first magnificent discourse from the whirlwind (Job 38:1-39:30). In [Job 40:3-5](/job/40-3 "Job 40:3-5 - Job's Humble Reply"), Job admits his unworthiness, acknowledges his folly in questioning the Almighty, and places his hand over his mouth, signifying silence and submission. Instead of chastising Job for his previous complaints or accepting his silence as the final word, God chooses to speak again. This second divine speech, spanning [Job 40:6-41:34](/job/40-6 "Job 40:6-41:34 - God's Second Speech"), deepens the theological lessons, reinforcing the contrast between divine omnipotence and human frailty, and preparing Job for his ultimate restoration. The repetition of God's direct address highlights its profound significance in the narrative's progression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, exploring the problem of suffering and divine justice within a philosophical and theological framework. Divine speeches, or theophanies, like the one presented here, were a recognized literary and theological device in the ancient world to convey ultimate truth and authority. In this context, God's direct address from a whirlwind (a common motif for divine manifestation) signifies an encounter of unparalleled magnitude, transcending typical human-divine interactions. The cultural expectation would be for the human party to be utterly humbled and silenced in the face of such a revelation, which Job indeed is. The continuation of the speech, rather than a cessation, emphasizes God's unique pedagogical intent.
* **Key Themes:** Job 40:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. First, it reinforces **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, making it unequivocally clear that God has the final word and ultimate control over all creation and human experience, including suffering. His decision to speak again, rather than remaining silent, demonstrates His absolute prerogative. Second, it highlights **Continued Revelation**, illustrating God's desire to fully disclose Himself and His purposes to those who seek Him, even through profound suffering. This ongoing dialogue emphasizes that divine communication is a process, not a one-time event, and that God's plan for Job's understanding is still unfolding. Finally, God's continued speech further cultivates **Humility and Awe** in Job, deepening the lessons from the first discourse about the incomprehensibility of God's ways compared to limited human understanding, echoing themes seen throughout [Psalm 145](/psalms/145 "Psalm 145 - The Lord is Gracious and Merciful").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moreover (Hebrew, _gam_):** This conjunction serves as a strong transitional marker, indicating an addition or continuation of what has already been stated or initiated. In this context, it signals that God's discourse is not concluded with Job's humble response but is entering a new, intensified phase. It implies that God has more to say, further emphasizing His initiative and the depth of His revelation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** The use of the covenant name for God, Yahweh, is significant. While God was referred to as "God" (Elohim) in earlier parts of the book, the shift to YHWH during the divine speeches emphasizes God's personal, relational, and covenantal engagement with Job. It underscores that the speaker is not merely a distant deity but the personal, sovereign God who has entered into a relationship with His servant Job.
* **answered (Hebrew, _ʿanah_):** While often translated as "answered," this verb carries a broader semantic range, including "to respond," "to testify," or even "to begin to speak." In this specific context, it does not necessarily imply a direct reply to a spoken question from Job, who has just put his hand over his mouth. Instead, it signifies God's continued engagement and the proactive nature of His communication, picking up the thread of the divine discourse that began in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). It highlights God's initiative in continuing the dialogue, demonstrating His persistent purpose in speaking to humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Moreover":** This paragraph marker, followed by "Moreover," signals a significant continuation of the divine discourse. It indicates that despite Job's silence and submission, God is not finished speaking. This emphasizes the divine prerogative and the ongoing nature of God's revelation.
* **"the LORD answered Job":** This clause highlights God's active role and initiative. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) underscores His personal, covenantal authority. The verb "answered" here is not a simple reply to a question but signifies God's continued engagement with Job, maintaining the momentum of the divine revelation that began in the whirlwind. It asserts God's sovereignty over the dialogue.
* **"and said":** This simple yet powerful phrase confirms the direct, verbal nature of God's communication. It indicates that the previous interaction was not the end of God's instruction or revelation for Job. God continues to speak, demonstrating His unwavering purpose to bring Job to a deeper understanding of His character and ways.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:1 employs several key literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the manifestation of God to humanity. The entire preceding section ([Job 38-39](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech")) and the subsequent one ([Job 40:6-41:34](/job/40-6 "Job 40:6-41:34 - God's Second Speech")) constitute a prolonged divine appearance and discourse, and this verse marks a crucial continuation of that direct encounter. The use of "Moreover" acts as a **Transition**, signaling a shift from Job's humble response back to God's authoritative voice, indicating a new phase in the divine revelation. Furthermore, the entire section is a **Divine Monologue**, where God speaks at length without interruption from Job or his friends, emphasizing His supreme authority and the singular importance of His words. This sustained monologue serves to overwhelm Job with the sheer majesty and power of God, reducing human arguments to insignificance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:1 resonates with the profound biblical truth that God is a speaking God, continually revealing Himself to humanity. Even after Job's initial submission, God's decision to "answer" again underscores His persistent desire for His creation to understand His character, His sovereignty, and His purposes, especially in the face of inexplicable suffering. This verse teaches that divine communication is not merely reactive but often proactive, driven by God's own will to instruct and transform. It highlights that God's wisdom far surpasses human comprehension, and true understanding often comes through humble listening rather than assertive questioning. The continuation of the divine speech signifies that God's work in His people's lives is ongoing, leading them deeper into truth and dependence on His unfathomable wisdom.

* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Job 40:1 offers profound encouragement and a significant challenge. It reminds us that even when we feel our complaints have been heard and our understanding is limited, God often has more to say, more to reveal, and more to teach. Our posture, like Job's, should be one of receptive listening and humble submission, especially during times of trial or confusion. Just as God continued to speak to Job to deepen his understanding and prepare him for restoration, so too does God continue to speak to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His providential workings, leading us to a more profound trust in His sovereignty. This verse calls us to cultivate a life of attentive listening, knowing that God's words are always purposeful, active, and ultimately designed to draw us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him, transforming our perspective on suffering and His divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to adopt Job's posture of humble listening, acknowledging that God may have more to reveal?**
* **How does God's continued initiative in speaking to Job encourage you about His persistence in your own spiritual journey?**
* **What does God's second speech to Job, prompted by this verse, teach us about the depth and ongoing nature of divine revelation?**
* **How can you better cultivate a habit of listening for God's voice, especially when you feel your questions have been answered or your understanding is complete?**

### FAQ
**Why did God speak again after Job had already submitted?**

Answer: God's decision to speak again, as indicated in [Job 40:1](/job/40-1 "Job 40:1 - The Lord Answers Job Again"), was not merely a response to Job's submission but a continuation of His grand pedagogical purpose. The first speech demonstrated God's power and wisdom in creation, leading Job to humility. The second speech, beginning in [Job 40:6](/job/40-6 "Job 40:6 - God's Second Challenge to Job"), delves deeper into God's moral governance and His power over chaotic forces (symbolized by Behemoth and Leviathan). It was designed to solidify Job's understanding of God's justice and sovereignty, not just His might, and to prepare him for the ultimate restoration. It underscores that God's revelation is often progressive and aims for a complete transformation of perspective, not just a momentary acknowledgment of His power.

**What is the significance of the KJV using "¶ Moreover" at the beginning of the verse?**

Answer: The "¶" symbol is a paragraph mark, indicating a new section or a significant break in the text, often used in older translations like the KJV to highlight a new speaker or a major shift in the narrative. The word "Moreover" (Hebrew: *gam*) functions as a strong transitional conjunction, meaning "furthermore," "in addition," or "again." Together, "¶ Moreover" emphasizes that God's address is not a simple continuation of the previous sentence but a distinct, renewed, and important phase of His communication with Job, despite Job's preceding silence. It signals that the divine discourse is far from over and is entering a new, intensified stage of revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 40:1, with God's continued and authoritative address, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at various times and in various ways" through prophets and direct revelation in the Old Testament, as seen in this encounter with Job, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son") declares that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the full and final revelation of God's character, wisdom, and sovereignty. The relentless and purposeful nature of God's speech in Job 40:1, aiming to bring Job to a deeper understanding and trust, foreshadows the perfect and complete communication of God's truth through Christ. In Jesus, we see not just God's power over creation (as Job did through Behemoth and Leviathan), but His ultimate power over sin and death, His perfect justice, and His boundless love. He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God in Christ")), and through Him, we gain insight into the mysteries of God that Job could only glimpse from the whirlwind. Thus, the divine voice that spoke to Job culminates in the living Word, Jesus, who continues to speak to us through His Spirit and His written Word, leading us into all truth and transforming our understanding of God's sovereign plan, even in suffering ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

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 38:1

¶ Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Job 40:6

¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,