Job 40:5

KJV

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

KJV (with Strong's)

Once {H259} have I spoken {H1696}; but I will not answer {H6030}: yea, twice {H8147}; but I will proceed no further {H3254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I spoke once, but I won't answer more; all right, twice, but I won't go on."

Berean Standard Bible

I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.”

American Standard Version

Once have I spoken, and I will not answer; Yea, twice, but I will proceed no further.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:5 marks a profound turning point in the narrative of Job, capturing his initial, humbled response to the Lord's overwhelming display of divine wisdom and power. After persistently demanding a hearing and questioning God's justice throughout his suffering, Job now retracts his words, acknowledging the futility of his arguments and expressing a decisive commitment to silence. This verse signifies a dramatic shift from human contention to reverent submission in the face of God's unsearchable majesty and sovereign control over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the Lord's first extensive discourse to Job, which commenced in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God's First Challenge to Job") and continued through [Job 39](/job/39 "Job 39 - God's Power in Creation"). Prior to this divine encounter, Job had repeatedly voiced his desire to contend with God, to present his case, and to receive an explanation for his intense suffering (e.g., [Job 13:3](/job/13-3 "Job 13:3 - Job's Desire to Argue with God"); [Job 23:4](/job/23-4 "Job 23:4 - Job's Wish to Order His Cause Before God")). The Lord's speech, however, did not directly address Job's suffering or the reasons for it. Instead, it was a breathtaking, rhetorical display of divine wisdom, power, and sovereignty over the cosmos, highlighting humanity's limited understanding in stark contrast to God's infinite knowledge and control. [Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response") serves as Job's initial, brief, and profoundly humbled response to this overwhelming revelation, setting the stage for God's second discourse and Job's more complete repentance in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Final Repentance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, though it radically challenges conventional retribution theology prevalent in that era. The concept of a direct divine encounter, or **theophany**, as depicted in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Discourses to Job"), was an awe-inspiring and often terrifying event in the ancient world, frequently associated with a whirlwind or storm, signifying God's immense power, transcendence, and unapproachability. In such encounters, human beings were expected to respond with profound fear, reverence, and absolute submission. While Job's initial desire to "order his cause" before God was a bold expression of a legalistic framework common in ancient societies, the sheer majesty of God's self-revelation transcends any human legal or philosophical argument. It demands a response of profound humility rather than intellectual debate, acknowledging the vast chasm between the Creator and His creation.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response") powerfully encapsulates several core themes central to the Book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the **infinite gap between human understanding and divine wisdom**. Job, who had confidently asserted his righteousness and questioned God's justice, is now utterly silenced by the revelation of God's unsearchable ways and sovereign control over creation. This moment highlights the futility of human attempts to fully comprehend or critique God's governance. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **human humility in the face of divine majesty**. Job's previous arguments, born from his limited perspective and intense suffering, are now seen as rash and presumptuous. His retraction signifies a profound recognition of God's absolute authority and his own creaturely status. Finally, the verse speaks to the **transformative power of a direct encounter with God**. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual shift that leads Job from complaint and contention to submission and awe, foreshadowing his ultimate repentance and restoration, as seen in [Job 42:6](/job/42-6 "Job 42:6 - Job's Repentance and Self-Abhorrence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Once (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral, properly meaning "united" or "one," is used here in an idiomatic expression. When paired with "twice," it forms a **merism**, signifying "many times" or "repeatedly." Job is not literally stating he spoke only a single time, but rather that he has spoken sufficiently, perhaps even excessively, in his prior complaints and arguments. This word emphasizes the totality of his past utterances that he now seeks to retract.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to eye" or "to heed," and by implication, "to respond" or "to begin to speak." In the negative ("I will not answer"), it signifies Job's refusal to offer any further rebuttal, defense, or argument against God. It conveys a complete cessation of his previous contentious posture, indicating a profound shift from demanding an answer from God to offering none himself, acknowledging the impropriety of his former words.
* **Twice (Hebrew, _shᵉnayim'_):** The dual form of "two." As part of the idiomatic pair with "once," it intensifies the idea of repeated speech. The combination "once... twice" serves to emphasize the completeness of Job's previous utterances and, by extension, the finality of his decision to cease speaking. It underscores the thoroughness of his retraction and the depth of his newfound humility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Once have I spoken;":** This clause serves as Job's retrospective acknowledgment of his numerous prior utterances, complaints, and arguments against God throughout the book. The use of "once" (in conjunction with "twice") is an idiom for "many times," emphasizing the totality and frequency of his past words, which he now views in a new light after the divine revelation.
* **"but I will not answer:":** This is a decisive declaration of Job's change of heart and posture. He had previously sought to "answer" God, to present his case, and to justify himself. Now, confronted by God's majestic and overwhelming presence, he realizes the futility and impropriety of such an endeavor. He will offer no further defense, argument, or counter-statement.
* **"yea, twice;":** This reiterates and intensifies the previous clause, reinforcing the idea that Job had spoken "many times" before. The "twice" further underscores the extent of his former presumption and the comprehensive nature of his prior discourse, highlighting that he has said more than enough.
* **"but I will proceed no further.":** This final clause solidifies Job's commitment to silence and submission. The phrase "proceed no further" (literally, "I will not add") means he will not utter another word in argument or complaint. It signifies a complete and final cessation of his contentious discourse with God, marking a profound moment of humility, surrender, and reverent awe.

#### Literary Devices
[Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response") employs several potent literary devices to convey Job's profound transformation. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the pairing of "once" and "twice." This idiomatic expression uses two extremes (or a small number representing a large one) to encompass a totality, effectively stating that Job has spoken "on many occasions" or "more than enough." This device powerfully communicates the comprehensive nature of his prior complaints and, by extension, the thoroughness of his retraction. Related to this is **Hyperbole**, as Job's statement is not a literal count of two instances of speech but an emphatic declaration of having spoken excessively and presumptuously. The entire scene is framed by a **Theophany**, God's direct manifestation to Job from the whirlwind. The overwhelming nature of this divine encounter, characterized by God's majestic discourse on creation and sovereignty, serves as the ultimate catalyst for Job's humbled silence, demonstrating the transformative power of a direct confrontation with divine glory and wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response") stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of humanity's relationship with the Almighty. It underscores the essential truth that human wisdom and understanding are inherently limited, even flawed, when confronted with the infinite wisdom and sovereign power of God. Job's silence is not born of defeat but of a dawning realization of God's unsearchable ways, a recognition that God is not bound by human logic or expectations. This moment highlights the necessity of humility before the divine, teaching that true understanding often begins with the acknowledgment of our own ignorance and the vastness of God's being. It is a call to trust in God's character and plan, even when His methods are beyond our comprehension, fostering a spirit of reverent awe rather than intellectual contention.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33-36 "Romans 11:33-36 - The Depth of God's Riches, Wisdom, and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response") offers a powerful and timeless lesson for believers in every generation: the posture of humility and reverent silence before God is often the most appropriate and transformative response to His majesty and inscrutable ways. In our contemporary world, where there is a constant pressure to speak, to have an opinion, and to demand immediate answers, Job's experience reminds us that true wisdom sometimes lies in holding our tongue and acknowledging the limits of our understanding. When faced with suffering, unanswered questions, or circumstances that defy our sense of justice, our initial impulse might be to question, complain, or even accuse. However, Job's journey teaches us that such moments are profound invitations to deepen our trust in a God whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts and whose ways are beyond our full comprehension. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of awe and submission, recognizing that God's sovereignty extends over all things, even those we cannot fully grasp. This humility does not negate honest prayer or wrestling with God, but it frames it within a posture of ultimate reverence and trust in His perfect wisdom and goodness, allowing us to rest in His divine providence rather than striving for human comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself most prone to questioning or arguing with God, rather than resting in His sovereignty?**
* **What does Job's silence in this verse teach you about the value of humility and submission in your own walk with God, especially when faced with the unknown?**
* **How might acknowledging the limits of your understanding deepen your trust in God's sovereign plan, particularly during times of uncertainty or profound suffering?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Job saying "Once have I spoken... yea, twice" if he had spoken much more than that?**

Answer: Job's statement "Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further" is an example of a Hebrew idiom known as a merism. It's not a literal count of two specific instances of speaking. Instead, the pairing of "once" (H259, _ʼechâd_) and "twice" (H8147, _shᵉnayim_) is used to signify "many times" or "repeatedly." It's an emphatic way for Job to declare that he has spoken more than enough, perhaps even too much, in his previous complaints and arguments against God. The significance lies in the completeness and finality of his retraction. He is decisively stating that he is finished with his contentious discourse and will offer no further rebuttal or defense, acknowledging the futility and impropriety of arguing with the Almighty after experiencing God's overwhelming presence and wisdom, as revealed in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Discourse") and [Job 39](/job/39 "Job 39 - God's Power in Creation").

**Does Job's silence mean that we should never question God or express our struggles to Him?**

Answer: Job's silence in [Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response") does not mean that we should never question God or express our struggles. Throughout the Book of Job, Job himself engaged in intense lament and questioning, and God did not condemn him for it; in fact, God later affirmed Job's integrity (e.g., [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Upholds Job's Integrity")). The Psalms are also filled with honest cries and questions to God (e.g., [Psalm 13:1-2](/psalms/13-1-2 "Psalm 13:1-2 - How Long, O Lord?")). Rather, Job's silence here signifies a profound shift from a posture of demanding answers and arguing his case to one of humble submission and awe in the face of God's revealed majesty. It highlights the difference between honest lament born of pain and presumptuous contention against divine sovereignty. It teaches us that while we can bring our whole selves, including our doubts and pain, to God, there comes a point where we must yield to His unsearchable wisdom and acknowledge His ultimate authority, trusting that His ways are perfect even when we do not understand them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Job 40:5](/job/40-5 "Job 40:5 - Job's Humbled Response"), with Job's humbled silence before God's overwhelming majesty, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate humility and submission found in Jesus Christ. While Job's silence was born of a newfound recognition of his own limitations and rashness, Christ's silence before His accusers (e.g., [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus Before Pilate and Herod")) and His ultimate submission to the Father's will (e.g., [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")) were born of perfect obedience and divine wisdom. The God who spoke to Job from the whirlwind, revealing His sovereign power over creation, is the very God who sent His Son, the Word made flesh, through whom all things were created and sustained ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh"); [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Job's experience of God's unsearchable wisdom finds its ultimate revelation in Christ, who is "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Where Job's human understanding failed, Christ perfectly embodied and revealed divine truth, not through demanding answers, but through perfect obedience and self-sacrifice, ultimately triumphing over sin and death and inviting us into a relationship with the very God who once spoke from the storm and now speaks through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")).

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 33:14

¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.

Psalms 62:11

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

2 Kings 6:10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.

Job 9:15

Whom, though I were righteous, [yet] would I not answer, [but] I would make supplication to my judge.

Job 9:3

If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

Job 34:31

¶ Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]: