Job 40:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then answered {H6030} the LORD {H3068} unto Job {H347} out of the whirlwind {H5591}, and said {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI answered Iyov out of the storm:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

American Standard Version

Then Jehovah answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:6 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Job, signaling the commencement of the LORD's second divine discourse to Job, delivered once again from within a powerful whirlwind. This verse re-establishes the awe-inspiring setting of God's direct communication, underscoring His unchallengeable authority and wisdom, and preparing Job for further revelations that will deepen his understanding of divine sovereignty and his own creaturely limitations. It highlights the continuation of God's purposeful engagement with Job, moving beyond initial challenges to a more profound unveiling of His majestic power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 40:6 immediately follows Job's humble and repentant response to God's first discourse (Job 38:1-40:2). In [Job 40:3-5](/job/40-3 "Job 40:3-5 - Job's Humble Response"), Job acknowledges his unworthiness and inability to contend with the Almighty, admitting, "Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth." This confession of silence and humility is precisely what paves the way for God's renewed address. The first discourse (Job 38-39) focused primarily on the wonders of creation, challenging Job's limited understanding of the natural world as a reflection of divine wisdom. The second discourse, initiated by [Job 40:6](/job/40-6 "Job 40:6 - The Lord's Second Discourse to Job"), shifts focus to God's control over the forces of chaos, personified by Behemoth and Leviathan, further demonstrating His absolute power and sovereignty over all things, including the very suffering Job has endured. The repetition of the "whirlwind" motif links the two discourses, emphasizing the consistent, awe-inspiring nature of divine revelation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, theophany—the visible manifestation of God to humanity—was often associated with powerful natural phenomena such as storms, fire, and earthquakes. The "whirlwind" (or storm) as a vehicle for divine speech is a recurring motif in biblical literature, signifying God's immense power, majesty, and transcendence. It evokes a sense of overwhelming, unapproachable holiness, distinguishing the divine from the human. This imagery would have been readily understood by Job's contemporaries as a sign of ultimate authority and an undeniable presence. Furthermore, the book of Job itself belongs to the wisdom literature genre, which often explores profound questions about suffering, justice, and the nature of God's governance in the world. The divine speeches, delivered from such a formidable setting, serve to reorient human perspective from an anthropocentric view to a God-centered one, challenging conventional wisdom about retribution and suffering.

* **Key Themes:** Job 40:6 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Theophany and Revelation**, where God actively and directly intervenes in human affairs, not through intermediaries but in His own majestic person. The "whirlwind" symbolizes His uncontainable power and the overwhelming nature of His presence, a theme echoed in other divine encounters like those in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai") and [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Vision of God"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Unquestionable Sovereignty and Authority**. By resuming His discourse, God asserts His absolute control over creation and all circumstances, including the inexplicable suffering Job endured. This serves to humble Job, reminding him and the reader that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and challenge, a truth that Job ultimately embraces in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **Human Humility and Ignorance** in the face of infinite divine wisdom. The vast chasm between finite human understanding and infinite divine knowledge is starkly portrayed, calling for profound humility and trust in God's unsearchable judgments, a central message of the entire book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its use here, rather than a more general term for God (like _Elohim_ or _El Shaddai_), emphasizes the relational aspect of God's interaction with Job, even in His overwhelming power. It signifies the God who is faithful to His promises and who reveals Himself personally, though mysteriously, to His people. The use of YHWH underscores that it is the same covenant-keeping God who is now speaking from the whirlwind.
* **Whirlwind (Hebrew, _sûpâ_ or _sĕʿārâ'_):** This term denotes a violent storm, tempest, or whirlwind. In biblical theology, it is a recurring motif for divine manifestation (theophany), symbolizing God's immense power, majesty, and transcendence. It is not merely a natural phenomenon but a vehicle for God's powerful, often terrifying, and unchallengeable presence. The whirlwind signifies a divine encounter that is beyond human control or comprehension, reinforcing the authoritative and unchallengeable nature of the LORD's words and His sovereign control over creation and chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind,"**: This clause signifies the resumption of God's direct communication with Job after Job's humble response in [Job 40:3-5](/job/40-3 "Job 40:3-5 - Job's Humble Response"). The phrase "answered the LORD" implies that God's speech is a direct reply to Job's earlier questions and, more immediately, to Job's confession of unworthiness. The setting "out of the whirlwind" reiterates the awe-inspiring, powerful, and mysterious nature of God's presence, reinforcing His transcendence and the overwhelming authority of His words. It is a deliberate choice of imagery to convey God's uncontainable power and His ability to manifest Himself in ways that humble human understanding.
* **"and said,"**: This simple conjunction and verb underscore the directness and intentionality of God's communication. It indicates that the divine revelation is not merely a display of power but a purposeful, articulate message. Following Job's admission of silence, God is now prepared to speak further, not to condemn, but to further instruct and reveal His wisdom, leading Job to a deeper, more complete understanding of divine sovereignty and the true nature of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse predominantly employs **Theophany**, which is the visible manifestation of God to humankind. Here, God appears and speaks "out of the whirlwind," a classic biblical motif for divine revelation that emphasizes His overwhelming power, majesty, and transcendence. This is further enhanced by **Symbolism**, where the "whirlwind" itself symbolizes God's uncontainable power, His ability to control chaos, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. It is not just a meteorological event but a divine vehicle. Additionally, the phrase "answered the LORD" subtly employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human action of "answering" to God, making His communication relatable while maintaining His divine otherness through the extraordinary context of the whirlwind. The entire scene is imbued with a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as Job, who sought an audience with God to plead his case, now finds himself utterly humbled by the very presence he desired, realizing the vast chasm between his understanding and God's.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:6 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and sovereignty. It emphasizes that God is not a distant, passive deity but an active, personal God who engages directly with humanity, even in its suffering and questioning. The repetition of the "whirlwind" theophany underscores God's consistent character as one who is both utterly transcendent and intimately involved. His continued address to Job, despite Job's earlier repentance, signifies God's desire to bring Job to a deeper, more complete understanding of His wisdom and power, rather than merely settling the dispute. This verse sets the stage for God's final, conclusive revelation of His sovereign control over the most formidable creatures, thereby asserting His ultimate authority over all creation and the forces of chaos. It teaches that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God's unsearchable greatness and humbly submitting to His will, even when His ways are mysterious.

* [Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16-19 - God's Appearance at Sinai"): Describes God's appearance on Mount Sinai amidst thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, demonstrating a similar powerful and awe-inspiring theophany.
* [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord"): Portrays the "voice of the LORD" as being over the waters, full of power and majesty, akin to the thunder and storm, reinforcing God's authority over natural elements.
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - God's Power and Justice"): States, "The LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet," directly linking God's presence and power to these natural phenomena.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 40:6 offers a powerful reminder that God is sovereign, active, and communicative, even when our circumstances feel chaotic or our questions seem unanswered. Just as God spoke to Job out of the whirlwind, He continues to reveal Himself and His truth to us, often in ways that challenge our preconceived notions and demand profound humility. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of listening and submission, recognizing that our human perspective is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom. When life's "whirlwinds" threaten to overwhelm us, this passage encourages us to remember that God is not absent but present, powerful, and purposefully at work. It challenges us to trust in His control, even when we don't fully comprehend His plan, and to find peace in the knowledge that the God who commands the storm also cares for His children. Our ultimate response, like Job's, should be one of humble adoration and trust in the One whose ways are higher than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God speaking "out of the whirlwind" impact your understanding of His power and transcendence?**
* **In what "whirlwinds" of life are you currently seeking God's voice, and what might He be teaching you about His sovereignty in those moments?**
* **How does Job's humble response in Job 40:3-5 prepare him, and us, to receive further divine revelation?**
* **What specific areas of your life require a greater degree of humility and trust in God's unsearchable wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does God speak from a whirlwind, and what does it symbolize?**
Answer: God speaks from a whirlwind in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - The Lord's First Address to Job") and again in [Job 40:6](/job/40-6 "Job 40:6 - The Lord's Second Discourse to Job") as a powerful manifestation of His presence, known as a theophany. The whirlwind symbolizes several key aspects of God's nature: His immense, untamed power and majesty, His transcendence beyond human comprehension, and His absolute sovereignty over creation and the forces of chaos. It is a visual and auditory representation of an encounter with the divine that is overwhelming, unapproachable, and undeniable, intended to evoke awe and humble human pride. It underscores that God's revelation is not always gentle or easily understood, but can be formidable and beyond our control, just as His wisdom and ways often are.

**What is the significance of God "answering" Job again after Job's initial response?**
Answer: The significance of God "answering" Job again in [Job 40:6](/job/40-6 "Job 40:6 - The Lord's Second Discourse to Job") is profound. After God's first discourse (Job 38-39), Job humbled himself, confessing his unworthiness and laying his hand over his mouth (Job 40:3-5). This was a crucial step of repentance and submission. God's decision to speak again is not a sign of Job's failure, but rather God's continued pedagogical intent. It indicates that God's purpose was not merely to silence Job but to bring him to a deeper, more complete understanding of divine wisdom and sovereignty. The second discourse, focusing on Behemoth and Leviathan, further illustrates God's control over the most formidable and chaotic elements, solidifying Job's understanding of God's absolute power and leading him to a full repentance and restoration (Job 42:1-6). It demonstrates God's persistent grace in revealing Himself to His servant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 40:6 depicts God's majestic revelation from a powerful whirlwind, foreshadowing His uncontainable power and wisdom, the ultimate and most profound fulfillment of divine revelation is found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament theophanies, like the whirlwind, were glimpses of God's glory, often veiled and terrifying, emphasizing His transcendence and the chasm between Creator and creature. However, in Christ, God does not merely speak *from* a storm; He *calms* the storm with a word, as seen in [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), demonstrating His inherent divine authority over creation. Jesus is the very "answer" to humanity's deepest questions about suffering, justice, and the nature of God, not from a distant cloud, but as God incarnate, "the Word made flesh" who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ the Image of the Invisible God")). Thus, the terrifying and awe-inspiring voice from the whirlwind finds its compassionate and accessible echo in the voice of Jesus, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is God's final and complete word to humanity, the one through whom we truly know the Father ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "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 38:1

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

Psalms 50:3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Psalms 50:4

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Hebrews 12:18

¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Hebrews 12:20

(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: