Job 40:7

KJV

Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Gird up {H247} thy loins {H2504} now like a man {H1397}: I will demand {H7592} of thee, and declare {H3045} thou unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Stand up like a man, and brace yourself; I will ask questions; and you, give the answers!

Berean Standard Bible

“Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.

American Standard Version

Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:7 marks a pivotal moment in God's direct address to Job from the whirlwind, serving as a forceful divine command. It challenges Job to adopt a posture of readiness, strength, and humility, preparing him for a profound interrogation by the Almighty. This verse encapsulates God's absolute sovereignty and Job's finite understanding, reversing the roles Job had previously envisioned, as God asserts His right to question and demands an answer from His servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within God's first extensive speech to Job, which began in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God's First Speech to Job"). Following chapters of intense dialogue among Job and his three friends concerning the nature of suffering, divine justice, and human righteousness, God finally intervenes directly. Chapters 38 and 39 are characterized by God's overwhelming display of His cosmic power and wisdom, posing a series of rhetorical questions about the creation and sustenance of the natural world—from the foundations of the earth to the behavior of wild animals. These questions are designed to highlight Job's limited knowledge and inability to comprehend the vastness of divine operations. [Job 40:1-2](/job/40-1 "Job 40:1-2 - God Challenges Job Again") precedes this verse, where God challenges Job to contend with the Almighty, and Job responds with humility. Verse 7, therefore, is God's renewed and more forceful invitation for Job to engage, setting the stage for the introduction of the formidable creatures Behemoth ([Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth")) and Leviathan ([Job 41:1-34](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1-34 - Description of Leviathan")) as further evidence of divine power beyond human control or comprehension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The idiom "gird up thy loins" (חֲגָר־נָא מָתְנֶיךָ, _ḥăḡār-nāʾ māṯneyḵā_) is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture. People in biblical times wore long, flowing outer garments that restricted movement during strenuous activity. To prepare for physical exertion—such as running, working, battle, or a long journey—individuals would gather the ends of their robes and tuck them into their belts or sashes, effectively shortening the garment and allowing for freedom of movement. This action was a common symbol of readiness, alertness, strength, and serious resolve. The phrase "like a man" (כְּגֶבֶר, _kəḡeḇer_) further emphasizes the call to courage, fortitude, and the ability to stand firm and engage in a demanding intellectual or spiritual confrontation, rather than shrinking back. The context of a divine "demand" and expectation for Job to "declare" also reflects the judicial and covenantal language prevalent in ancient Israel, where a higher authority would call a subordinate to account.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, as God's command underscores His absolute authority over creation and His right to interrogate humanity. It reinforces the idea that God is not accountable to human standards of justice in the way humans might expect, but rather operates from a position of infinite wisdom and power, as seen throughout [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Questions to Job"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Finitude and Humility**, challenging Job's previous assertions of righteousness and his attempts to understand or question God's ways. Job is called to recognize his limited perspective in the face of God's boundless wisdom, a theme echoed in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance"). Thirdly, it addresses the **Challenge to Human Wisdom and Justice**, as God reverses the roles: Job had desired to plead his case before God, but now God is the one making demands, challenging Job's understanding of justice and suffering. Finally, the phrase "gird up thy loins" introduces the theme of **Preparation for Truth and Encounter**, signifying a call to mental and spiritual readiness for a profound and humbling encounter with divine truth, demanding courage and attentiveness from Job.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gird up thy loins (Hebrew, _ḥăḡār-nāʾ māṯneyḵā'_):** This is a vivid and common idiom in the Hebrew Bible, literally meaning "bind your waist." As explained in the context, it refers to the act of tucking one's long outer garment into a belt to prepare for strenuous activity, travel, or battle. Metaphorically, it signifies readiness, alertness, strength, courage, and a serious resolve to engage in a difficult task or confrontation. In this divine command, it's a call for Job to prepare himself mentally and spiritually for a profound and challenging encounter with God's truth, demanding his full attention and fortitude.
* **like a man (Hebrew, _kəḡeḇer'_):** The term _geber_ (גֶּבֶר) often denotes a strong, mighty man, a warrior, or a person of mature strength and courage, as opposed to a weaker or younger individual. When God commands Job to "gird up thy loins now like a man," it's not merely a call to physical readiness but a challenge to Job's intellectual and spiritual fortitude. It implies that Job should stand firm, be courageous, and engage with God's questions with the full measure of his understanding and strength, without fear or evasion, as one prepared for a serious and weighty discussion or even a contest.
* **demand (Hebrew, _ʾešʾālḵā'_):** The verb _šāʾal_ (שָׁאַל) means "to ask, inquire, demand." Here, in the context of God speaking to Job, it carries the weight of a divine interrogation or cross-examination. It's not a casual question but a challenge from a position of ultimate authority, implying God's right to seek an account or an explanation from Job. This word underscores the reversal of roles, as Job had previously wished to question God, but now God is the one posing the unanswerable questions.
* **declare (Hebrew, _hôḏîʿēnî'_):** The verb _yādaʿ_ (יָדַע) in the Hiphil stem means "to cause to know, to inform, to declare, to make known." God is commanding Job to provide an answer, to make known his understanding or lack thereof, in response to God's demands. This is a direct challenge to Job's previous assertions and his perceived understanding of divine justice. It signifies that Job is now on trial, so to speak, and is expected to articulate his position or acknowledge his limitations before the Almighty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Gird up thy loins now like a man:"** This opening clause is an imperative command, a direct and forceful instruction from God to Job. It employs a common ancient Near Eastern idiom, metaphorically calling Job to prepare himself for a serious and demanding engagement. The addition of "like a man" emphasizes the need for courage, strength, and mental fortitude. God is telling Job to be ready, to stand firm, and to face the divine interrogation with resolve, rather than shrinking back in fear or despair. It's a call to summon all his intellectual and spiritual resources.
* **"I will demand of thee,"** This clause clearly states God's intention and asserts His prerogative. God is the interrogator, the one who has the right to pose questions and seek answers. The word "demand" (אֶשְׁאָלְךָ) implies a weighty inquiry, a challenge from a position of ultimate authority. This reverses the dynamic Job had previously desired, where he wished to bring his case before God and question His justice. Now, God is the one initiating the cross-examination, highlighting His sovereignty and Job's subordinate position.
* **"and declare thou unto me."** This final clause is a direct command for Job to respond. Having been challenged to prepare himself and face the divine inquiry, Job is now explicitly told to provide an answer, to make known his understanding or lack thereof. This reinforces God's position as the ultimate authority and judge, before whom Job must articulate his position or confess his ignorance. It is the culmination of God's challenge to Job's wisdom and his previous attempts to justify himself or understand God's ways.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as God issues direct commands ("Gird up," "demand," "declare"), underscoring His absolute authority and Job's subordinate position. This creates a sense of urgency and direct confrontation. **Idiom** is central to the verse with "gird up thy loins," a cultural phrase that vividly conveys preparation and readiness. The phrase "like a man" employs **Simile**, comparing Job's required posture to that of a strong, courageous individual, emphasizing the fortitude needed for the divine encounter. There is also a powerful **Reversal of Roles** or **Irony** at play; Job had previously longed to present his case before God, but now God is the one demanding an account from Job, turning Job's desired confrontation on its head. This dramatic shift highlights God's sovereignty. Finally, the verse exhibits **Anthropomorphism** in God's portrayal as an interrogator, using human terms of demanding and declaring to communicate a divine interaction that is beyond full human comprehension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:7 encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of God and humanity. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and omniscience, demonstrating that His wisdom and ways far transcend human comprehension. God is not subject to human scrutiny or judgment; rather, humanity is called to account before Him. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of human finitude, our limited perspective in the face of divine mystery, and the necessity of humility, especially when grappling with suffering or apparent injustice. It challenges any notion of human autonomy or self-sufficiency, compelling Job—and by extension, all humanity—to recognize God's ultimate authority and the inadequacy of human wisdom to fully grasp divine purposes. The call to "gird up thy loins" is a universal summons to readiness, not just for an intellectual debate, but for a posture of humble submission and attentive listening to God's voice, even when it challenges our deepest assumptions.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Romans 9:20-21](/romans/9-20 "Romans 9:20-21 - The Potter and the Clay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 40:7 speaks powerfully to the human condition, particularly in times of trial, doubt, or when we are tempted to question God's wisdom and justice. It reminds us that our understanding is inherently limited, and God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension. The command to "gird up thy loins now like a man" is an enduring call to spiritual and intellectual readiness. It challenges us to approach God not with demands or accusations, but with a posture of humility, courage, and attentiveness, prepared to listen and receive His truth, even when it is uncomfortable or reveals our own shortcomings. In our suffering, we are not called to understand every detail of God's plan, but to trust in His sovereign goodness and wisdom, acknowledging that He is God and we are not. This verse encourages us to move beyond our finite perspectives and to embrace a deeper, more reverent trust in the One who holds all things in His hands, ready to declare His glory rather than our grievances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel tempted to "demand" answers from God, rather than humbly listening to His voice?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically, to "gird up your loins like a man" in your spiritual walk today?**
* **How does this verse challenge your assumptions about God's accountability to human standards of justice?**
* **What specific truths about God's sovereignty and your own humility are you called to "declare" or acknowledge in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does "gird up thy loins" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "gird up thy loins" means to prepare oneself for a serious, demanding, or challenging task. It implies readiness, mental and spiritual fortitude, and a willingness to face a situation head-on without hesitation or evasion. It's a call to be alert, focused, and courageous, much like preparing for a difficult conversation, a significant undertaking, or a period of intense spiritual growth. It signifies shedding complacency and adopting a posture of active engagement.

**Why does God speak this way to Job, especially after Job's suffering?**

Answer: God speaks to Job in this direct and challenging manner not to add to his suffering, but to bring him to a deeper understanding of divine sovereignty and his own finite nature. Job had repeatedly expressed a desire to present his case before God and justify himself, even questioning God's justice. God's speech, including [Job 40:7](/job/40-7 "Job 40:7 - God's Challenge to Job"), is a divine response to Job's longing for an encounter, but on God's terms. It is designed to humble Job, not to crush him, by revealing the vast chasm between human wisdom and divine wisdom, ultimately leading Job to repentance and a more profound, worshipful relationship with God, as seen in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession").

**How does Job 40:7 relate to the broader theme of suffering in the book of Job?**

Answer: Job 40:7 is crucial to the theme of suffering because it shifts the focus from the *reason* for suffering to the *response* to God in suffering. While Job and his friends debated the cause of his pain, God's address bypasses these human arguments. Instead, God asserts His absolute power and wisdom, implying that human suffering, while mysterious, is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated reality that finite minds cannot fully grasp. The verse commands Job to stop demanding answers and instead to humble himself before the incomprehensible majesty of God, trusting in His sovereign control even when His ways are inscrutable. It suggests that the ultimate answer to suffering is not a logical explanation but a deeper encounter with and submission to God Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 40:7, with its powerful call for Job to "gird up thy loins now like a man" and face the divine interrogation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job's inability to answer God's questions about creation and governance highlights humanity's profound limitations and need for a mediator. While Job was called to stand before God's majesty in his weakness, Jesus Christ is the true "Man" who perfectly "girded up His loins" not only to face divine judgment on humanity's behalf but also to perfectly declare God's truth. He is the wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The questions God posed to Job about mastering creation are answered in Christ, who calmed storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and demonstrated authority over all things. Furthermore, Job's desire to contend with God is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who, as the perfect advocate, intercedes for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). The mystery of suffering, which Job grappled with, is not fully explained but profoundly redeemed through Christ's suffering on the cross, where He bore the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the divine challenge issued to Job points forward to the one who perfectly fulfilled the call to be "like a man" in obedience and truth, revealing God's character and providing the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest questions and needs.

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 38:3

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Job 42:4

Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

Job 13:22

Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

Job 23:3

Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!

Job 23:4

I would order [my] cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.