Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Who is he that hideth {H5956} counsel {H6098} without knowledge {H1847}? therefore have I uttered {H5046} that I understood {H995} not; things too wonderful {H6381} for me, which I knew {H3045} not.
"[You asked,] 'Who is this, hiding counsel, without having knowledge?'Yes, I spoke, without understanding, of wonders far beyond me, which I didn't know.
You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
Who is this that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that which I understood not, Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
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Psalms 131:1
¶ A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. -
Job 38:2
Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? -
Psalms 139:6
[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it. -
Psalms 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered. -
Proverbs 30:2
Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man. -
Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?
Job 42:3 marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Job, representing Job's profound confession and humble surrender after God's majestic speeches from the whirlwind. This verse is Job’s direct response to God’s earlier challenge, acknowledging his own lack of understanding and presumptuous speech.
Context
For chapters leading up to this verse (specifically Job 38 through 41), God has been questioning Job's wisdom and understanding of the universe, creation, and divine governance. God’s powerful interrogation humbles Job, who initially sought to justify himself before God. In Job 38:2, God asks, "Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?" Job 42:3 is Job’s direct, humbled echo of that very question, admitting that he was the one guilty of speaking without true knowledge. This profound humility sets the stage for God's restoration of Job.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?" is a direct quotation by Job of God's question to him in Job 38:2. By repeating it, Job is not questioning God, but rather applying God's question to himself, confessing his own error. The Hebrew word translated "wonderful" (פּלאוֹת, pela'ot) in "things too wonderful for me" signifies things that are extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond ordinary human understanding. It conveys a sense of awe and the incomprehensibility of divine works, aligning with the idea that God's thoughts are far above ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Practical Application
Job 42:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the importance of humility in our spiritual walk, especially when we face trials or difficult questions about God's providence. Instead of questioning God's wisdom or demanding answers, we are called to trust in His sovereign plan, even when we don't fully understand it. This verse encourages us to recognize the limits of our knowledge and to bow in awe before the infinite wisdom of our Creator. It highlights that a true encounter with God often leads to a deeper sense of humility and a greater capacity for trust in His perfect timing and purposes.