New Living Translation
Job 38:2
2“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?
Job 38:2 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
- New International Version (NIV)“Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?
- English Standard Version (ESV)"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
- New King James Version (NKJV)“Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
Context of Job 38:2
1Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? 3Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. 4“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.
Read all of Job 38Job 38:2 word by word
מִ֤י זֶ֨ה׀ מַחְשִׁ֖יךְ עֵצָ֥ה בְמִלִּ֗ין בְּֽלִי־דָֽעַת׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Job 38:2
- Job 12:3Well, I know a few things myself— and you’re no better than I am. Who doesn’t know these things you’ve been saying?
- Job 23:4I would lay out my case and present my arguments.
- Job 24:25Can anyone claim otherwise? Who can prove me wrong?”
- Job 26:3How you have enlightened my stupidity! What wise advice you have offered!
- Job 27:11I will teach you about God’s power. I will not conceal anything concerning the Almighty.
- Job 34:35‘Job speaks out of ignorance; his words lack insight.’
- Job 35:16But you are talking nonsense, Job. You have spoken like a fool.”
- Job 42:3You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.
- 1 Timothy 1:7They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
Commentaries on Job 38:2
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 2Who is this that darkeneth counsel - As if he had said, Who art thou who pretendest to speak on the deep things of God, and the administration of his justice and providence, which thou canst not comprehend; and leavest my counsels and designs the darker for thy explanation?Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 2Who is this - Referring doubtless to Job, for he is specified in the previous verse. Some have understood it of Elihu (see Schultens), but the connection evidently demands that it should be understood as referring to Job. The object was, to reprove him for the presumptuous manner in which he had spoken of God and of his government. It was important before God manifested his approval of Job, that he should declare his sense of what he had said, and show…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 2obscures My counsel: God’s accusation is similar to a charge made by Eliphaz and Elihu (15:2; 34:35; 35:16). Job eventually admitted his guilt (42:3).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 22. this--Job. counsel--impugning My divine wisdom in the providential arrangements of the universe. Such "words" (including those of the friends) rather obscure, than throw light on My ways. God is about to be Job's Vindicator, but must first bring him to a right state of mind for receiving relief.Read the comment
Topics related to Job 38:2
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Job 38
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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