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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 40:4 "Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/40-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/18_Job_40_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 40:4 - Job Humbles Himself Before the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/40-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/40-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/40-3.htm" title="Job 40:3">◄</a> Job 40:4 <a href="/job/40-5.htm" title="Job 40:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/40.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, I am insignificant; what can I say in response to You? I put my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to Thee? I lay my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Behold, I am insignificant; what can I respond to You? I place my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, I am of little importance <i>and</i> contemptible; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am so insignificant. How can I answer you? I place my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am so insignificant. How can I answer You? I place my hand over my mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I am of small account; What shall I answer thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Who am I to answer you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer thee? I lay mine hand upon my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I'm so insignificant. How can I answer you? I will put my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I must look insignificant to you! How can I answer you? I'm speechless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Indeed, I am completely unworthy--how could I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth to silence myself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Look, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, I am of small account. What will I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Behold, I have been vile, "" What do I return to You? I have placed my hand on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Lo, I have been vile, What do I return to Thee? My hand I have placed on my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I was vile; what shall I turn back to thee? I put my hand to my mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 39:34>What could I possibly answer, since I have been speaking thoughtlessly? I will place my hand over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Look, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I am unworthy; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“I have come short to myself. What shall I return to you? I have put my hands on my mouth<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer Thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth.Why do I yet plead? being rebuked even while reproving the Lord: hearing such things, whereas I am nothing: and what shall I answer to these <i>arguments</i>? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/40-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=6276" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/40.htm">Job Humbles Himself Before the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Then Job answered the LORD: <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">“Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: qal·lō·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">I am insignificant.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">How</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ’ă·šî·ḇe·kā (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 2mse) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">can I reply to You?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śam·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">I place</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">my hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3926.htm" title="3926: lə·mōw- (Prep) -- To or foreign. A prol. And separable form of the prepositional prefix; to or for.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: p̄î (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">my mouth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>I have spoken once, but I have no answer—twice, but I have nothing to add.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a></span><br />Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a></span><br />Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a></span><br />Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19</a></span><br />Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a></span><br />for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13</a></span><br />But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27</a></span><br />Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a></span><br />For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a></span><br />Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-8.htm">Matthew 8:8</a></span><br />The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Psalm 38:4</a></span><br />For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a></span><br />Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-2.htm">Proverbs 30:2-4</a></span><br />Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. / I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One. / Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer you? I will lay my hand on my mouth.</p><p class="hdg">Behold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a></b></br> Wherefore I abhor <i>myself</i>, and repent in dust and ashes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27</a></b></br> And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which <i>am but</i> dust and ashes:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Genesis 32:10</a></b></br> I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.</p><p class="hdg">what</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-31.htm">Job 9:31-35</a></b></br> Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-21.htm">Job 16:21</a></b></br> O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man <i>pleadeth</i> for his neighbour!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4-7</a></b></br> I would order <i>my</i> cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments… </p><p class="hdg">I will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-5.htm">Job 21:5</a></b></br> Mark me, and be astonished, and lay <i>your</i> hand upon <i>your</i> mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-9.htm">Job 29:9</a></b></br> The princes refrained talking, and laid <i>their</i> hand on their mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/18-19.htm">Judges 18:19</a></b></br> And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: <i>is it</i> better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/33-13.htm">Account</a> <a href="/job/39-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/job/24-18.htm">Insignificant</a> <a href="/job/36-13.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/job/37-4.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/job/35-15.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/job/38-11.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/job/37-6.htm">Small</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Unworthy</a> <a href="/job/36-19.htm">Value</a> <a href="/job/34-18.htm">Vile</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Account</a> <a href="/job/40-14.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-19.htm">Insignificant</a> <a href="/job/41-8.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/psalms/8-6.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/psalms/18-42.htm">Small</a> <a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Unworthy</a> <a href="/job/40-8.htm">Value</a> <a href="/psalms/12-8.htm">Vile</a><div class="vheading2">Job 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/40-1.htm">Job humbles himself to God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/40-6.htm">God stirs him up to show his righteousness, power, and wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/40-16.htm">Of the behemoth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/40.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/40.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Behold, I am insignificant.</b><br>This phrase reflects Job's recognition of his own smallness and humility before God. In the context of the Book of Job, Job has been questioning God's justice and the reasons for his suffering. Here, he acknowledges his limited understanding and the vast difference between human and divine wisdom. This echoes the biblical theme of human humility before God, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>, where God's thoughts and ways are described as higher than human thoughts and ways. The Hebrew word for "insignificant" can also imply being unworthy or of little account, emphasizing Job's realization of his position before the Creator.<p><b>How can I reply to You?</b><br>Job's rhetorical question underscores his inability to argue or contend with God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of human attempts to challenge His will, as seen in <a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Romans 9:20</a>, where Paul asks, "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?" Job's question also highlights the inadequacy of human wisdom compared to divine wisdom, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.<p><b>I place my hand over my mouth.</b><br>This gesture is a sign of submission and silence, indicating Job's decision to stop speaking and questioning God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, placing one's hand over the mouth was a common sign of respect, humility, and acknowledgment of one's limitations. This act of silence is significant in the context of Job's previous speeches, where he sought to justify himself and understand his suffering. It parallels the biblical call to be still and recognize God's sovereignty, as seen in <a href="/psalms/46-10.htm">Psalm 46:10</a>, "Be still, and know that I am God." This moment foreshadows the ultimate submission and obedience of Jesus Christ, who, despite His suffering, submitted to the Father's will, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Philippians 2:8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning God's justice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty Creator who engages in a dialogue with Job, challenging him to understand the divine perspective and sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dialogue.htm">The Dialogue</a></b><br>This verse is part of a larger conversation between God and Job, where God responds to Job's earlier complaints and questions about his suffering.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Job's response teaches us the importance of humility when approaching God. Recognizing our own limitations and God's infinite wisdom is crucial in our relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/silence_as_reverence.htm">Silence as Reverence</a></b><br>Placing a hand over one's mouth symbolizes reverence and the acknowledgment that sometimes silence is the most appropriate response to God's majesty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_insignificance.htm">Understanding Our Insignificance</a></b><br>Job's admission of insignificance is a reminder of our position in the grand scheme of God's creation. It encourages us to trust in God's greater plan and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_presence.htm">The Power of God's Presence</a></b><br>Encountering God leads to a profound awareness of our own limitations and the need for submission to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering.htm">The Role of Suffering</a></b><br>Job's journey shows that suffering can lead to deeper insights about God and ourselves, prompting growth in faith and character.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/40-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I am insignificant.</span><br /><span class="heb">קַ֭לֹּתִי</span> <span class="translit">(qal·lō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be slight, swift or trifling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">How</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can I reply to You?</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשִׁיבֶ֑ךָּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šî·ḇe·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I place</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂ֣מְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(śam·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my hand</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝דִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3926.htm">Strong's 3926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To or foreign </span><br /><br /><span class="word">my mouth.</span><br /><span class="heb">פִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/40-4.htm">OT Poetry: Job 40:4 Behold I am of small account (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/40-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 40:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 40:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/40-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 40:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 40:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>