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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 42:3 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/42-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/18_Job_42_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 42:3 - Job Submits Himself to the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/42-3.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/42-3.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/42.htm">Chapter 42</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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/42-2.htm" title="Job 42:2">◄</a> Job 42:3 <a href="/job/42-4.htm" title="Job 42:4">►</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/42.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/42.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You asked, &#8216Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?&#8217 Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/42.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who <i>is</i> he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>You asked,</i> ‘Who <i>is</i> this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘Who is this who conceals advice without knowledge?’ Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I do not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?&#8217 &#8220Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ “Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too marvelous for me, which I did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“[You said to me] ‘Who is this that darkens <i>and</i> obscures counsel [by words] without knowledge?’ Therefore [I now see] I have [rashly] uttered that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance? ” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wondrous for me to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You asked, &#8220Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?&#8221 Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"[You said,] 'Who is this that belittles my advice without having any knowledge [about it]?' Yes, I have stated things I didn't understand, things too mysterious for me to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You ask how I dare question your wisdom when I am so very ignorant. I talked about things I did not understand, about marvels too great for me to know. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You asked, 'Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?' Well now, I have talked about what I don't understand— awesome things beyond me that I don't know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />you asked, 'Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?' But I have declared without understanding things too wonderful for me to know. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that which I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I didn’t understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />[You said], Who [is] this hiding counsel without knowledge? Therefore, I have declared, and do not understand, "" Too wonderful for me, and I do not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who is this, hiding counsel without knowledge?' Therefore, I have declared, and understand not, Too wonderful for me, and I know not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who this hiding counsel without knowledge? for this, I announced, and I shall not understand; wonders above me, and I shall not know.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who is this that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have spoken unwisely, and things that above measure exceeded my knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So, who is it that would disguise a lack of knowledge as counsel? Therefore, I have been speaking foolishly, about things whose measure exceeds my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Who is this who obscures counsel with ignorance?” I have spoken but did not understand; things too marvelous for me, which I did not know. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who am I to think that I can give counsel without knowledge? Therefore thou hast declared to me that I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who is this who devises doctrine by words without knowledge? Because of this you showed me that I did not understand and I have not known things that are greater than I<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For who is he that hides counsel from thee? or who keeps back his words, and thinks to hide them from thee? and who will tell me what I knew not, great and wonderful things which I understood not?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/42-3.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=6597" 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/42.htm">Job Submits Himself to the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">You asked, ‘Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">is this</a> <a href="/hebrew/5956.htm" title="5956: ma‘·lîm (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-msc) -- To conceal. A primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. Conceal.">who conceals</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ê·ṣāh (N-fs) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">My counsel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: bə·lî (Adv) -- From balah; properly, failure, i.e. Nothing or destruction; usually without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge?’</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hig·gaḏ·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- To be conspicuous. ">I spoke of things</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: ’ā·ḇîn (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">understand,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6381.htm" title="6381: nip̄·lā·’ō·wṯ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-fp) -- A primitive root; properly, perhaps to separate, i.e. Distinguish; by implication, to be great, difficult, wonderful.">things too wonderful</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: ’ê·ḏā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to know.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’…<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="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6</a></span><br />Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-34</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">1 Corinthians 2:11</a></span><br />For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:11</a></span><br />He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.<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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></span><br />Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a></span><br />Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a></span><br />Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/32-17.htm">Jeremiah 32:17</a></span><br />“Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Romans 9:20</a></span><br />But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a></span><br />The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Psalm 131:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13-14</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-29.htm">Deuteronomy 29:29</a></span><br />The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who is he that hides counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.</p><p class="hdg">Who</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/38-2.htm">Job 38:2</a></b></br> Who <i>is</i> this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?</p><p class="hdg">things</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a></b></br> Many, O LORD my God, <i>are</i> thy wonderful works <i>which</i> thou hast done, and thy thoughts <i>which are</i> to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: <i>if</i> I would declare and speak <i>of them</i>, they are more than can be numbered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Psalm 131:1</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6</a></b></br> <i>Such</i> knowledge <i>is</i> too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot <i>attain</i> unto it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/38-2.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/job/40-13.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/job/37-20.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/job/34-29.htm">Hides</a> <a href="/job/34-29.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/job/31-33.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/job/41-32.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/26-9.htm">Obscures</a> <a href="/job/42-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/job/37-5.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/job/40-20.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/job/36-4.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/job/38-20.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/job/38-18.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/job/26-4.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/job/31-31.htm">Who</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Wonderful</a> <a href="/job/37-16.htm">Wonders</a> <a href="/job/41-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/19-13.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/psalms/10-11.htm">Hides</a> <a href="/psalms/10-11.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/psalms/7-13.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/26-9.htm">Obscures</a> <a href="/psalms/2-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/psalms/14-2.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/psalms/53-2.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Who</a> <a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Wonderful</a> <a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Wonders</a> <a href="/job/42-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Job 42</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-1.htm">Job submits himself unto God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-7.htm">God, preferring Job's cause, makes his friends submit themselves, and accepts him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-10.htm">He magnifies and blesses Job</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-16.htm">Job's age and death</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/42.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/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’</b><br>In this phrase, Job is quoting God's earlier challenge to him. This reflects the divine questioning found in <a href="/job/38-2.htm">Job 38:2</a>, where God begins His response to Job's complaints. The phrase underscores the theme of divine wisdom versus human understanding. Job acknowledges that he has spoken without full comprehension of God's purposes. This humility is a key turning point in the narrative, as Job recognizes the limitations of human wisdom compared to God's infinite knowledge. The rhetorical question highlights the folly of attempting to understand divine plans without divine revelation, a theme echoed in <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.<p><b>Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,</b><br>Here, Job admits his lack of understanding. This confession is significant in the context of the book, as Job had previously defended his righteousness and questioned God's justice. The acknowledgment of his ignorance is a moment of repentance and submission to God's greater wisdom. This aligns with the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, which advises trust in the Lord rather than one's own understanding. Job's realization is a model of humility and repentance, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, seen in the lives of figures like Peter in <a href="/luke/5-8.htm">Luke 5:8</a> and Paul in <a href="/acts/9-6.htm">Acts 9:6</a>.<p><b>things too wonderful for me to know.</b><br>The term "wonderful" in this context refers to things that are beyond human comprehension, often associated with God's miraculous works and divine mysteries. This echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6</a>, where the psalmist acknowledges the overwhelming nature of God's knowledge. The phrase suggests that God's plans and purposes are not only beyond human understanding but are also inherently good and awe-inspiring. This ties into the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty and the mystery of His will, as seen in <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-34</a>, where Paul marvels at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. The acknowledgment of divine mystery points to the ultimate revelation of God's purposes in Jesus Christ, who embodies the wisdom and knowledge of God (<a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</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 undergoes severe trials and questions God's justice but ultimately repents.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty Creator who allows Job to be tested and later speaks to him, revealing His wisdom and sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom but are ultimately rebuked by God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_whirlwind.htm">The Whirlwind</a></b><br>The medium through which God speaks to Job, emphasizing His power and majesty.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_restoration.htm">The Restoration</a></b><br>The event following Job's repentance where God restores his fortunes and blesses him more than before.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Recognize our limitations in understanding God's ways. Like Job, we must approach God with humility, acknowledging that His wisdom surpasses ours.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>True repentance involves recognizing our misconceptions about God and His plans. Job's account shows that God is gracious to restore and bless those who turn back to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Even when we don't understand our circumstances, we can trust that God is in control and His plans are for our ultimate good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_divine_wisdom.htm">The Value of Divine Wisdom</a></b><br>Seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture, understanding that human wisdom is limited and often flawed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering.htm">The Role of Suffering</a></b><br>Suffering can be a tool for growth and deeper understanding of God's character. Job's trials led him to a more profound knowledge of God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 42</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_illness.htm">Why does God permit illness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_some_suffer_but_not_grow.htm">If suffering purifies people, why do some suffer terribly and never grow from it?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_beyond_human_understanding.htm">Is God beyond human understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_job_13_25_show_god_as_unjust.htm">In Job 13:25, why does Job accuse God of targeting him as if he were light chaff, if God is portrayed as just and merciful? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/42.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XLII.</span><p>(3) <span class= "bld">Who is he that hideth counsel?</span>--It is quite obvious that the right way of understanding these verses is, as in <a href="/context/isaiah/63-1.htm" title="Who is this that comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.">Isaiah 63:1-6</a>, after the manner of a dialogue, in which Job and the Lord alternately reply. "Who is this that hideth counsel without knowledge?" were the words with which God Himself joined the debate in <a href="/job/38-2.htm" title="Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?">Job 38:2</a>; and therefore, unless we assign them to Him here also, we must regard them as quoted by Job, and applied reflectively to himself; but it is far better to consider them as part of a dialogue.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?</span> As these are nearly the words of God in <a href="/job/38-2.htm">Job 38:2</a>, some suppose that they must be his words again here, and imagine a short dialogue in this place between Job and the Almighty, assigning to Job ver. 2, the latter half of ver. 8, and the whole of vers. 5 and 6, while they assign to God ver. 4 and the first clause of ver. 8. But it is far more natural to regard Job as bringing up the words which God had spoken to him, to ponder on them and answer them, or at any rate to hang his reply upon them, than to imagine God twice interrupting Job in the humble confession that he was anxious to make. We must understand, then, after the word "knowledge," an ellipse of "thou sayest." <span class="cmt_word">Therefore have I uttered that I understood not</span>. <span class="accented">Therefore</span>, because of that reproof of thine, I perceive that, in what I said to my friends, I "darkened counsel," <span class="accented">-</span> I "uttered that I understood not," words which did not clear the matter in controversy, but obscured it. <span class="cmt_word">I dealt, in fact, with things too wonderful for me</span> - beyond my compre-hension - <span class="cmt_word">which I knew not</span>, of which I had no real knowledge, but only a semblance of knowledge, and on which, therefore, I had better have been silent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/42-3.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">You asked, ‘Who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֨ה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who conceals</span><br /><span class="heb">מַעְלִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ma‘·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5956.htm">Strong's 5956: </a> </span><span class="str2">To veil from sight, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My counsel</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵצָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּֽלִ֫י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge?’</span><br /><span class="heb">דָ֥עַת</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I spoke of things</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֭גַּדְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(hig·gaḏ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understand,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֑ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">things too wonderful</span><br /><span class="heb">נִפְלָא֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(nip̄·lā·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6381.htm">Strong's 6381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate, distinguish, to be, great, difficult, wonderful</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me to know.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵדָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ḏā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/42-3.htm">OT Poetry: Job 42:3 You asked 'Who is this who hides (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/42-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 42:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 42:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/42-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 42:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 42:4" /></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>