King James Version
What Does Job 35:5 Mean?
“Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.”
Job 35:5 · KJV
Context
3
For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? if: or, by it more than by my sin
4
I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. answer: Heb. return to thee words
5
Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
6
If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
7
If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryLook unto the heavens, and see (הַבֵּט שָׁמַיִם וּרְאֵה, habbet shamayim ur-eh)—The imperative habbet (הַבֵּט), from nabat (נָבַט), means 'to look intently' or 'to gaze upon.' Shamayim (שָׁמַיִם), 'heavens,' evokes cosmic scale and divine dwelling. Behold the clouds which are higher than thou (וְשׁוּר שְׁחָקִים גָּבְהוּ מִמֶּךָּ, ve-shur shechakim gavehu mimekka)—shechakim (שְׁחָקִים) means 'clouds' or 'skies,' from shachaq (שָׁחַק), 'to rub away' or 'pulverize,' suggesting dust-like cloud particles.
Elihu employs creation pedagogy—directing Job's eyes upward to recognize creaturely limitation versus Creator transcendence. This method anticipates God's own teaching strategy in chapters 38-41, suggesting Elihu grasps correct pedagogical approach even if his conclusions remain incomplete. The heavens' height establishes metaphor for divine transcendence and human finitude.
This argument cuts two ways: it humbles human presumption (Job cannot command God's attention based on merit) but also risks distancing God from covenant relationship. Psalm 8 similarly begins by observing the heavens' grandeur, then marvels that God regards humanity at all ('what is man, that thou art mindful of him?'). Elihu emphasizes transcendence; the psalmist adds divine condescension. Both truths require holding in tension.
Elihu employs creation pedagogy—directing Job's eyes upward to recognize creaturely limitation versus Creator transcendence. This method anticipates God's own teaching strategy in chapters 38-41, suggesting Elihu grasps correct pedagogical approach even if his conclusions remain incomplete. The heavens' height establishes metaphor for divine transcendence and human finitude.
This argument cuts two ways: it humbles human presumption (Job cannot command God's attention based on merit) but also risks distancing God from covenant relationship. Psalm 8 similarly begins by observing the heavens' grandeur, then marvels that God regards humanity at all ('what is man, that thou art mindful of him?'). Elihu emphasizes transcendence; the psalmist adds divine condescension. Both truths require holding in tension.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern cosmology envisioned a three-tiered universe: heavens above, earth in the middle, waters beneath. Clouds occupied the liminal space between human realm and divine dwelling. Observing celestial phenomena as theological instruction appears throughout wisdom literature (Psalm 19, Isaiah 40:26), making Elihu's pedagogical move culturally resonant.
Reflection Questions
- How does contemplating creation's vastness both humble us and draw us into worship?
- What is the proper balance between affirming God's transcendence and experiencing His immanent presence?
- When observing the heavens, do you primarily feel distance from God or wonder at His care for finite creatures?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsהַבֵּ֣ט1 of 7
“Look”
H5027to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
שָׁמַ֣יִם2 of 7
“unto the heavens”
H8064the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וּרְאֵ֑ה3 of 7
“and see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְשׁ֥וּר4 of 7
“and behold”
H7789to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for
שְׁ֝חָקִ֗ים5 of 7
“the clouds”
H7834a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Job 35:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Job 35:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge