King James Version

What Does Job 36:24 Mean?

Job 36:24 in the King James Version says “Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. — study this verse from Job chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.

Job 36:24 · KJV


Context

22

Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?

23

Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?

24

Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.

25

Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.

26

Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember that thou magnify his work (זְכֹר כִּי־תַשְׂגִּיא פָעֳלוֹ, z'kor ki-tasgi po'olo)—Elihu shifts from warning to worship, commanding Job to zakar (remember, recall, commemorate). The verb saga means 'to make great, magnify, exalt'—the same root as gadol (great). God's po'al (work, deed, accomplishment) deserves magnification, not criticism. This anticipates the LORD's speeches (Job 38-41) where God displays His creative works to humble Job into worship.

Which men behold (אֲשֶׁר שֹׁרְרוּ אֲנָשִׁים, asher ror'ru anashim)—The verb shur (to behold, sing, contemplate) suggests sustained observation leading to praise. Elihu argues that creation itself provides continuous testimony to God's greatness. Humanity's proper response is worship, not complaint. This theme saturates the Psalms: 'The heavens declare the glory of God' (Psalm 19:1). Paul teaches that creation renders all humanity 'without excuse' regarding God's existence and power (Romans 1:20). When suffering tempts us to question God's goodness, contemplating His works in creation and providence should restore perspective.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In wisdom literature, observation of nature provided primary evidence for God's wisdom and power (Proverbs 6:6-8, 30:24-28). Job himself earlier appealed to creation as a teacher (12:7-9). Elihu now uses this same argument, calling Job to let God's works speak louder than his pain.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does deliberately magnifying God's works in creation help combat the distortions suffering creates in our thinking?
  2. What specific works of God can you contemplate today that deserve your praise regardless of circumstances?
  3. How does the call to 'magnify his work' prepare Job (and us) for God's speeches about creation in chapters 38-41?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
זְ֭כֹר1 of 7

Remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כִּֽי2 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַשְׂגִּ֣יא3 of 7

that thou magnify

H7679

to grow, i.e., (causatively) to enlarge, (figuratively) laud

פָעֳל֑וֹ4 of 7

his work

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר5 of 7
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שֹׁרְר֣וּ6 of 7

behold

H7891

to sing

אֲנָשִֽׁים׃7 of 7
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)


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 36:24 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 36:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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