King James Version

What Does Job 40:4 Mean?

Job 40:4 in the King James Version says “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. — study this verse from Job chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Job 40:4 · KJV


Context

2

Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.

3

Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

4

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

5

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

6

Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's response: 'Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.' This first submission acknowledges unworthiness to answer. Job doesn't recant his innocence but recognizes his limited perspective. Silence becomes appropriate response.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Job's hand on mouth signals recognition of proper boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. When is silence more appropriate than speech before God?
  2. What does recognizing your 'vileness' reveal about proper perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֵ֣ן1 of 8
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

קַ֭לֹּתִי2 of 8

Behold I am vile

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

מָ֣ה3 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אֲשִׁיבֶ֑ךָּ4 of 8

what shall I answer

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יָ֝דִ֗י5 of 8

mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שַׂ֣מְתִּי6 of 8

thee I will lay

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לְמוֹ7 of 8

upon

H3926

to or for

פִֽי׃8 of 8

my mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos


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 40:4 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 40:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study