King James Version

What Does Job 40:7 Mean?

Job 40:7 in the King James Version says “Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.” — study this verse from Job chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.”

Job 40:7 · KJV

Context

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,

7

Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

8

Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?

9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Read Job 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said." Despite Job's submission in verses 4-5, God continues speaking. The repeated "out of the whirlwind" recalls 38:1, emphasizing continued theophany. God's persistence demonstrates that His speeches aren't primarily about getting Job to be quiet but about revealing Himself more fully. Job's initial humbling was necessary but insufficient—deeper transformation awaits. This teaches that God's purposes in discipline extend beyond mere compliance to relationship and knowledge of Himself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sustained theophany demonstrates God's commitment to complete revelation. Unlike ancient deities who delivered cryptic oracles and departed, Yahweh remains engaged until Job truly understands. The whirlwind's continuation emphasizes that this is genuine divine manifestation, not Job's imagination or human philosophy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's continued engagement despite Job's submission reveal His purposes in suffering?
  2. What deeper knowledge of God might He want to give you beyond initial lessons learned?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֱזָר1 of 6

“Gird up”

H247

to belt

נָ֣א2 of 6
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

כְגֶ֣בֶר3 of 6

“now like a man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ4 of 6

“thy loins”

H2504

the loins (as the seat of vigor)

אֶ֝שְׁאָלְךָ֗5 of 6

“I will demand”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃6 of 6

“of thee and declare”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 40:7 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 40:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 38:3Job 42:4Job 23:3-4Job 13:22

Test Your Knowledge

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