Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding. Indeed, God is mightyThe Hebrew word for "mighty" here is "kabbir," which conveys a sense of great power and strength. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's omnipotence and supreme authority over creation. In the context of Job, this phrase serves as a reminder of God's unparalleled power, which is a central theme throughout the book. Despite the trials and sufferings that Job endures, this declaration reassures believers of God's sovereign control over all circumstances. Historically, this understanding of God's might would have been a source of comfort and awe for the ancient Israelites, who lived in a world where power was often associated with capricious deities. In contrast, the God of Israel is mighty yet just and compassionate. but He despises no one He is mighty in strength of understanding Persons / Places / Events 1. ElihuA young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's justice and power. He is the speaker in this passage. 2. Job A righteous man who suffers greatly and seeks to understand the reasons for his suffering. 3. God The Almighty, whose attributes of might and understanding are highlighted in this verse. 4. Uz The land where Job lived, often associated with the setting of the events in the Book of Job. 5. Job's Friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom. Teaching Points God's Might and CompassionGod is both mighty and compassionate. His power does not lead to despising anyone, showing that true strength is accompanied by love and understanding. Understanding God's Nature Recognizing God's attributes helps us trust Him more deeply, especially in times of suffering or confusion. The Balance of Power and Wisdom God's might is perfectly balanced with His understanding. This balance is a model for leadership and decision-making in our lives. Trusting in Divine Wisdom In moments of doubt or suffering, we can rely on God's infinite understanding, knowing that He sees the bigger picture. Humility Before God Acknowledging God's might and wisdom should lead us to humility, recognizing our limitations and the need for divine guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elihu's description of God in Job 36:5 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?2. In what ways can recognizing God's might and understanding influence your response to personal trials? 3. How do the attributes of God described in Job 36:5 compare to those mentioned in Psalm 147:5 and Isaiah 40:28? 4. What practical steps can you take to seek God's wisdom in your daily life, as encouraged in James 1:5? 5. How can the balance of power and understanding in God's character serve as a model for leadership in your community or workplace? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 147:5This verse speaks of God's great power and infinite understanding, paralleling the attributes of God mentioned in Job 36:5. Isaiah 40:28 Highlights God's everlasting nature and unsearchable understanding, reinforcing the theme of divine wisdom and might. James 1:5 Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously, connecting to the idea of God's understanding. Romans 11:33 Expresses awe at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, similar to Elihu's acknowledgment of God's understanding. 1 Corinthians 1:25 Contrasts human wisdom with God's wisdom, emphasizing God's superior understanding. People Elihu, JobPlaces UzTopics Anyone, Behold, Despise, Despiseth, Doesn't, Firm, Gives, Hard-hearted, Heart, Mighty, Power, Purpose, Sinner, Strength, Truly, Understanding, Wisdom, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Job 36:5 1340 consistency Library Whether by his Passion Christ Merited to be Exalted?Objection 1: It seems that Christ did not merit to be exalted on account of His Passion. For eminence of rank belongs to God alone, just as knowledge of truth, according to Ps. 112:4: "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." But Christ as man had the knowledge of all truth, not on account of any preceding merit, but from the very union of God and man, according to Jn. 1:14: "We saw His glory . . . as it were of the only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth." … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Acquired his Judiciary Power by his Merits? Whether Christ Will Judge under the Form of his Humanity? Whether the Old Law was from God? Whether Man Can Know that He Has Grace? Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty? Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation? The Great Teacher "That which was from the Beginning," Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin? Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen? Divine Grace. Messiah's Easy Yoke Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. The Greatness of the Soul, Job Links Job 36:5 NIVJob 36:5 NLT Job 36:5 ESV Job 36:5 NASB Job 36:5 KJV Job 36:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |