Bible Strands
Job 40:7
“Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The LORD addresses Job directly out of the whirlwind after Job's previous speeches. God initiates the exchange to shift the conversation from Job's self-defense to divine interrogation.
The words — The phrase אֱזָר־ חֲלָצֶיךָ ('e.zor- cha.la.Tzei.kha) literally translates to "gird up your loins," a Hebrew idiom for bracing for action. The verb אֶשְׁאָלְךָ ('esh.'al.kha) means "I will ask you," establishing God as the sole examiner in the dialogue.
The thread — God uses this identical challenge in Job 38:3 to open the first speech and echoes it in Job 42:4 to frame the final exchange. The pattern contrasts with Job 23:3, where Job seeks a meeting place to present his own case rather than answer one.
Why it lands — The text commands Job to stop justifying himself and prepare to answer God's questions. It requires the reader to accept divine examination over human demands for accountability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Cross-references
- Job 38:3 Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
- Job 42:4 You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’
- Job 23:3 If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat.
- Job 13:22 Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.