Job 11:7
“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that our human searching can't fully grasp God's infinite nature or exhaust His perfections. It implies that while we can learn about God, we can never fully comprehend the "deep things" of His wisdom and the vastness of His being.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is trying to reason with Job, who is suffering immensely. Zophar argues that Job's suffering is a sign of his hidden sin and that he should repent. Job, however, maintains his innocence and feels God's silence. Zophar responds by emphasizing the incomprehensible nature of God's wisdom and power, suggesting that no human can fully understand divine justice.
Zophar throws down a challenge: can we really know God? It's a question that echoes through the ages. What does it mean to 'find out' God, and why is it an impossible task?
The Limits of Human Knowledge
Zophar’s rhetorical questions in Job 11:7 are designed to humble Job (and us!). He asks:
The takeaway? Our human minds, however brilliant, are simply not equipped to fully comprehend an infinite God. True wisdom begins with acknowledging this profound mystery.
The word 'perfection' here isn't about reaching God's standard, but about fully comprehending His own perfect nature. What does this impossible standard reveal about God?
Comprehending the Incomprehensible
The second part of the verse, asking if we can 'find out the Almighty unto perfection,' pushes the limit further.
Understand the original words
Shaddai · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title for God (Shaddai) that signifies His omnipotence, power, and sovereign rule over all creation. It portrays Him as the all-sufficient One who sustains and governs the universe.
This passage echoes Job's sentiment by exclaiming over the unfathomable depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, highlighting that His judgments and ways are beyond human comprehension.
Psalm 139:6This psalm touches on the limits of human understanding when trying to grasp God's nature, stating that such knowledge is too wonderful for us, reinforcing Job's question about our ability to fully know the Almighty.
Isaiah 40:28This verse emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of God's understanding and strength, directly supporting Job's assertion that the Almighty's ways and perfections are beyond our capacity to fully discover.
Proverbs 3:5While Job questions our ability to 'find out' God, this proverb offers a counterpoint on how to approach Him: by trusting in the Lord rather than relying solely on our own understanding, acknowledging His superior knowledge.
bensonJob 11:7: "Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?"
Job 11:7-8 . Canst thou by searching find out God? — That is, discover all the depths of his wisdom, and the reasons of all his actions. It is as high as heaven — Thou canst not measure the heights of the visible heavens, much less of the divine perfections; what canst thou do? — Namely, to find him out. Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? — Concerning him and his ways, which are far out of t…
clarkeJob 11:7: "Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?"
Canst thou by searching find out God? - What is God? A Being self-existent, eternal, infinite, immense, without bounds, incomprehensible either by mind, or time, or space. Who then can find this Being out? Who can fathom his depths, ascend to his heights, extend to his breadths, and comprehend the infinitude of his perfections?
The verse highlights that our human searching can't fully grasp God's infinite nature or exhaust His perfections. It implies that while we can learn about God, we can never fully comprehend the "deep things" of His wisdom and the vastness of His being.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is trying to reason with Job, who is suffering immensely. Zophar argues that Job's suffering is a sign of his hidden sin and that he should repent. Job, however, maintains his innocence and feels God's silence. Zophar responds by emphasizing the incomprehensible nature of God's wisdom and power, suggesting that no human can fully understand divine justice.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is trying to reason with Job, who is suffering immensely. Zophar argues that Job's suffering is a sign of his hidden sin and that he should repent. Job, however, maintains his innocence and feels God's silence. Zophar responds by emphasizing the incomprehensible nature of God's wisdom and power, suggesting that no human can fully understand divine justice.
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This truth isn't meant to discourage us, but to inspire awe and reverence. It calls us to worship rather than to question His authority.
"“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?" — The verse highlights that our human searching can't fully grasp God's infinite nature or exhaust His perfections. It implies that while we can learn about God, we can never fully comprehend the "de…
