The verse doesn't just ask if we can fully know God, but if we can reach the very limit or perfection of the Almighty. This highlights that our quest to understand God isn't about reaching a finite end point of knowledge, but about recognizing the infinite nature of His being, which is beyond our complete grasp.
“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is speaking and arguing that Job's suffering is a result of his hidden sins. He's challenging Job's complaints and assertions of innocence, suggesting that Job, with his limited human understanding, can't possibly grasp God's justice or the depth of His ways. Zophar uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize the vast difference between God's infinite knowledge and human ignorance, implying that Job should humble himself rather than question divine actions.
We like to think we've got things figured out. But when it comes to God, our ability to 'find out' hits a cosmic wall.
Zophar asks Job a rhetorical question: Can you truly plumb the depths of God's being and understand the Almighty completely? The answer is a resounding no.
An Unfathomable Being
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We're wired to explore and understand. But what if the deepest truths about God aren't found through our exhaustive searching?
Zophar's question isn't just about God's infinite nature; it's about the method of knowing Him. He challenges the idea that human searching and intellectual effort alone can unlock all divine mysteries.
The Limits of Human Inquiry
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.
Sheol · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the place of the dead, the grave, or the underworld. It is used in Scripture to represent the shadowy, subterranean realm that is completely under the sovereign knowledge and domain of God.
qahal · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of initiating a legal process or calling someone to account before a judge. It signifies God's sovereign authority to hold His creation responsible for their actions.
'awen · Hebrew Noun
Refers to moral failure, perversity, or wickedness. It denotes a turning aside from the path of righteousness and implies guilt before God.
This passage echoes Job's sentiment, marveling at the 'depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God' and declaring His judgments and ways to be 'unsearchable,' highlighting the profound mystery of God's plans.
Psalm 139:6The psalmist describes God's knowledge as 'too wonderful' and 'high' for him to attain, mirroring Job's rhetorical question about the impossibility of fully grasping the Almighty's perfections.
Isaiah 55:8-9God Himself declares that His thoughts and ways are far above human understanding, just as the heavens are higher than the earth, reinforcing the idea that His deep purposes are beyond our full discovery.
Proverbs 3:5-6While Job questions our ability to fully comprehend God, this proverb encourages trust in the Lord with all our heart, suggesting a path of reliance and surrender when complete understanding is beyond us.
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 doesn't just ask if we can fully know God, but if we can reach the very limit or perfection of the Almighty. This highlights that our quest to understand God isn't about reaching a finite end point of knowledge, but about recognizing the infinite nature of His being, which is beyond our complete grasp.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is speaking and arguing that Job's suffering is a result of his hidden sins. He's challenging Job's complaints and assertions of innocence, suggesting that Job, with his limited human understanding, can't possibly grasp God's justice or the depth of His ways. Zophar uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize the vast difference between God's infinite knowledge and human ignorance, implying that Job should humble himself rather than question divine actions.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is speaking and arguing that Job's suffering is a result of his hidden sins. He's challenging Job's complaints and assertions of innocence, suggesting that Job, with his limited human understanding, can't possibly grasp God's justice or the depth of His ways. Zophar uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize the vast difference between God's infinite knowledge and human ignorance, implying that Job should humble himself rather than question divine actions.
"“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader t…" — The verse doesn't just ask if we can fully know God, but if we can reach the very limit or perfection of the Almighty. This highlights that our quest to understand God isn't about reaching a fi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
