who does great things beyond searching out, and marvelous things beyond number.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What Job says here about God's "great things beyond searching out" and "marvelous things beyond number" isn't just a poetic observation; it’s a direct quote from his friend Eliphaz. Job intentionally repeats these words to show he absolutely agrees with the majesty of God, even while he's wrestling with immense personal suffering and questioning God's justice.
who does great things beyond searching out, and marvelous things beyond number.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is grappling with his immense suffering and questioning God's justice, but here he acknowledges God's incomprehensible power and wisdom, even repeating words previously spoken by his friend Eliphaz. This confession of God's unfathomable greatness serves as a backdrop to Job's ongoing struggle, highlighting the vast gap between human understanding and divine action as he seeks answers for his pain.
Job says something very familiar here, almost identical to what his friend Eliphaz said earlier. What does this repetition reveal about Job's heart and his view of God?
It might seem strange that Job, in the midst of his suffering and questioning, repeats words previously spoken by Eliphaz (Job 5:9). This isn't a sign of confusion, but a deliberate acknowledgment of God's absolute greatness. Job agrees with his friends that God is the ultimate creator of all things, performing deeds so vast and complex they defy full human comprehension.
The Greatness of the Creator
Job affirms that God's actions in creation and providence are:
This agreement highlights that even in disagreement about specifics, truth about God's sovereignty is acknowledged by all.
Job acknowledges that God's acts are 'beyond searching out.' What does this tell us about our capacity to truly know God?
The phrase 'beyond searching out' is key here. It points to a fundamental truth: human intellect, no matter how sharp, has limits when it comes to comprehending the Divine.
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God's Works Defy Our Logic
God's 'great things' and 'marvelous things' operate on a scale and with a complexity that surpasses our ability to fully investigate, analyze, or predict. This isn't to say we can't know anything about God – Scripture reveals much! But we can never fully contain or explain Him.
This understanding should foster humility. Instead of demanding complete answers or trying to box God into our limited frameworks, we are called to stand in awe of His infinite nature.
Understand the original words
gadol · Hebrew Adjective
Events or deeds characterized by immense significance, power, and wisdom, reflecting the incomparable nature of God’s activity in human history and nature.
cheqer · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the limitlessness of God’s wisdom and works, implying that they are beyond the finite human capacity to comprehend or fully map out.
pala' · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
Acts of God that evoke awe and wonder; they are supernatural or extraordinary manifestations of His character and power that transcend human logic.
This is the same statement Eliphaz made, which Job now echoes to affirm his agreement on God's immeasurable greatness, even as he wrestles with his own suffering.
Psalm 145:3This psalm echoes the sentiment that God's greatness is beyond our full comprehension and that His wondrous deeds are countless, reinforcing the awe described in Job.
Isaiah 55:8-9These verses highlight the vast difference between God's thoughts and ways and ours, underscoring why His 'great things' are indeed 'beyond searching out' for us.
Romans 11:33Paul's exclamation of awe at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge mirrors Job's recognition of God's unfathomable greatness and His countless wonders.
barnesJob 9:10: "Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number."
Which doeth great things - This is almost the sentiment which had been expressed by Eliphaz; see the notes, Job 5:9 . It was evidently a proverb, and as such was used by both Eliphaz and Job.
pooleJob 9:10: "Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number."
Which words were produced by Eliphaz, Job 5:9 , (where they are explained,) and are here repeated by Job, to show his agreement with him therein.
What Job says here about God's "great things beyond searching out" and "marvelous things beyond number" isn't just a poetic observation; it’s a direct quote from his friend Eliphaz. Job intentionally repeats these words to show he absolutely agrees with the majesty of God, even while he's wrestling with immense personal suffering and questioning God's justice.
Job is grappling with his immense suffering and questioning God's justice, but here he acknowledges God's incomprehensible power and wisdom, even repeating words previously spoken by his friend Eliphaz. This confession of God's unfathomable greatness serves as a backdrop to Job's ongoing struggle, highlighting the vast gap between human understanding and divine action as he seeks answers for his pain.
Job is grappling with his immense suffering and questioning God's justice, but here he acknowledges God's incomprehensible power and wisdom, even repeating words previously spoken by his friend Eliphaz. This confession of God's unfathomable greatness serves as a backdrop to Job's ongoing struggle, highlighting the vast gap between human understanding and divine action as he seeks answers for his pain.
"who does great things beyond searching out, and marvelous things beyond number." — What Job says here about God's "great things beyond searching out" and "marvelous things beyond number" isn't just a poetic observation; it’s a direct quote from his friend Eliphaz. Job intentionally…
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Last reviewed October 2026