King James Version
Job 26
Opening Job's extended final discourse, this chapter presents Job replying to Bildad's brief statement. Job rebukes his friend for offering powerlessly weak counsel to one in distress, then turns to praise God's awesome authority over creation, space, and the hidden depths. He declares that human understanding perceives only the outer edges of God's ways. This passage demonstrates Job's profound reverence for God despite his intense personal grief. A striking verse describes God's cosmic power: He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
1 But Job answered and said,
2 How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
3 How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
4 To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
5 Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
7 He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
8 He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
9 He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.
10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
12 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
GO DEEPER
Carry this chapter with you
One personal verse every day, three layers of meaning, word studies and a place for your own reflection. Free to start.
