Job 37:20 - Will it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
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What does "Job 37:20" mean?
This verse from Job 37:20 is part of Elihu's final speech in the Book of Job. Elihu is attempting to explain God's power and wisdom to Job. The verse is a rhetorical question, expressing the awe and humility one should feel in the face of God's greatness. Let's break it down:
"Will it be told him that I would speak?" This implies Elihu is hesitant to speak to God directly. He questions whether he is worthy or authorized to address such a powerful being. He wonders if someone should be the intermediary or whether he even should be speaking at all. It's a recognition of his own limitations and God's immensity.
"Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?" This is a more extreme expression of humility and unworthiness. It suggests that it might be better for a person to simply disappear entirely ("swallowed up") than to presume to speak to God without proper understanding or reverence. The idea of being swallowed up connects to themes of destruction and insignificance when standing before divine power. It's a figurative way of saying, "I would rather not exist than speak presumptuously before God."
In essence, the verse conveys the following:
Humility before God: Elihu recognizes the vast difference between human understanding and God's wisdom.
Caution in addressing God: He questions whether it is appropriate for him to speak directly to God.
A sense of unworthiness: He expresses a feeling that he might be better off remaining silent, or even not existing, rather than risk offending God through ignorance or arrogance.
Context within Job: This verse is part of Elihu's argument that God is just and wise, even when his ways are beyond human comprehension. Elihu is trying to prepare Job for a direct encounter with God by emphasizing the proper attitude of reverence and humility. He is warning Job against questioning God's actions without fully understanding his perspective.
Job 37:20 - Will it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
What does "Job 37:20" mean?
This verse from Job 37:20 is part of Elihu's final speech in the Book of Job. Elihu is attempting to explain God's power and wisdom to Job. The verse is a rhetorical question, expressing the awe and humility one should feel in the face of God's greatness. Let's break it down:
"Will it be told him that I would speak?" This implies Elihu is hesitant to speak to God directly. He questions whether he is worthy or authorized to address such a powerful being. He wonders if someone should be the intermediary or whether he even should be speaking at all. It's a recognition of his own limitations and God's immensity.
"Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?" This is a more extreme expression of humility and unworthiness. It suggests that it might be better for a person to simply disappear entirely ("swallowed up") than to presume to speak to God without proper understanding or reverence. The idea of being swallowed up connects to themes of destruction and insignificance when standing before divine power. It's a figurative way of saying, "I would rather not exist than speak presumptuously before God."
In essence, the verse conveys the following:
Humility before God: Elihu recognizes the vast difference between human understanding and God's wisdom.
Caution in addressing God: He questions whether it is appropriate for him to speak directly to God.
A sense of unworthiness: He expresses a feeling that he might be better off remaining silent, or even not existing, rather than risk offending God through ignorance or arrogance.
Context within Job: This verse is part of Elihu's argument that God is just and wise, even when his ways are beyond human comprehension. Elihu is trying to prepare Job for a direct encounter with God by emphasizing the proper attitude of reverence and humility. He is warning Job against questioning God's actions without fully understanding his perspective.