Job 37:23 - We can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.

Generated Verse: Job 37:23

What does "Job 37:23" mean?


Job 37:23 reads, "We can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress." This verse speaks to several interconnected ideas about God:

God's Unreachability/Transcendence: "We can’t reach the Almighty" suggests the vast difference between humanity and God. He is beyond our full comprehension and control. We can't manipulate Him or fully grasp the depths of His being. This reinforces the concept of God's transcendence – His being above and beyond the created world.

God's Power and Exaltation: "He is exalted in power" emphasizes God's limitless strength and authority. He is not weak or vulnerable. His power is unmatched and elevates Him above all. This reinforces the sense that we cannot approach Him as equals.

God's Justice and Righteousness: "In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress" declares God's character. While He is powerful, He uses that power justly and righteously. He is not arbitrary or cruel. He acts according to what is right and fair. The assurance that He "will not oppress" offers comfort and hope, even in the face of suffering. It means that even when we don't understand God's actions, we can trust that they are rooted in justice and righteousness.

In context:

This verse comes at the end of Elihu's speech in the Book of Job. Elihu is trying to defend God's ways in the face of Job's suffering. He argues that God's justice is beyond human comprehension and that His power is used for good. This particular verse summarizes Elihu's point by emphasizing God's incomprehensibility, omnipotence, and justice.

In summary, the verse is a declaration of God's awesome power, transcendent nature, and unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. It reminds us of the vast gap between humanity and God while also reassuring us that even in His greatness, He is fair and will not oppress.

What categories does "Job 37:23" have?