Skip to content
Scripture Mapping

Job 11

World English Bible

WEB

1Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered, 2“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified? 3Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed? 4For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’ 5But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you, 6that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves. 7“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty? 8They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know? 9Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. 10If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him? 11For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it. 12An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt. 13“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him. 14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents. 15Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear, 16for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away. 17Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning. 18You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety. 19Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor. 20But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Job Chapter 11 features a speech from #Zophar, one of Job's friends, who responds to Job's lamentations and questions about his suffering. Zophar is blunt and direct, asserting that Job's words are empty and that he is guilty of sin. He emphasizes the greatness of God, declaring that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding. Zophar challenges Job to repent and turn back to God, suggesting that if Job does so, he will experience restoration and peace. This chapter highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the limitations of human perspective in understanding God's ways. Zophar's insistence on Job's need for repentance reflects a common belief among the friends that suffering is a direct result of personal sin, which is a significant point of contention in the narrative.

Zophar's speech also includes a vivid description of God's omniscience and omnipotence, stating that God sees all and knows the heart of man. He encourages Job to seek God earnestly and to put away any iniquity, promising that if Job does this, he will be able to lift up his face without shame. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of humility before God and the need for a sincere heart in seeking His forgiveness. Ultimately, Zophar's words reflect the struggle to comprehend the reasons behind suffering and the call to trust in God's greater plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

In summary, Job 11 challenges readers to consider the complexities of suffering and the necessity of a humble approach to God, while also illustrating the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine wisdom. #Job #Zophar #Suffering #DivineWisdom

Study

12 of 14 dimensions

Referenced by

  1. Psalms 36:6v7Psalm 36:6 speaks of God's righteousness and judgments as vast and deep, similar to Job's description of God's wisdom and understanding as beyond human comprehension.
  2. Romans 11:33v7Romans 11:33 praises the depth of the riches and wisdom of God, similar to Job 11:7, which questions whether humans can fathom the mysteries of God.

Topics in this chapter

Related chapters

  • Isaiah 55Divine MysteryTranscendenceGod's Wisdom
  • Job 20ZopharRetributive JusticeJob
  • Romans 11God's WisdomMystery
  • Job 8ShaddaiRetributive JusticeAlmighty
  • Job 36ShaddaiAlmightyGod's Wisdom
  • Job 9Human LimitationTranscendenceThe Sea in the Bible
  • Job 38Divine MysteryHuman LimitationThe Sea in the Bible
  • Job 15Retributive JusticeRebukeGod's Wisdom
  • Job 2ZopharHuman LimitationJob
  • Job 37AlmightyHuman LimitationGod's Wisdom
  • Job 22ShaddaiRetributive JusticeAlmighty
  • Job 32ZopharGod's WisdomChokmah (Wisdom)

Your study

Take it with you

This chapter’s study as a Markdown file. The analysis was written for a notebook originally, so the hashtags arrive as hashtags and the passages as links.

Download the analysisDownload it with your notes and highlights