Job – Chapter 40

Old Testament28 Verses

Chapter Summary

Job 40 opens with the words: "And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:" Job stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 28 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and prayer. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:

2Gird up thy loins like a man: I will ask thee, and do thou tell me.

3Wilt thou make void my judgment: and condemn me, that thou mayst be justified?

4And hast thou an arm like God, and canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

5Clothe thyself with beauty, and set thyself up on high, and be glorious, and put on goodly garments.

6Scatter the proud in thy indignation, and behold every arrogant man, and humble him.

7Look on all that are proud, and confound them, and crush the wicked in their place,

8Hide them in the dust together, and plunge their faces into the pit.

9Then I will confess that thy right hand is able to save thee.

10Behold behemoth whom I made with thee, he eateth grass like an ox.

11His strength is in his loins, and his force in the navel of his belly.

12He setteth up his tail like a cedar, the sinews of his testicles are wrapped together.

13His bones are like pipes of brass, his gristle like plates of iron.

14He is the beginning of the ways of God, who made him, he will apply his sword.

15To him the mountains bring forth grass: there all the beasts of the field shall play.

16He sleepeth under the shadow, in the covert of the reed, and in moist places.

17The shades cover his shadow, the willows of the brook shall compass him about.

18Behold, he will drink up a river, and not wonder: and he trusteth that the Jordan may run into his mouth.

19In his eyes as with a hook he shall take him, and bore through his nostrils with stakes.

20Canst thou draw out the leviathan with a hook, or canst thou tie his tongue with a cord?

21Canst thou put a ring in his nose, or bore through his jaw with a buckle?

22Will he make many supplications to thee, or speak soft words to thee?

23Will he make a covenant with thee, and wilt thou take him to be a servant for ever?

24Shalt thou play with him as with a bird, or tie him up for thy handmaids?

25Shall friends cut him in pieces, shall merchants divide him?

26Wilt thou fill nets with his skin, and the cabins of fishes with his head?

27Lay thy hand upon him: remember the battle, and speak no more.

28Behold his hope shall fail him, and in the sight of all he shall be cast down.

Important Verses in Job 40

And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:

Job 40:1

And hast thou an arm like God, and canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Job 40:4

Will he make a covenant with thee, and wilt thou take him to be a servant for ever?

Job 40:23

Behold his hope shall fail him, and in the sight of all he shall be cast down.

Job 40:28

Historical Context

Job addresses all who wrestle with the mystery of suffering and God's justice within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 40 of 42 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 28 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Job appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:" The chapter ends with: "Behold his hope shall fail him, and in the sight of all he shall be cast down. " Read against its original backdrop, Job confronts the deepest human question: why do the innocent suffer? Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Unknown inspired poet of Israel

When It Was Written

Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of suffering, faith, and divine mystery. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1988).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

People in This Chapter

Job1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Job Chapter 40 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Job Chapter 40. At the moral level, stewardship of creation challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1965).

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of stewardship of creation bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 40 about?

Job 40 contains 28 verses. It opens with "And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:" and closes with "Behold his hope shall fail him, and in the sight of all he shall be cast down. ". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 40?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind, said:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Job Chapter 40?

This chapter mentions Job.

Who wrote Job and when?

Unknown inspired poet of Israel. Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

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