The Book of Job, Chapter 40 summary
Chapter 40 of 42 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 40, Job admits his insignificance and refuses to speak further, but the Lord questions him about justice and challenges him to humble the proud and defeat the wicked. The Lord then describes Behemoth, a powerful creature he makes, shifting attention from Job’s objections to the limits of human strength.
What happens
- The Lord demands an answer from Job, who calls himself insignificant and says he has nothing more to say.
- Speaking from the whirlwind, the Lord asks whether Job condemns him to establish his own innocence.
- The Lord challenges Job to display divine power, humble the proud, and crush the wicked.
- The Lord says he can acknowledge Job’s ability to save himself only if Job meets this challenge.
- The Lord describes Behemoth’s strength, grassy food, sheltered habitat, and confidence before a river.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The question makes Job’s defense of himself a matter of divine justice. It asks whether claiming personal rightness requires declaring God wrong.
Quick check
What does Job say he does after admitting his insignificance?
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