Old Testament
Job 36:26
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Look, God is great, and we do not know him; the number of his years cannot be searched out.
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Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
What Job 36:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 36:26, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of God, highlighting that human understanding is limited when it comes to comprehending His nature and existence. The phrase 'we do not know him' suggests that God's essence and attributes are beyond human grasp. The mention of 'the number of his years' indicates that God is eternal, existing outside of time as we understand it. This verse serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's wisdom and power, which cannot be fully understood or measured by human standards. It encourages humility in our approach to God, recognizing that our knowledge is finite while His is infinite. The verse invites believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek a deeper relationship with Him, even amidst life's uncertainties and challenges. Ultimately, it calls for reverence and awe towards the Creator, who is both great and mysterious, reminding us that there is always more to learn about Him.
How to apply Job 36:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace humility in our understanding of God. We should acknowledge that our knowledge is limited and seek to grow in our relationship with Him. Trusting in God's wisdom can help us navigate life's challenges, knowing that He is beyond our full comprehension.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Elihu Speaks (Job 32:1–37:24)
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Job
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Job 36:26
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 36:26 mean?
Job 36:26 highlights God's greatness and the limitations of human understanding. It emphasizes that God's nature and existence are beyond what we can fully comprehend, reminding us of His eternal nature.
What is the significance of 'the number of his years' in Job 36:26?
The phrase 'the number of his years' in Job 36:26 signifies God's eternal existence. It indicates that God exists outside of time as we know it, reinforcing His infinite wisdom and power.
How does Job 36:26 relate to humility before God?
Job 36:26 encourages humility by reminding us that our knowledge of God is limited. Acknowledging this can help us approach God with reverence and a desire to deepen our relationship with Him.
What themes are present in Job 36:26?
Key themes in Job 36:26 include God's greatness, human limitation, the eternity of God, divine mystery, trust in God, and the importance of humility before Him.
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