Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.

JOB 36:25KJV
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Job 36:25 (KJV)

What does Job 36:25 mean?

Job 36:25 says that everyone can see what God does; people are able to notice His works even from a distance. The verse emphasizes that God’s actions are visible and recognizable to all people, not hidden or secret.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, pointing out how God’s greatness is displayed openly in the world. Elihu’s point is that God’s works are so impressive and clear that anyone, no matter where they are, can observe them and be aware of His power.

The Hebrew behind Job 36:25

  • The first "man" is אָדָם (’adam), meaning humankind in a general sense, highlighting that this is true for all people.
  • The word "see" is חָזָה (chazah), which often means to look at something with attention or to perceive, suggesting that God’s works are not just visible but noticeable.
  • The second "man" is אֱנוֹשׁ (’enosh), a word that sometimes emphasizes human frailty or mortality, perhaps reminding the listener that even weak or ordinary people can perceive God’s actions.
  • "Behold" is נָבַט (nabat), which means to look at or regard, often with intent or consideration, stressing that people can thoughtfully observe God’s works.
  • "Afar off" is רָחוֹק (rachok), meaning from a distance, showing that even those far away or removed from the immediate situation can still recognize what God has done.

Why Job 36:25 matters

  • Job 36:25 clears up any idea that God’s actions are hidden or only for a select few; Elihu insists that God’s works are visible to everyone.
  • The verse connects to Elihu’s larger argument that God’s greatness is evident in creation and history, so people should recognize and respect Him.
  • By using two different Hebrew words for "man," the verse subtly reminds the reader that both humanity as a whole and each individual, no matter how frail, can perceive God’s deeds.

Where else these words appear

“see” Hebrew H2372 · used in 47 verses

  • Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
  • Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
  • Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

“behold” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
  • Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

“off” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:36 If they sin against thee,(for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;
  • Isaiah 37:26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.