Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

JOB 36:5KJV
Know the Bible

Job 36:5 (KJV)

What does Job 36:5 mean?

Job 36:5 says that God is powerful and does not look down on anyone; He is strong both in ability and in understanding. The verse highlights that God’s greatness includes both might and a fair, wise attitude toward all people.

In this part of the book, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, explaining what he believes about God’s character. Elihu wants them to see that God’s power does not make Him harsh or dismissive; instead, God’s strength is joined with wisdom and respect for every person, no matter their status or situation.

The Hebrew behind Job 36:5

  • God (אֵל, 'el): This word for God emphasizes His strength and might, reminding the listener of God’s power in contrast to human weakness.
  • Mighty (כַּבִּיר, kabir): This word means strong or powerful, and it is used twice in this verse to stress God’s overwhelming strength.
  • Despiseth (מָאַס, ma'as): This verb means to reject or look down on. The verse says God does not do this to anyone, highlighting His fairness and care for all.
  • Strength (כֹּחַ, koach): This word refers to physical or moral power, underlining that God’s might is real and active.
  • Wisdom (לֵב, lev): Literally “heart,” this word is often used for understanding or wisdom in Hebrew, showing that God’s strength is guided by deep insight.

Why Job 36:5 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that God’s greatness makes Him distant or uncaring; instead, it shows that God’s power is matched by His attention to every individual.
  • Elihu’s words set up a key theme in the book: God’s justice and wisdom are not separated from His might, which is important for understanding the later speeches from God Himself.
  • The verse encourages readers to see that God’s strength does not mean He is unfair or harsh, but rather that He combines power with wisdom and respect for all.

Where else these words appear

“mighty” Hebrew H3524 · used in 10 verses

  • Job 8:2 How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?
  • Job 34:17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
  • Isaiah 16:14 But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.

“despiseth” Hebrew H3988 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Isaiah 41:9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

“strength” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.