Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

JOB 38:36KJV
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Job 38:36 (KJV)

What does Job 38:36 mean?

Job 38:36 asks who is responsible for placing wisdom and understanding deep within a person, suggesting that these inner qualities come from a source beyond human ability. The verse points to God as the one who gives people the capacity for wisdom and understanding in their innermost being.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Job out of a storm, challenging Job’s understanding of the world and questioning his ability to explain deep mysteries. The focus is on the fact that only God can give true wisdom and insight, especially the kind that is hidden in the “inward parts” or the “heart,” which in ancient thought referred to the center of thought and feeling.

The Hebrew behind Job 38:36

  • חָכְמָה (ḥokhmah, “wisdom”): This word means skill, wisdom, or practical understanding. In this verse, it emphasizes that wisdom is not just knowledge but a deep, God-given ability to understand.
  • טֻחוֹת (tuḥot, “inward parts”): This word refers to the hidden or secret parts inside a person, often thought of as the seat of thought or emotion. The verse highlights that wisdom is placed deep within, not just on the surface.
  • בִּינָה (binah, “understanding”): This word means discernment or insight. It points to the ability to see things clearly and make wise decisions, again stressing that this comes from God.
  • שָׂכְוִי (saḵwi, “heart”): This word is rare and can mean “heart” or “mind,” the place of understanding. The verse uses it to show that true understanding is an inner gift from God.

Why Job 38:36 matters

  • Job 38:36 reminds the reader that wisdom and understanding are not simply learned or acquired by effort, but are ultimately gifts from God.
  • The verse challenges any assumption that humans can fully grasp the mysteries of life or the world on their own, highlighting human limits compared to God’s wisdom.
  • In the context of God’s speech to Job, this question underscores the theme that God alone is the source of all true insight, setting the stage for Job’s humble response later in the book.

Where else these words appear

“parts” Hebrew H2910 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

“understanding” Hebrew H998 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
  • Job 39:26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

“put” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

“wisdom” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
  • Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.