Understanding Job 26:14

Job 26:14 (KJV): "Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?"

Summary of Meaning

This verse occurs within a discourse by Job, reflecting on the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's creation and power. Job emphasizes that while humanity has glimpsed aspects of God’s majesty through creation, they have merely tasted a small part of His true greatness. The rhetorical questions posed highlight that God's power and understanding are beyond human capability to fully comprehend.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: He notes that Job acknowledges the grandeur of God’s creation, emphasizing that the natural world reveals divine attributes. The “little portion” indicates human limitations in grasping God's entire nature.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes discusses the theme of divine sovereignty and wisdom. He suggests that the “thunder of his power” implies that God’s actions speak loudly, yet are often beyond human understanding, encouraging humility in the face of divine mystery.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets the verse as a reflection on God’s majestic governance over the cosmos. He stresses the significance of recognizing our limited perspective compared to the boundless wisdom of God.

Bible Verse Cross-References

This verse provides an opportunity to explore connections between Bible verses as it touches on themes like divine majesty and human limitations. Here are some related Bible verses:

• Job 11:7-9: "Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?" - Emphasizing the difficulty of fully understanding God.
• Psalm 139:6: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it." - Reflects on the limitations of human understanding.
• Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." - God’s ways are beyond human reasoning.
• Romans 11:33: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" - Acknowledging the profound mystery of God's wisdom.
• Proverbs 25:2: "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter." - God’s concealed wisdom and human pursuit of understanding.
• Psalm 77:19: "Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known." - The mystery and unfathomable paths of God.
• Ecclesiastes 3:11: "He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." - The incomprehensibility of God's plans.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Job 26:14 is rich with thematic connections that underline the nature of divine wisdom and power:

• Creation and Majesty: Connecting Genesis 1:1, which speaks of God’s creation of the heavens and the earth, showcases His immense power.
• God’s Sovereignty: Relating to Daniel 4:35, where it denotes God's control over earthly affairs and kingdoms.
• Human Limitations: Referencing Isaiah 40:28 where the eternal nature of God is contrasted with human frailty.
• Divine Revelation: Linking the verse to John 1:18, which discusses the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, further implying that humans can only understand aspects of God revealed to them.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To facilitate a deeper understanding of interconnections within Scripture, consider utilizing some of the following resources:

• Bible Concordance: A compilation that helps locate words and their occurrences throughout the Bible.
• Cross-reference Bible Study Guides: Resources that provide thematic groupings and link different scriptures.
• Cross-reference System: Systems available in various Bibles that indicate where verses relate to each other.
• Bible Chain References: These connect verses in a thematic manner, allowing for exploration of related topics.

Conclusion

Job 26:14 serves as a profound reminder of the vastness of God’s nature, encouraging humility and awe. The exploration of biblical cross-references illuminates thematic connections that deepen understanding of divine mysteries shared throughout the Scriptures.