Job 42:2
What does Job 42:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Job 42:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Job 42:2 means
Job here acknowledges God’s absolute power and sovereignty. The phrase “all things” emphasizes the limitless scope of God’s capability, suggesting there is nothing He cannot achieve. The subsequent declaration, “no plan of yours can be thwarted,” reinforces this by highlighting God’s unchallengeable will and purpose. It speaks to divine omnipotence and a wisdom that ensures every divine intention will inevitably come to pass. This is a profound statement of faith in God’s ultimate control over all circumstances and events, recognizing His supreme authority over creation and human affairs. Job’s words reflect a deep understanding of God’s unyielding might.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I know that thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of thine can be restrained.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I know that thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of thine can be restrained.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I see that you are able to do every thing, and to give effect to all your designs.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou hast known that <FI>for<Fi> all things Thou art able, And not withheld from Thee is <FI>any<Fi> device:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I know that thou canst do all things, and no thought is hid from thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I know that thou canst do everything, and that thou canst be hindered in no thought of thine.
Context
This verse opens Job’s final response to God in chapter 42. It comes directly after the Lord’s powerful speeches from the whirlwind, which humbled Job and exposed his limited understanding. Job is speaking directly to God, expressing a renewed and deeper reverence. This confession of God’s omnipotence and the invincibility of His plans sets the stage for Job’s subsequent repentance and recantation of his earlier complaints, marking a turning point in the book where Job humbles himself before divine majesty.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 14:27
For Jehovah of hosts hath purposed, and who shall annul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
- Mark 10:27
Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God.
- John 2:24
But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,
- Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for Jehovah? At the set time I will return unto thee, when the season cometh round, and Sarah shall have a son.
- Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
- Daniel 4:35
and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
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