Meaning, commentary and cross references
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
NIV · New International Version
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
WEB · World English Bible
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
What does Job 42:2 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Job 42:2
I know that thou canst do every thing,.... As the works of creation, and the sustentation of them, show; so the Targum, "thou sustainest all things,'' and can manage, every creature made by him, even such as were not tractable by men, such as behemoth and leviathan, the creatures last instanced in; and was able to abase and bring low the proud, which Job could not do; and could also save him by his right hand, and bring him out of his low estate in which he was, and raise him to great prosperity again, which Job always despaired of till now; and though he had a theoretical knowledge of the omnipotence of God before, see Job 9:4; yet not a practical experimental knowledge of it; at least not…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Job 42:1–6
"Thou canst do every thing, and therefore canst raise me out of this low condition, which I have so often foolishly despaired of as impossible: I now believe thou art able to do this." 2. That no thought can be withholden from him, that is, (1.) There is no thought of ours that he can be hindered from the knowledge of. Not a fretful, discontented, unbelieving thought is in our minds at any time but God is a witness to it.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Job 42:1–5 (WEB)
1Then Job answered the LORD: 2“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained. 3You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I didn’t understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know. 4You said, ‘Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.’ 5I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
Cross references
- Matthew 19:26
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
- Mark 10:27
Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”
- Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”
- Hebrews 4:12–13
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you.
- Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.
- Ephesians 1:11
We were also assigned an inheritance in him, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will,
- Proverbs 19:21
There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.