Bible Verse Commentary: Job 25:4

Job 25:4 poses a profound question regarding the nature of humanity in contrast to divine majesty. In the verse, Bildad the Shuhite speaks, presenting his views on the relationship between God and man.

Verse Text

"How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?" (Job 25:4, KJV)

Understanding Scripture

This verse brings forth a deep inquiry into the state of humanity and its standing before God. Highlighted here are the themes of:

• Divine Justice: The question directly addresses the impossibility of man achieving righteousness before an infinitely holy God.
• The Nature of Humanity: The mention of man being 'born of a woman' emphasizes human frailty and sinfulness.

Bible Verse Interpretations

Commentaries provide valuable insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry: Henry underscores the inevitable distance between God’s purity and human sinfulness, asserting that it is only through divine grace that one may stand justified.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes expounds the idea that no mere human can be clean or righteous without God’s intervention, illustrating the necessity of acknowledging our sin before God.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses the theological ramifications of sin and the inherent inability of man to attain justification through works, reinforcing the necessity for divine mercy.

Bible Study Insights

This verse challenges readers to reflect on:

• What it means to be justified before God.
• The implications of human sinfulness and the need for redemption.
• The nature of divine grace and how it reaches a fallen world.

In-depth Bible Verse Analysis

In analyzing Job 25:4, we can observe several key themes:

• Sin and Justification: The question posed by Bildad reflects a common theme throughout Scripture regarding the struggle between human limitations and divine holiness. Job is in a contention about his righteousness, and this question serves as a counterpoint to his assertions.
• Human Condition: The verse acknowledges humans' earthly lineage, emphasizing that all are born into sin and therefore, in need of a savior.

Cross References

This verse relates closely to several passages, enriching its understanding:

• Romans 3:10-12: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one..."
• Isaiah 64:6: "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..."
• John 3:6: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

Conclusion

Job 25:4 serves as both a profound theological inquiry and a reminder of human limitation. It beckons us to understand the deeper significance of divine grace and the necessity for Christ's redemption in the lives of humanity.