Mystery of Wisdom and Understanding in Job 38:36

One verse in today’s reading stood out to me: Job 38:36, which says, “Who gives intuition to the heart, and instinct to the mind?” This made me pause and reflect on how different cultures describe where emotions or insights originate in the body. It’s something we rarely think about, yet it’s woven into so much of our everyday language—phrases like “gut instinct,” “the heart of the matter,” or “know by heart.”

Exploring Translations

As I read, I was curious about how this verse might appear in other translations, knowing that each one chooses slightly different words to convey the original meaning. I’m currently reading the NLT (New Living Translation), which is where the wording above comes from.

NIV (New International Version)
Who gives the ibis wisdom or gives the rooster understanding?

ESV (English Standard Version)
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?

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

CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Who put wisdom in the heart or gave the mind understanding?

NET Bible (New English Translation)
Who has put wisdom in the heart, or has imparted understanding to the mind?

Interlinear
Who has put in the mind wisdom Or who has given to the heart understanding?

Small Changes, Big Impacts

It’s fascinating how small changes in phrasing can shape how we understand a passage. For this verse, the words that seem most worth exploring are wisdom (Hebrew: chokmah) and understanding (Hebrew: binah).

The Art and Depth of Wisdom (Chokmah)

In the Hebrew Bible, chokmah refers to wisdom, skill, or expertise—qualities that bridge practical abilities and moral insight. It’s often described as both a divine attribute and a gift from God, essential for living righteously and aligning with His will. What stands out to me is that chokmah isn’t limited to intellectual knowledge. Instead, it’s about applying knowledge in ways that reflect godly principles, whether in daily decisions or in navigating life’s complexities. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, portrays wisdom as something that shapes not just personal conduct but also justice and leadership. It seems to me that seeking chokmah was a deeply spiritual act, involving prayer, study, and an openness to divine guidance.

Unraveling the Layers of Understanding (Binah)

The word binah carries a sense of insight and discernment—of perceiving beyond surface-level knowledge to grasp deeper meanings. In wisdom literature, binah complements chokmah, emphasizing a moral and spiritual dimension. It’s not just about comprehension but about understanding in ways that inform righteous decisions and actions. What I find interesting is how closely binah is tied to leadership and governance in ancient Israel. To pursue binah was to seek alignment with God’s wisdom, a journey that involved shaping one’s life according to His purposes. It also played a central role in moral instruction, both individually and within the broader community.

Embracing Mystery and Curiosity

Job 38:36 is one of many rhetorical questions in this chapter that highlights the complexity and mystery of the natural world. It’s a prompt to consider how much there is that we do not fully understand, encouraging humility and curiosity about the forces and processes that shape existence. This verse invites us to step back and appreciate the vastness of what we have yet to explore or comprehend.