[42:3] 1 tn The expression “you asked” is added here to clarify the presence of the line to follow. Many commentators delete it as a gloss from Job 38:2. If it is retained, then Job has to be recalling God’s question before he answers it.
[42:3] 2 tn The word לָכֵן (lakhen) is simply “but,” as in Job 31:37.
[42:3] 3 tn Heb “and I do not understand.” The expression serves here in an adverbial capacity. It also could be subordinated as a complement: “I have declared [things that] I do not understand.”
[42:3] 4 tn The last clause is “and I do not know.” This is also subordinated to become a dependent clause.
