Rhetorical Question in the Bible

Where are you?

God's question exposes Adam's fallen condition rather than seeking unknown information.

Where is Abel your brother?

The question confronts Cain and exposes guilt.

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

The question humbles Job by contrasting human limitation with divine wisdom.

What is man that you are mindful of him?

The question magnifies divine grace toward frail humanity.

What more was there to do for my vineyard?

The question vindicates God's justice against Israel's unfruitfulness.

Who has measured the waters...?

The questions exalt God's incomparability and sovereignty.

O my people, what have I done to you?

The covenant lawsuit uses questions to expose Israel's ingratitude.

Do people gather grapes from thornbushes?

The question teaches discernment by an obvious implied answer.

What will it profit a man...?

The question forces the hearer to weigh the soul against the whole world.

What do you think about the Christ?

Jesus' question draws out messianic reasoning and exposes inadequate assumptions.

Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?

The question rebukes profession without obedience.

Shall we continue in sin?

Paul uses a question and emphatic rejection to refute antinomian inference.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

The question asserts the invincible security of God's saving purpose.

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?

Paul argues for ministerial support through common-sense questions.

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

The question warns by implying there is no escape from neglecting the gospel.