Job 12:8
Job 12:8 in Multiple Translations
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
Or to the things which go flat on the earth, and they will give you wisdom; and the fishes of the sea will give you news of it.
ask the earth and it will teach you, and the fishes in the sea will tell you.
Or speake to the earth, and it shall shewe thee: or the fishes of the sea, and they shall declare vnto thee.
Or talk to the earth, and it sheweth thee, And fishes of the sea recount to thee:
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. The fish of the sea will declare to you.
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare to thee.
Speak to the earth, and it shall answer thee: and the fishes of the sea shall tell.
If you could ask the creatures that crawl on the ground, or the fish in the sea, they would tell you about God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 12:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
א֤וֹ
שִׂ֣יחַ
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
וְ/תֹרֶ֑/ךָּ
וִֽ/יסַפְּר֥וּ
לְ֝/ךָ֗
דְּגֵ֣י
הַ/יָּֽם
א֤וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
שִׂ֣יחַ
sîyach
H7878
to muse
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
וְ/תֹרֶ֑/ךָּ
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
וִֽ/יסַפְּר֥וּ
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לְ֝/ךָ֗
Prep | Suff
דְּגֵ֣י
dâg
H1709
fish
N-mp
הַ/יָּֽם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:8
א֤וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
שִׂ֣יחַ
sîyach
H7878
"to muse"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to think deeply about something, like a problem or an idea, and to talk to oneself or others about it, as seen in the book of Psalms where David ponders God's creation.
Definition: 1) to put forth, mediate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder, sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to complain 1a2) to muse, meditate upon, study, ponder 1a3) to talk, sing, speak 1b) (Polel) to meditate, consider, put forth thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with). See also: Judges 5:10; Psalms 119:15; Psalms 55:18.
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/תֹרֶ֑/ךָּ
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
וִֽ/יסַפְּר֥וּ
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
לְ֝/ךָ֗
""
Prep | Suff
דְּגֵ֣י
dâg
H1709
"fish"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means fish, often referring to a group of fish. It is used in various biblical stories, including those about Jesus and fishing.
Definition: fish
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 8:9; Zephaniah 1:10.
הַ/יָּֽם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
Study Notes — Job 12:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Job Presents His Case
6The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure— those who carry their god in their hands.
7But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.
8Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.
9Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 10The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.Job 12:8 Summary
This verse, Job 12:8, is saying that if we pay attention to the world around us, we can learn about God's wisdom and power. The earth and all its creatures have much to teach us, if we are willing to listen (as in Psalm 19:1-6). By observing and respecting the natural world, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and ways, and cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at His creation (as in Romans 1:20). This can help us to see God's handiwork in all things and to worship Him as the Creator of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'speak to the earth' in Job 12:8?
This phrase is a poetic way of saying that creation itself can teach us about God's wisdom and power, as seen in Psalm 19:1-6, where the heavens declare God's glory.
Can animals and the earth really teach us about God?
According to Job 12:7-8 and Psalm 104:1-35, yes, God's creation can instruct us about His character and ways, if we are willing to listen and observe.
Is this verse suggesting that we should worship the earth or animals?
No, the Bible is clear that we are to worship the Creator, not creation (Romans 1:25), but rather, we should recognize and respect the intrinsic value of the natural world as a reflection of God's wisdom and care (Job 12:9-10).
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of the world around us and to see God's handiwork in creation, just as it is written in Colossians 1:16-17, that all things were created by and for Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the natural world about God's character and ways?
- How can I cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's creation, and what role does this play in my spiritual growth?
- In what ways can I demonstrate respect and care for the earth and its creatures, as a reflection of my love for God?
- What are some ways that I can 'speak to the earth' and listen to its teachings, in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:8
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee,.... Or ask "a sprig of the earth" (n), any shrub, or tree, or whatsoever grows out of it, and they will all unite in this doctrine, that they are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:8
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Ask now the beasts ... and the fowls ... and the fish.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:8
Job 12:8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.Ver. 8. Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee] Teach thee? what? Surely many good lessons; as that of humility and modesty, considering our origin, Terra quam terimus docet terram quam gerimus; that of fruitfulness, while she liberally yields her riches and strength, and brings forth food for the maintenance of those innumerable armies of creatures that live upon her; but especially, and for the purpose, this the earth teacheth, that the tabernacles of robbers prosper, that oppressors swallow down most of her delicates, eat the fat and drink the sweet, ruffle in her silks, and rifle in her hidden treasures of gold and silver. And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee] These muti magistri silent teachers, have somewhat also to say to thee, and by a dumb kind of eloquence read thee a divinity lecture, while they are able to produce many such particular examples of violence in the seas; and will further declare (or cipher up unto thee) how oft they are served up to great men’ s tables, and do fill the fat paunches of oppressors. It is not unlikely that Job, in this frequent sending Zophar to school to the unreasonable and inanimate creatures, closely twitteth him with those quicker questions of his, Job 11:8, "What canst thou do? what canst thou know?" &c., giving him also to know that he need not travel as far as heaven or hell for instances of God’ s infinite power and wisdom, since we may contemplate the footsteps of God in each creature; and since he is so near unto us that he may be almost felt with our hands, as Paul speaketh (ψηλαφησειαν), Acts 17:27.
Cambridge Bible on Job 12:8
8. speak to the earth] The “earth” here includes all the forms of lower life with which it teems.
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:8
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee - Perhaps this appeal to the earth may mean, as Stuhlman supposes, that the same thing is shown in the productions of the earth, as in the case of fierce animals.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:8
8. Speak to the earth — That is, to “every creeping thing” (Genesis 1:30) which is on the earth. The division of animate creation is the same and in the same order as in Genesis 9:2. Beasts, birds, creeping things, fishes.