Job 26:10
Job 26:10 in Multiple Translations
He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.
He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
He hath described a boundary upon the face of the waters, Unto the confines of light and darkness.
By him a circle is marked out on the face of the waters, to the limits of the light and the dark.
On the surface of the waters he set a boundary; he set a limit dividing light from darkness.
He hath set bounds about the waters, vntil the day and night come to an ende.
A limit He hath placed on the waters, Unto the boundary of light with darkness.
He has described a boundary on the surface of the waters, and to the confines of light and darkness.
He hath encompassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
He hath set bounds about the waters, till light and darkness come to an end.
He separated the light from the darkness and put the horizon to mark the place where the night ends and the daytime begins.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 26:10
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 26:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֹֽק
חָ֭ג
עַל
פְּנֵי
מָ֑יִם
עַד
תַּכְלִ֖ית
א֣וֹר
עִם
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
חֹֽק
chôq
H2706
statute
N-ms
חָ֭ג
chûwg
H2328
to mark
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
תַּכְלִ֖ית
taklîyth
H8503
limit
N-fs
א֣וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 26:10
חֹֽק
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
חָ֭ג
chûwg
H2328
"to mark"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to draw a circle or go around something. It is used to describe a circular motion or shape. In the Bible, it is translated as 'compass' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to encircle, encompass, describe a circle, draw round, make a circle 1a) (Qal) to encircle, encompass
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: compass. See also: Job 26:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
תַּכְלִ֖ית
taklîyth
H8503
"limit"
N-fs
Means the end or completion of something, like the end of a task or a journey, implying a sense of finality or perfection. It is used in Psalm 119 to describe the completeness of Gods law.
Definition: 1) end, perfection, consummation, completion, completeness 1a) end 1b) completeness
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: end, perfect(-ion). See also: Nehemiah 3:21; Job 26:10; Psalms 139:22.
א֣וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Job 26:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 26:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 26:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 26:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 26:10
- Cambridge Bible on Job 26:10
- Barnes' Notes on Job 26:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:10
- Sermons on Job 26:10
Context — Job: Who Can Understand God’s Majesty?
8He wraps up the waters in His clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their own weight.
9He covers the face of the full moon, spreading over it His cloud.
10He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.
11The foundations of heaven quake, astounded at His rebuke. 12By His power He stirred the sea; by His understanding He shattered Rahab.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:29 | when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. |
| 2 | Job 38:8–11 | Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 5:22 | Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. |
| 4 | Psalms 33:7 | He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses. |
| 5 | Isaiah 54:9–10 | “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. |
| 6 | Psalms 104:6–9 | You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away— the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them— You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth. |
| 7 | Genesis 8:22 | As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.” |
Job 26:10 Summary
This verse is saying that God has set a clear boundary between the sky and the sea, and also between light and darkness. It's like He's drawn a line that the water can't cross, and this shows His power and control over the natural world. Just like God separated light from darkness in Genesis 1:4, He is still in control of the world today, and we can trust in His authority and power. By looking at the way God has ordered the natural world, we can see His majesty and greatness, and be reminded of His presence in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'horizon' in Job 26:10 represent?
The horizon in this verse represents the boundary between the sky and the sea, and also symbolizes the limits God has set for the natural world, as seen in Jeremiah 5:22 where it says, 'Do you not fear Me?' declares the Lord, 'Do you not tremble before Me, who have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass?'
How does this verse relate to the concept of light and darkness?
This verse highlights God's power in separating light and darkness, a theme also seen in Genesis 1:4 where God separates light from darkness, demonstrating His authority over creation and the natural order.
What does the phrase 'at the boundary between light and darkness' signify?
This phrase signifies the separation between day and night, and also symbolizes the spiritual separation between good and evil, as seen in Isaiah 5:20 where it warns against calling evil good and good evil.
How does this verse demonstrate God's power and control over nature?
This verse demonstrates God's power and control by showing how He has set boundaries for the natural world, such as the horizon, and exercises authority over the separation of light and darkness, as also seen in Psalm 104:9 where it says, 'You set a boundary they cannot cross, so that they might not again cover the earth.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can see God's power and control in the natural world around me?
- How does the concept of boundaries in this verse apply to my own life and the limits God has set for me?
- In what ways can I trust in God's authority and control, especially when faced with uncertainty or darkness?
- How can I reflect on the spiritual significance of light and darkness in my own life, and seek to walk in the light of God's presence?
Gill's Exposition on Job 26:10
He hath compassed the waters with bounds,.... Not the waters above the firmament, compassed by that, as if Job was contemplating on and discoursing about what is done in the heavens above; though the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:10
Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 26:10
The waters, to wit, of the sea; for of the upper waters coming out of the clouds he spoke before. With bounds; which are partly the rocks and shores, and principally God’ s appointment, made at the first creation, and renewed after the deluge, ,15, that the waters should not overwhelm the earth: see ,10,11 Psa 104:3 . Until the day and night come to an end, i.e. unto the end of the world, for so long these vicissitudes of day and night are to continue, 9:9 31:35,36.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:10
Job 26:10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.Ver. 10. He hath compassed the waters with bounds] Decreto circinavit superficiem aquarum (Tremel.). He hath as it were with a pair of compasses drawn a circle about the sea, that it may not pass to drown the earth. Confer Job 38:8; Job 38:10-11; Psalms 33:7; Psalms 89:10; Psalms 104:9; Proverbs 8:29. So he drew a circle round about the earth, Proverbs 8:27, doing all with infinite wisdom, Pondere, mensura, numero, &c. He foundeth the earth not upon solid rocks, but fluid waters. And that it floateth not upon them, nor is shaken with them (as oft as there is a tempest in the ocean that begirteth it), neither yet is overflowed by them, this is the wonderful work of God. Aristotle in his book De Mirabilibus admireth it, and acknowledgeth God’ s providence, which elsewhere he denieth. Terminum aquis prescripsit, saith Job here. And this either he had from Moses, Genesis 1:10, or, if he lived before Moses, as it is most likely he did, he had it, as he had many other things, by tradition from the fathers.
Sailors tell us, that as they draw nigh to the shore, when they enter into a haven, they run as it were downhill. And yet men are said to go down (not up) to the sea in ships, Psalms 107:23. See a reason hereof in this text and Psalms 104:26. An vero non stupendum est? saith Lavater. But is it not a wonderful thing that so fierce an element, so huge a mass of waters, tossed by the winds, should be bounded and bridled by sands, confined and kept within their prescribed place and shore? Especially if the water be (as some affirm) ten times larger than the earth, the air than the water, the fire than the air. Until the day and night come to an end] Heb. Until the consummation of light with darkness; that is, till time shall be no more, till the end of the world, when all things shall be let loose to devastation, and the sea shall overflow the land again, as that then it shall, some would gather from this text.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:10
(10) He hath compassed the waters with bounds.—Rather, He hath described a circle upon the face of the waters, unto the confines of light and darkness. The phenomenon described is that of the horizon at sea, which is a perfect circle, and which is the limit apparently of light, and beyond which is darkness, for all is invisible.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 26:10
Verse 10. He hath compassed the waters with bounds] Perhaps this refers merely to the circle of the horizon, the line that terminates light and commences darkness, called here עד תכלית אור עם חשך ad tachlith or im chosech, "until the completion of light with darkness." Or, if we take תכלית tachlith here to be the same with תכלת techeleth, Exodus 25:4, and elsewhere, which we translate blue, it may mean that sombre sky-blue appearance of the horizon at the time of twilight, i.e., between light and darkness; the line where the one is terminating and the other commencing. Or, He so circumscribes the waters, retaining them in their own place, that they shall not be able to overflow the earth until day and night, that is, time itself, come to an end.
Cambridge Bible on Job 26:10
10. The verse reads, He hath drawn as a circle a bound upon the face of the waters, At the confines of light and darkness. The second clause is literally; even to the confines of light with (or, by) darkness, i. e. as far as where the utmost bound of light borders with darkness. The idea seems to be this: around the surface of the earth flows the ocean (“the face of the waters”); upon this like a circle all around the earth the arch of heaven comes down; all within this bound is light, for the sun rises on one side of it and goes down at the other; beyond this circle lies the utter darkness. Comp. ch. Job 38:19 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Job 26:10
He hath compassed the waters with bounds - The word rendered “compassed” (חוּג chûg), means to describe a circle - to mark out with a compass; and the reference is to the form of the horizon, which
Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:10
10. He hath compassed the waters with bounds — The Syriac gives a satisfactory rendering of this difficult passage thus, He hath described a circle on the face of the waters.
Sermons on Job 26:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Job 38-42 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the variety and intricacy of God's creation, using the example of snowflakes. He mentions how Job, in the Bible, recognized the uniqueness of |
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When Compassion Offends God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the divine order and clockwork of the universe. He emphasizes that despite our discussions and disputes about what is right and wrong, the |
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God's Goal for You by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with God's love. He highlights the historical context of slavery and how some individuals would willi |
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Harmony of the Universe by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches about the divine order and harmony established by God in the heavens, the earth, and all of creation. He emphasizes how everything in the universe, from th |
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Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r |
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The Power of His Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revelation of God's presence in our lives. She highlights the importance of being honest before God and allowing Him to revea |
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Homily 9 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral st |