Job 37:7
Job 37:7 in Multiple Translations
He seals up the hand of every man, so that all men may know His work.
He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
He sealeth up the hand of every man, That all men whom he hath made may know it.
He puts an end to the work of every man, so that all may see his work.
By this he stops people working so that everyone can understand what he does.
With the force thereof he shutteth vp euery man, that all men may knowe his worke.
Into the hand of every man he sealeth, For the knowledge by all men of His work.
He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
He sealeth up the hand of all men, that every one may know his works.
And when God does that, it prevents people [SYN] from working, in order that all people may know that he is the one who has done that (OR, what he can do).
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 37:7
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 37:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/יַד
כָּל
אָדָ֥ם
יַחְתּ֑וֹם
לָ֝/דַ֗עַת
כָּל
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
מַעֲשֵֽׂ/הוּ
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
יַחְתּ֑וֹם
châtham
H2856
to seal
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ֝/דַ֗עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מַעֲשֵֽׂ/הוּ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 37:7
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יַחְתּ֑וֹם
châtham
H2856
"to seal"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To seal means to close or lock something, like a document or container. This word is used in the Bible to describe marking or sealing something, often with a signet ring.
Definition: 1) to seal, seal up, affix a seal 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seal, affix one's seal 1a2) to seal up, fasten up by sealing 1b) (Niphal) to seal 1c) (Piel) to lock up 1d) (Hiphil) to be stopped Aramaic equivalent: cha.tam (חֲתַם "to seal" H2857)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: make an end, mark, seal (up), stop. See also: Leviticus 15:3; Job 37:7; Isaiah 8:16.
לָ֝/דַ֗עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מַעֲשֵֽׂ/הוּ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
Study Notes — Job 37:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 37:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 37:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 37:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 37:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:7
- Sermons on Job 37:7
Context — Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
5God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend.
6For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’
7He seals up the hand of every man, so that all men may know His work.
8The wild animals enter their lairs; they settle down in their dens. 9The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 111:2 | Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. |
| 2 | Psalms 109:27 | Let them know that this is Your hand, that You, O LORD, have done it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:11 | O LORD, Your hand is upraised, but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame. The fire set for Your enemies will consume them! |
| 4 | Psalms 92:4 | For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands. |
| 5 | Job 9:7 | He commands the sun not to shine; He seals off the stars. |
| 6 | Job 5:12 | He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. |
| 7 | Isaiah 5:12 | At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 8:17 | I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend. |
| 9 | Job 36:24 | Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song. |
| 10 | Job 12:14 | What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released. |
Job 37:7 Summary
This verse means that God is in control of everything, even the things we do with our own hands. He can stop us or guide us to do things that will help us know Him better, like a parent guiding a child's hands to learn a new skill (as in Psalm 32:8-9). God's control is not meant to limit us, but to help us see His power and wisdom at work in our lives. By trusting in His sovereignty, we can learn to trust Him more and more, even when we don't understand what's happening (as in Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'seal up the hand of every man' in Job 37:7?
This phrase suggests that God is in control of human actions and decisions, limiting or guiding them to achieve His purposes, as seen in Psalm 37:23-24, where it says 'The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him'
How can we know God's work in our lives according to Job 37:7?
We can know God's work in our lives by being attentive to His guidance and provision, and by trusting in His sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding'
Is God's control over human actions contradictory to human free will?
The Bible teaches that God's sovereignty and human free will are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they work together in a mysterious and complex way, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Jeremiah 10:23, which describe human freedom and God's control
What is the purpose of God's limitation on human actions in Job 37:7?
The purpose is so that all men may know His work, which means that God's limitations on human actions serve to reveal His power, wisdom, and glory, as stated in Isaiah 46:10, which says 'My counsel will stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I experienced God's guidance or limitation in my life, and how have I responded to it?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and control over my life and circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my will to God's, and how can I practically do that?
- In what ways can I partner with God to accomplish His purposes in my life and in the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 37:7
He sealeth up the hand of every man,.... That is, by deep snows and heavy rains being on the earth; where, as travellers are stopped in their journeys, and cannot proceed, so various artificers are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:7
He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. In winter God stops man's out-of-doors activity. Sealeth - closeth up (Job 9:7). Man's "hands" are then tied up.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:7
By these great snows and rains he drives men out of the fields, and seals or binds tap their hands from all that work, and drives them home to their houses, and in a manner shuts them up there. See . Or, by his hand or power (i.e. by those powerful works of his hand here mentioned) he sealeth, or shutteth up, or keepeth close every man, to wit, in his house, as the beasts in their dens, . That all men may know his work; that men being hindered from action and their own work, and so being idle and at perfect leisure, may fall to a serious contemplation of these and other great and glorious works of God. Or, that he (i.e. every man, as was now expressed) may know (or inquire into, or take an account of) all his workmen; for which the proper season is when they are all hindered from their work, and brought together into the house.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:7
Job 37:7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.Ver. 7. He sealeth up the hand of every man] i.e. He, by his great showers, sendeth men home for shelter, glad to intermit their work till better weather. See Exodus 9:19. The Hebrews call rain Sagrir, Proverbs 27:15, from shutting up; because it keeps men at home, from travelling or working abroad. Chiromancy finds here no footing, whatever some have doted; as if God had set certain signs and notes in men’ s hands of what should hereafter befall them, and this text is alleged for proof; but absurdly (Vide Joan de Indeg.). That all men may know his work] i.e. That they may take notice of God’ s handiwork in ordering the seasons; and have time to think on their domestic affairs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:7
Verse 7. He sealeth up the hand of every man] After all that has been said, and much of it most learnedly, on this verse, I think that the act of freezing is probably intended; that when the earth is bound up by intense frost, the hand, yad, labour, of every man is sealed up; he can do no more labour in the field, till the south wind blow, by which a thaw takes place. While the earth is in this state of rigidity, the beasts go into their dens, and remain in their places, Job 37:8, some of them sleeping out the winter in a state of torpor, and others of them feeding on the stores which they had collected in autumn. However, the passage may mean no more than by the severity of the rains beasts are drawn to their covers; and man is obliged to intermit all his labours. The mighty rains are past. Who would have thought that on this verse, as its Scriptural foundation, the doctrine of chiromancy is built! God has so marked the hand of every man by the lines thereon exhibited, that they tell all the good or bad fortune they shall have during life; and he has done this that all men, by a judicious examination of their hands, may know his work! On this John Taisnier, a famous mathematician, lawyer, musician, and poet laureate of Cologne, has written a large folio volume, with more hands in it than fell to the lot of Briareus:-printed at Cologne, 1683.
Cambridge Bible on Job 37:7
7. He sealdh up the hand] Effect of the winter rains and snow on men: all labour in the field is suspended; the hand of man is as it were “sealed up.” that all men may know his work] The Heb. must be rendered: that all men whom he hath made may know, lit. all men of his workmanship. The meaning is, that men by their enforced inactivity through His operations in nature may know His sovereign power and that they are subject to it. The sense given by the A. V. is that of some of the ancient Versions, but implies a different reading.
Barnes' Notes on Job 37:7
He sealeth up the hand of every man - That is, in the winter, when the snow is on the ground, when the streams are frozen, and when the labors of the husbandman cease.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:7
7. Sealeth up — That is, through storms and cold. He compels men to cease from rural labours, that they who are his work (literally, all men of his work) may be led to reflect upon Him and his ways,
Sermons on Job 37:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Wonderful Works of God by William Fitch | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the works of the Lord as described in the book of Psalms. The speaker emphasizes God's greatness, honor, and compassion towards his |
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Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker marvels at the intricate design of the human body and the wonders of God's creation. He expresses gratitude for the gift of eyesight and emphasizes the |
|
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Wonders of God-01 in Creation by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the wonders of God in creation, specifically focusing on the human body. He highlights how the human body is often referred to as |
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Creation Versus Evolution by E.W. Bullinger | E.W. Bullinger emphasizes in The Companion Bible the direct acts and volitions of God as the Creator in Genesis 1:1-2:3, highlighting the perfection, goodness, and wondrous nature |
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God's Approbation of His Works by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes God's approval of His creation, stating that everything He made was 'very good.' He reflects on the perfection of the original creation, where all elements w |
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The Shewing Is Not Other Than of Faith, nor Less nor More by Julian of Norwich | Julian of Norwich preaches about the profound revelation of God's greatness and Mary's humility in His presence, leading to a deep sense of meekness and grace. She describes a vivi |
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Oh, Why Me, the Chief of Sinners by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about the infinite grace of God and the joy of experiencing His wisdom and prudence in salvation, leading to eternal adoration of His glory. She acknowledges t |