Job 38:10
Job 38:10 in Multiple Translations
when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors,
And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,
And marked out for it my bound, And set bars and doors,
Ordering a fixed limit for it, with locks and doors;
I set its limits, marking its borders.
When I stablished my commandement vpon it, and set barres and doores,
And I measure over it My statute, And place bar and doors,
marked out for it my bound, set bars and doors,
And broke up for it my decreed place , and set bars and doors,
I set my bounds around it, and made it bars and doors:
I set limits for the seas, and I put barriers so that the water would not come over the land.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:10
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 38:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶשְׁבֹּ֣ר
עָלָ֣י/ו
חֻקִּ֑/י
וָֽ֝/אָשִׂ֗ים
בְּרִ֣יחַ
וּ/דְלָתָֽיִם
וָ/אֶשְׁבֹּ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
חֻקִּ֑/י
chôq
H2706
statute
N-ms | Suff
וָֽ֝/אָשִׂ֗ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
בְּרִ֣יחַ
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
N-ms
וּ/דְלָתָֽיִם
deleth
H1817
door
Conj | N-fd
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:10
וָ/אֶשְׁבֹּ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
חֻקִּ֑/י
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וָֽ֝/אָשִׂ֗ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בְּרִ֣יחַ
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
N-ms
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
וּ/דְלָתָֽיִם
deleth
H1817
"door"
Conj | N-fd
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
Study Notes — Job 38:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:10
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:10
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:10
- Sermons on Job 38:10
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
8Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb,
9when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,
10when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors,
11and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? 12In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 104:9 | You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth. |
| 3 | Psalms 33:7 | He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses. |
| 4 | Job 26:10 | He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. |
| 5 | Genesis 9:15 | I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. |
| 6 | Genesis 1:9–10 | And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. |
Job 38:10 Summary
In Job 38:10, God describes how He set boundaries for the oceans and established controls to keep them in place. This shows us that God is all-powerful and in control of every aspect of creation, from the smallest details to the mightiest forces of nature (as seen in Psalm 104:9). Just like the oceans have limits, our lives also have boundaries and guidelines that God has established for our good, as described in Jeremiah 29:11. By recognizing and respecting these boundaries, we can find peace and trust in God's sovereign plan for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'fix its boundaries' in Job 38:10?
This phrase refers to God's sovereign control over the oceans, setting limits on their power and scope, much like He does with all aspects of creation, as seen in Jeremiah 5:22 and Psalm 104:9.
What are the 'bars and doors' mentioned in this verse?
These terms symbolize the boundaries and restraints God has placed on the sea, emphasizing His power and authority over the natural world, as also described in Proverbs 8:29.
How does this verse relate to God's overall creation plan?
This verse highlights God's intentional design and control in creation, demonstrating His wisdom and majesty, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Job and the Bible, such as in Psalm 19:1 and Isaiah 40:28.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
This verse reveals God's omnipotence, wisdom, and attention to detail, underscoring His role as the all-powerful Creator, as also seen in Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 4:11.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I see God's boundaries and limitations in my own life, and how do I respond to them?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty over creation impact my trust in Him during difficult times?
- What are some ways I can reflect on and appreciate God's power and wisdom in the natural world around me?
- How can I apply the principle of God's intentional design in my own life and decisions, seeking to align with His plan?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:10
And brake up for it my decreed [place],.... Or, as Mr. Broughton translates it, "and brake the earth for it by my decree": made a vast chasm in the earth to hold the waters of the sea, which was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:10
And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, Brake up for - i:e., appointed it. Shores are generally broken and abrupt cliffs. The Greek [aktee, from agnumi] for shore means a broken place.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:10
Brake up for it my decreed place, i.e. made those valleys, or channels, and hollow places in the earth, which might serve for a cradle to receive and hold this great and goodly infant when it came out of the womb. See ,10 Psalms 33:7. Or, ordained or established my decree upon or concerning it. Set bars and doors, i.e. fixed its bounds as strongly as if they were fortified with bars and doors.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:10
Job 38:10 And brake up for it my decreed [place], and set bars and doors,Ver. 10. And brake up for it my decreed place] That great house in the hollows of the earth, Job 38:8, gathering it together by a perpetual and powerful decree, into that place and pit. Tremellius renderetb it, Quum diffregi pro eo terram decreto meo, When I brake up for it the earth by my decree. Others, And laid upon it nay statute; for shabhar signifieth also statuere, decernere, say they; but that is more than I know. And set bars and doors] Vectes et valvas. See Job 38:8. This is a work of God’ s great power; and is therefore much instanced and insisted upon in Scripture, Psalms 109:1-31 Jeremiah 5:22, &c. God could have put many other hard questions to Job about the sea; as, why it swelleth not by the inflowing of so many great rivers? why the waters of it are so salt? whence it is that it so ebbeth and floweth? &c. Aristotle showeth himself no very wise man in answering these questions; whom yet Averroes so madly admireth, that he saith there is no error at all to be found in him; and that his doctrine is the chiefest truth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:10
(10) And brake up for it my decreed place.—Rather, And prescribed for it my decree: that is to say, determined the boundaries of its abode. When we bear in mind the vast forces and unstable nature of the sea, it seems a marvel that it acknowledges any limits, and is held in restraint by them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:10
Verse 10. And brake up for it my decreed place] This refers to the decree, Genesis 1:9: "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place." And set bars and doors] And let the dry land appear. This formed the bars and doors of the sea; the land being everywhere a barrier against the encroachments and inundations of the sea; and great rivers, bays, creeks, &c., the doors by which it passes into the interior of continents, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:10
10. brake up for it my decreed place] Rather, and brake for it my bound, i. e. set it my appointed boundary. The expression “brake” may refer to the deep and abrupt precipices which mark the coast line in many places. The figures in these verses are very splendid. First, the ocean is represented as an infant giant, breaking forth from the womb. (It is not necessary perhaps to ask whether the interior of the earth be thought of as the “womb” of the ocean, or whether “womb” merely belongs to the figure of the ocean’s birth.) Then the infant ocean was swathed in clouds and thick clouds were its swaddling bands. Finally the new-born monster must be tamed by almighty power, and an impassable bound set to its proud fury.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:10
And brake up for it my decreed place - Margin, “established my decree upon it.” So Herder, “I fixed my decrees upon it.” Luther renders it, “Da ich ihm den Lauf brach mit meinem Damm” - “then I broke
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:10
10. Brake up… decreed place — Rather, And broke over it my decree. The tumultuous violence of the ocean is still in the poet’s mind — its struggles were Titanic as it came into contact with the divine law.
Sermons on Job 38:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes by John Wesley | John Wesley addresses the terrifying reality of earthquakes as divine judgments from God, emphasizing that they serve as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. |
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The Wisdom of Men and the Power of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the apostle Paul's experience and language, standing in weakness, fear, and trembling, and the common ministers of the gospel who r |
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Darkness Has Crossed a Line by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the belief in a forthcoming spiritual awakening in New York City, not due to human efforts but because darkness has crossed a line, challenging the authority |
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(Genesis #9) God in Covenant by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to communicate His word to us and desires our comfort and service. The preacher highlights the covenant God made with all cre |