Job 38:18
Job 38:18 in Multiple Translations
Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
Hast thou comprehended the earth in its breadth? Declare, if thou knowest it all.
Have you taken note of the wide limits of the earth? Say, if you have knowledge of it all.
Do you know how far the earth extends? Tell me if you know all this!
Hast thou perceiued the breadth of the earth? tell if thou knowest all this.
Thou hast understanding, Even unto the broad places of earth! Declare — if thou hast known it all.
Have you comprehended the earth in its width? Declare, if you know it all.
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
Hast thou considered the breadth of the earth? tell me, if thou knowest all things?
Do you know how big the earth is? Tell me, if you know all these things!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:18
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 38:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִ֭תְבֹּנַנְתָּ
עַד
רַחֲבֵי
אָ֑רֶץ
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
אִם
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
כֻלָּֽ/הּ
הִ֭תְבֹּנַנְתָּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-r-Perf-2ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
רַחֲבֵי
rachab
H7338
breadth
N-mp
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
כֻלָּֽ/הּ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:18
הִ֭תְבֹּנַנְתָּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-r-Perf-2ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
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.
רַחֲבֵי
rachab
H7338
"breadth"
N-mp
Breadth or width, describing a broad or wide area, like a landscape or a city square. This term is used to convey a sense of space and openness, often in descriptions of natural scenery or architecture. It is found in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: breadth, broad or wide expanse
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: breadth, broad place. See also: Job 36:16; Job 38:18.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
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.
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
כֻלָּֽ/הּ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Job 38:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:18
- Sermons on Job 38:18
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
16Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep?
17Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?
18Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.
19Where is the way to the home of light? Do you know where darkness resides, 20so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 89:11–12 | The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded. North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name. |
| 2 | Revelation 20:9 | And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 31:37 | This is what the LORD says: “Only if the heavens above could be measured and the foundations of the earth below searched out would I reject all of Israel’s descendants because of all they have done,” declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 74:17 | You set all the boundaries of the earth; You made the summer and winter. |
| 5 | Job 28:24 | For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. |
| 6 | Isaiah 40:28 | Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. |
Job 38:18 Summary
In Job 38:18, God is asking Job if he has surveyed the extent of the earth, which is a way of saying, 'Do you think you know everything?' God is reminding Job of his limitations and encouraging him to trust in God's power and wisdom. This verse teaches us to stay humble and recognize our dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 8:3-4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By acknowledging our limitations, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, and find peace and comfort in His presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is God asking Job to do in Job 38:18?
God is asking Job if he has surveyed the extent of the earth, essentially questioning Job's knowledge and understanding of the world, as seen in Job 38:18, similar to how God questioned Job's knowledge of the sea and the deep in Job 38:16-17.
Why is God asking Job these questions?
God is asking Job these questions to help him understand his limitations and God's power, as seen in Job 38:18, and to remind him of his place in the grand scheme of creation, as mentioned in Psalm 8:3-4 and Romans 11:33-34.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals God's omniscience and His desire to humble humanity, as seen in Job 38:18, and to remind us of our dependence on Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 55:9.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to stay humble and recognize our limitations, as seen in Job 38:18, and to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my limitations and trust in God's power and wisdom?
- How can I apply the lesson of humility from Job 38:18 to my relationships and daily interactions?
- In what ways can I surrender my need for control and understanding, and instead, rely on God's sovereignty and guidance?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's creation and power, as seen in Job 38:18?
- How can I use this verse to encourage and remind myself to trust in God's plan and purposes, even when I don't understand?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:18
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth?.... Which may be put for all the dimensions of it, length, breadth, diameter, and circumference, but especially it regards the surface of it, and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:18
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? - as God doth (Job 28:24).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:18
Dost thou exactly know the whole compass and all parts of the earth, and the state and quality of all countries, and of the men and things in them? Give me an answer to these questions, which is far more easy to do, than to answer me to many other questions which I could put to thee about my secret counsels and providences, and the reasons of my dealing with thee as I do.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:18
Job 38:18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.Ver. 18. Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth?] Heb. the breadths, i.e. the length also and circumference thereof. Geographers define the length of the earth from east to west, the breadth from north to south; and they have their suppurations and conjectures, Frigidae sunt et leves coniecturae (Mercer). Peucer and others tell us, that if there were a path made round the earth, an able footman might easily go it in 900 days. Which if he could, yet what mortal man, though he should live 900 years, could ever visit and view the whole face, nature, and dimension of the earth, wherein are so many deserts and bogs impassable? Or, what Job can give a reason why God made the earth of such a length and breadth, and no more, when he could so easily have done it? How much less can he of God’ s secret and unsearchable judgments? and why should he so desire to know the cause wherefore he is afflicted? Declare if thou knowest it all] Since a great part of it is uninhabited; and the sea surroundeth it as a girdle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:18
(18) Perceived.—Or rather, perhaps, comprehended. The breadth of the earth.—The earth being conceived of as a vast plain (comp. Job 38:13). Unscientific as all this language is, it is not a little remarkable that the majestic sublimity of it is not one whit affected thereby.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:18
Verse 18. The breadth of the earth?] At that time the circumference of the globe was not known, because the earth itself was supposed to be a vast extended plain, bordered all round with the ocean and the sky.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:18
18. Final query, Whether Job surveyed the whole earth, and comprehended its breadth. hast thou perceived] Rather perhaps, didst thou comprehend?
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:18
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? - How far the earth extends.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:18
18. The breadth of the earth — Plural, “breadths.” However far and whichever way he may travel, man never perceives the breadth of the earth. It is ever fleeing from him. This, then, also belongs to the unknown.
Sermons on Job 38:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Glimpses of the Future - Part 6 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the theme of God's justice and the importance of waiting on Him, emphasizing the significance of crying out to God in moments of desperation. It explores th |
|
(Titus - Part 4): In Hope of Eternal Life Ii by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of family night and invites everyone to attend. He then focuses on a passage from the book of Titus, where Paul de |
|
The Candlestick - Smyrna by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the fear and suffering that believers may face. He emphasizes that the devil may try to imprison and test them, but assures them that it will |
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(Genesis #1) in the Beginning God by J. Glyn Owen | The sermon transcript focuses on the opening statement of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The speaker emphasizes the profound significance of |
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Tulip - Part 1 (Introduction) by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing the audience's questions and encourages them to save their inquiries for later. He then moves on to discuss the historical backgrou |
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Our Work for God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing the work of an evangelist and seeking Christ's interests rather than our own. He highlights the scarcity of faithful |
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The Key to Reclaiming Culture by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing on the authority of God's Word, particularly focusing on the foundational history presented in Genesis. It addresses the impact of |