Job 38:26
Job 38:26 in Multiple Translations
to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives,
To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
To cause it to rain on a land where no man is; On the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
Causing rain to come on a land where no man is living, on the waste land which has no people;
Who brings rain to an uninhabited land, to a desert where nobody lives,
To cause it to raine on the earth where no man is, and in the wildernes where there is no man?
To cause [it] to rain on a land — no man, A wilderness — no man in it.
to cause it to rain on a land where there is no man, on the wilderness, in which there is no man,
To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is ; on the wilderness in which there is no man;
That it should rain on the earth without man in the wilderness, where no mortal dwelleth:
Who causes rain to fall in the desert, in places where no one lives?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:26
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 38:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ֭/הַמְטִיר
עַל
אֶ֣רֶץ
לֹא
אִ֑ישׁ
מִ֝דְבָּ֗ר
לֹא
אָדָ֥ם
בּֽ/וֹ
לְ֭/הַמְטִיר
mâṭar
H4305
to rain
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִ֝דְבָּ֗ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
בּֽ/וֹ
Prep | 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 38:26
לְ֭/הַמְטִיר
mâṭar
H4305
"to rain"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to send rain or cause it to rain, often used to describe God's power over the weather. It appears in the Bible to describe rain, hail, or other forms of precipitation. This word is used in various contexts, including the story of Noah's flood.
Definition: 1) to rain 1a) (Niphal) to be rained on or upon 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to rain, send rain 1b2) to rain hail, send hail
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) rain (upon). See also: Genesis 2:5; Job 38:26; Psalms 11:6.
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.
אֶ֣רֶץ
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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
מִ֝דְבָּ֗ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
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.
בּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 38:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:26
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:26
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:26
- Sermons on Job 38:26
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
24In which direction is the lightning dispersed, or the east wind scattered over the earth?
25Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt,
26to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives,
27to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass? 28Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 14:22 | Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. |
| 2 | Hebrews 6:7–8 | For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. |
| 3 | Psalms 107:35 | He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs. |
| 4 | Psalms 147:8–9 | who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills. He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. |
| 5 | Isaiah 43:19–20 | Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people. |
| 6 | Job 36:27 | For He draws up drops of water which distill the rain from the mist, |
| 7 | Isaiah 35:1–2 | The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. |
| 8 | Psalms 104:10–14 | He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains. They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of His works. He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: |
| 9 | Isaiah 41:18–19 | I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together, |
Job 38:26 Summary
[This verse, Job 38:26, tells us that God brings rain to places that are empty and dry, even if no people live there. He does this to show His power and care for all of the earth, not just the parts where humans are. This reminds us of Psalm 104:10-13, where God provides for all the creatures in the wilderness. It's a beautiful picture of God's love and care for everything He has made, and it encourages us to trust in His provision for our own lives, just as we're reminded in Matthew 6:26 that God takes care of the birds.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God bring rain to a barren land where no one lives?
God brings rain to a barren land to demonstrate His power and care for all of creation, not just the places where humans live, as seen in Job 38:26 and also in Psalm 104:10-13 where He provides for the creatures of the wilderness.
What is the significance of the desert in this verse?
The desert in Job 38:26 represents a place of desolation and emptiness, but even in such a place, God's provision and care can bring life and satisfaction, as also promised in Isaiah 35:1-2 where the desert will bloom.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over nature?
This verse highlights God's control over the weather and the natural world, as He is the one who brings rain to the barren land, demonstrating His sovereignty as seen in Jeremiah 10:13 and Psalm 135:6-7.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
From Job 38:26, we can learn that God is a God of provision, care, and life, who is not limited to blessing only the places where humans are present, but extends His care to all of creation, as noted in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24 where God's care for the birds is mentioned.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of rain in a barren land speak to your own experiences of spiritual dryness, and how might God be calling you to trust in His provision?
- In what ways do you see God's care and provision in the natural world around you, and how can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and gratitude for His creation?
- What are some areas of your life where you feel like a 'barren land' or a 'desert', and how might God be calling you to trust in His power to bring life and satisfaction to those areas?
- How does this verse challenge or comfort you in your understanding of God's sovereignty and care for all of creation?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:26
To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is]; [on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:26
To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; Since rain falls also on places uninhabited by man, it cannot be that man guides its course.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:26
To cause it to rain; that the clouds being broken by lightning and thunder might pour down rain. Wherein there is no man, to wit, to water those parts by art and industry, as is usual in cultivated and inhabited places; which makes this work of Divine Providence more necessary and more remarkable, in providing for the relief of the wild beasts, and plants, and other fruits of these forsaken lands, which otherwise would perish with drought.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:26
Job 38:26 To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is; on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man;Ver. 26. To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is] But wild beasts only. These also are God’ s creatures, and he provideth food for them. How much more will he do so for us, though small faiths. In the wilderness, wherein there is no man] Repetitio ad varietatem et elegantiam, as also to show the certainty of the thing.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:26
(26) To cause it to rain on the earth.—Because God is mindful of His creation, independently of the wants of man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:26
Verse 26. To cause it to rain on the earth] It is well known that rain falls copiously in thunder-storms. The flash is first seen, the clap is next heard, and last the rain descends. The lightning travels all lengths in no perceivable succession of time. Sound is propagated at the rate of 1142 feet in a second. Rain travels still more slowly, and will be seen sooner or later according to the weight of the drops, and the distance of the cloud from the place of the spectator. Now the flash, the clap, and the rain, take place all in the same moment, but are discernible by us in the succession already mentioned, and for the reasons given above; and more at large in Clarke's note on "Job 36:29", c. But how are these things formed? The lightning is represented as coming immediately from the hand of God. The clap is the effect of the lightning, which causes a vacuum in that part of the atmosphere through which it passes the air rushing in to restore the equilibrium may cause much of the noise that is heard in the clap.
An easy experiment on the airpump illustrates this: Take a glass receiver open at both ends, over one end tie a piece of sheep's bladder wet, and let it stand till thoroughly dry. Then place the open end on the plate of the airpump, and exhaust the air slowly from under it. The bladder soon becomes concave, owing to the pressure of the atmospheric air on it, the supporting air in the receiver being partly thrown out. Carry on the exhaustion, and the air presses at the rate of fifteen pounds on every square inch; see on Job 28:28. The fibres of the bladder, being no longer capable of bearing the pressure of the atmospheric column upon the receiver, are torn to pieces, with a noise equal to the report of a musket, which is occasioned by the air rushing in to restore the equilibrium. Imagine a rapid succession of such experiments, and you have the peal of thunder, the rupture of the first bladder being the clap. But the explosion of the gases (oxygen and hydrogen) of which water is composed will also account for the noise. See below. But how does the thunder cause rain? By the most accurate and incontestable experiments it is proved that water is a composition of two elastic airs or gases as they are called, oxygen and hydrogen.
In 100 parts of water there are 88 1/4 of oxygen, and 11 3/4 of hydrogen. Pass a succession of electric sparks through water by means of a proper apparatus, and the two gases are produced in the proportions mentioned above. To decompose water by galvanism: - Take a narrow glass tube three or four inches long; fit each end with a cork penetrated by a piece of slender iron wire, and fill the tube with water.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:26
4–38. A survey of the inanimate creation, the wonders of earth and sky—the earth, Job 38:4-18; the heavens, Job 38:18-38
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:26
To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is - This is designed to heighten the conception of the power of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:26
26. Where no man is — God lays stress on this circumstance in order to humble man, and to show him that the earth was made neither by him nor for him.
Sermons on Job 38:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Complacency of Fools by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Proverbs 1:29-32, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He then discusses the current st |
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Hebrews 6:1-12 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of interpreting Bible verses in their proper context. He shares a humorous story about someone randomly opening the Bible and |
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Tophet - the Beating of Drums - Part 2 by Robert Wurtz by Robert Wurtz II | This sermon delves into the importance of rightly interpreting events in our lives through the lens of salvation history as revealed in the Scriptures. It emphasizes the need to un |
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Fresh Oil by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the large crowd gathered in the building, including preachers from different states and countries. He prays for the Holy Spirit |
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The Miracle in a Dry Place by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches about the miracles of grace, emphasizing how God can turn dry and difficult experiences into sources of blessing and consolation. He highlights the idea |
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And Said, Naked Came I Out of My Mother's Womb by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity, and trust in God's provision for the future. He emphasizes attributing all blessings to |
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The Worms Shall Crawl Out of Their Holes by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of trust and confidence in various institutions, including the judicial system, school system, and even marriage. He highlights the p |