Job 38:28
Job 38:28 in Multiple Translations
Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew?
Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
Hath the rain a father? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
Has the rain a father? or who gave birth to the drops of night mist?
Does the rain have a father? Who was the father of the dewdrops?
Who is the father of the rayne? or who hath begotten the droppes of the dewe?
Hath the rain a father? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
Does the rain have a father? Or who fathers the drops of dew?
Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of the dew?
Who is the father of rain? or who begot the drops of dew?
Does the rain have a father? Does the dew also have a father?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:28
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 38:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/יֵשׁ
לַ/מָּטָ֥ר
אָ֑ב
א֥וֹ
מִי
ה֝וֹלִ֗יד
אֶגְלֵי
טָֽל
הֲ/יֵשׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
לַ/מָּטָ֥ר
mâṭar
H4306
rain
Prep | N-ms
אָ֑ב
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
ה֝וֹלִ֗יד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶגְלֵי
ʼegel
H96
drop
N-mp
טָֽל
ṭal
H2919
dew
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:28
הֲ/יֵשׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
לַ/מָּטָ֥ר
mâṭar
H4306
"rain"
Prep | N-ms
This noun simply means rain, describing the water that falls from the sky. It is a common weather phenomenon in the Bible, often used to symbolize God's blessing or judgment. Rain is essential for life and growth in the biblical world.
Definition: rain
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: rain. See also: Exodus 9:33; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Psalms 72:6.
אָ֑ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
ה֝וֹלִ֗יד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
אֶגְלֵי
ʼegel
H96
"drop"
N-mp
A reservoir or collection of something, like a drop or a store of supplies. This concept appears in various forms, including a reserve supply or a collection of goods.
Definition: drop, reserve supply, collections, stores
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: drop. See also: Job 38:28.
טָֽל
ṭal
H2919
"dew"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dew, or the moisture that covers plants and grass overnight. It is often used to describe the natural world and the cycle of nature.
Definition: dew, night mist Aramaic equivalent: tal (טַל "dew" H2920)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: dew. See also: Genesis 27:28; Job 29:19; Psalms 110:3.
Study Notes — Job 38:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:28
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:28
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:28
- Sermons on Job 38:28
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
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?
29From whose womb does the ice emerge? Who gives birth to the frost from heaven, 30when the waters become hard as stone and the surface of the deep is frozen?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 | Psalms 147:8 | who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:13 | When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:20 | By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 33:28 | So Israel dwells securely; the fountain of Jacob lives untroubled in a land of grain and new wine, where even the heavens drip with dew. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 1:21 | O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. |
| 7 | Job 38:8 | Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, |
| 8 | 1 Kings 17:1 | Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” |
| 9 | Psalms 65:9–10 | You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth. You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth. |
| 10 | Job 5:9–10 | the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields. |
Job 38:28 Summary
[This verse asks if the rain has a father, which means God is asking if there is something or someone that controls the rain. The answer is no, God is the one who controls the rain and the dew, as seen in Jeremiah 10:13 and Job 37:6. He is the one who makes the rain come down and the dew to form, and this shows us how powerful and wise He is, as expressed in Psalm 104:13-14 and Romans 11:33-36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of God's question about the rain having a father in Job 38:28?
This question emphasizes God's sovereignty over creation, highlighting that He is the ultimate source of all natural phenomena, as seen in Psalm 104:13-14 and Jeremiah 10:13.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's wisdom and power?
This verse showcases God's wisdom and power by demonstrating His control over the intricate details of nature, such as the formation of dew and rain, as also seen in Job 37:15-16 and Romans 11:33-36.
What can we learn about God's character from His questions in Job 38:28?
God's questions reveal His character as a God of wisdom, power, and wonder, who desires to help us understand and trust in His sovereignty, as expressed in Isaiah 40:28 and Psalm 19:1-6.
How does this verse apply to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we face uncertainty or difficulties, just as the Psalmist expresses in Psalm 121:1-2 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can acknowledge and worship God's sovereignty in my daily life?
- How can I apply the concept of God's wisdom and power to my current challenges and uncertainties?
- What are some examples in nature that remind me of God's majesty and control, and how can I use these to deepen my faith?
- In what ways can I trust in God's provision and care, just as the natural world trusts in His sovereignty, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-31?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:28
Hath the rain a father?.... None but God; hence the Heathens themselves call God γετιος (y), and ομβριος (z); see Jeremiah 14:22; he that is our Father in heaven is the Father of rain, and him only;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:28
Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Can any visible origin of rain and dew be assigned by man? Is man their author and creator?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:28
To wit, besides me. Is there any man upon earth than can beget or produce rain at his pleasure? No, this is my peculiar work. And therefore seeing thou knowest and canst do nothing as to the government of these ordinary effects of nature, how great presumption is it to arrogate to thyself the knowledge and management of the secret and mysterious affairs of my providence in the disposal of men!
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:28
Job 38:28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?Ver. 28. Hath the rain a father?] Subaudi, praeter me? saith Vatablus. Hath it any father but me? Can any of the heathen deities give rain? Or can the heavens give showers? "Art not thou he, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things," Jeremiah 14:22. Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?] Those round orient pearls, that, falling from heaven in a clear night, do sweetly refresh whatsoever groweth in fields and meadows. The natural causes hereof and of rain are known, but we must rise higher to God, the first Author and Father of these and other things, before and after mentioned, who bringeth them out of his treasuries, and doth wonderfully both make and manage them. It is remarkable that Christ saith, Hosea 14:5, "I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily," &c. Christ is unto them as a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest, Isaiah 18:4 making their hearts to be as so many watered gardens, Jeremiah 31:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:28
Verse 28. Hath the rain a father?] Or, Who is the father of the rain? We have seen above one part of the apparatus by which God produces it; other causes have been mentioned on Job 36:27, c. The drops of dew?] אגלי egley, the sphericles, the small round drops or globules. Dew is a dense moist vapour, found on the earth in spring and summer mornings, in the form of a mizzling rain. Dr. Hutton defines it, "a thin, light, insensible mist or rain, descending with a slow motion, and falling while the sun is below the horizon. It appears to differ from rain as less from more. Its origin and matter are doubtless from the vapours and exhalations that rise from the earth and water." Various experiments have been instituted to ascertain whether dew arises from the earth, or descends from the atmosphere and those pro and con have alternately preponderated. The question is not yet decided; and we cannot yet tell any more than Job which hath begotten the drops of dew, the atmosphere or the earth.
Is it water deposited from the atmosphere, when the surface of the ground is colder than the air?
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:28
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 38:28
Hath the rain a father? - That is, it is produced by God and not by man. No one among men can claim that he causes it, or can regard it as his offspring.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:28
Third long strophe — AS TO THE ORIGIN OF , THE AND CONTROL OF MIGHTY , AND THE COMMAND OF SO AS THE CLOUDS OF JOB’S OWN SKY, Job 38:28-38.
Sermons on Job 38:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
Rev. 14:3. the Church Dwelling Alone by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Church's unique position in the world, drawing parallels between Israel's separation and the Church's calling to dwell alone. He explains that the Chu |
|
Dwelling Safely Apart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of dwelling safely apart from the world, highlighting that true safety comes from separating ourselves from sinners and compromising influen |
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |