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Job 38:30

Job 38:30 in Multiple Translations

when the waters become hard as stone and the surface of the deep is frozen?

The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

The waters hide themselves and become like stone, And the face of the deep is frozen.

The waters are joined together, hard as a stone, and the face of the deep is covered.

Water turns into rock-hard ice; its surface freezes solid.

The waters are hid as with a stone: and the face of the depth is frosen.

As a stone waters are hidden, And the face of the deep is captured.

The waters become hard like stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen.

The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

The waters are hardened like a stone, and the surface of the deep is congealed.

In the winter, the water freezes and becomes hard, like a rock, and the surface of lakes becomes frozen.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:30

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 38:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כָּ֭/אֶבֶן מַ֣יִם יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ וּ/פְנֵ֥י תְ֝ה֗וֹם יִתְלַכָּֽדוּ
כָּ֭/אֶבֶן ʼeben H68 stone Prep | N-fs
מַ֣יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ châbâʼ H2244 to hide V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
וּ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Conj | N-cp
תְ֝ה֗וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 abyss N-cs
יִתְלַכָּֽדוּ lâkad H3920 to capture V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:30

כָּ֭/אֶבֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
מַ֣יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ châbâʼ H2244 "to hide" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.
וּ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Conj | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
תְ֝ה֗וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 "abyss" N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
יִתְלַכָּֽדוּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.

Study Notes — Job 38:30

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 37:10 By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen.

Job 38:30 Summary

In Job 38:30, God is asking Job if he can make water turn into ice, which is a powerful reminder of God's control over the natural world (as seen in Psalm 147:17). This verse helps us understand that God is the one who brings order and structure to creation, and that He is all-powerful and wise (as described in Genesis 1:1-31 and Psalm 104:24). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence in the midst of uncertain circumstances. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, just as it is described in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for waters to become hard as stone?

In Job 38:30, the waters becoming hard as stone refers to the formation of ice, which is a natural process that occurs when water reaches a certain temperature, as seen in Psalm 147:17 where God is described as the one who sends forth His word and melts the ice.

Is this verse talking about a specific event or a general principle?

This verse is part of a broader discussion between God and Job, where God is highlighting His power and control over creation, as seen in verses 28-29, and is likely referring to the general principle of God's sovereignty over the natural world, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 10:13.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

Job 38:30 is part of a series of rhetorical questions that God asks Job, emphasizing God's wisdom and power, as seen in Job 38:4-7, and encouraging Job to trust in God's sovereignty, similar to what is described in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from this verse about God's character?

This verse teaches us that God is all-powerful and in control of the natural world, as seen in Psalm 104:24, and that He is the one who brings order and structure to creation, as described in Genesis 1:1-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have seen God's power and control over the natural world in my own life?
  2. How can I apply the principle of God's sovereignty to challenging situations that I am currently facing?
  3. What are some ways that I can trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when I don't understand what is happening around me?
  4. How can I use this verse to encourage others who may be struggling with doubts about God's power and control?

Gill's Exposition on Job 38:30

The waters are hid as [with] a stone,.... The surface of the waters by frost become as hard as a stone, and will bear great burdens, and admit of carriages to pass over them (c) where ships went

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:30

The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. The unfrozen waters are hidden under the frozen, as with a covering of stone.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:30

As with a stone, i.e. with ice as hard as a stone. The face of the deep, i.e. the great sea, which is oft called the deep, as 63:13 , which in some parts is frozen, which is a wonderful work of God.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:30

Job 38:30 The waters are hid as [with] a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.Ver. 30. The waters are hid as with a stone] This is a further description of ice, which is hard as a stone and clear as crystal; so great is the force of frost; how much more, then, of God to do whatsoever he pleaseth. And the face of the deep is frozen] Some deep rivers are ice to the bottom, so that loaden carts are driven over, fires made upon them, meat dressed, &c., as was here upon the Thames in the great frost, some forty-five years since, Quae aquae magno et diuturno frigore congelescunt, velut per 10 vel 20 annos continuos appellantur crystallus, velut in Alpibus. Yea, some seas are frozen over (Juvenal speaks of the icy ocean, et glacialem Oceanum) in the northern part of the world, the ice thereof, when once thawed, floateth in the waters like huge mountains, as in Greenland.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:30

(30) The waters are hid.—Or, The waters hide themselves and become like stone. Water loses its familiar quality, and is turned into stone.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:30

Verse 30. The waters are hid as with a stone] Here is a reference to freezing in the winter, as we may learn from some of the constellations mentioned below, which arise above our horizon, in the winter months. The word יתחבאו yithchabbau is understood by the versions in general as implying hardening or congelation; and we know in some intense frosts the ice becomes as hard as a stone; and even the face of the deep-the very seas themselves, not only in the polar circles, but even in northern countries, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and parts of Germany, are really frozen, and locked up from all the purposes of navigation for several months in winter.

Cambridge Bible on Job 38:30

30. as with a stone] lit. the waters hide themselves like a stone, that is, becoming like stone. is frozen] lit. cleaveth together. The phenomenon of ice, rare in the East, naturally appeared wonderful.

Barnes' Notes on Job 38:30

The waters are hid as with a stone - The solid ice is laid as a stone upon them, wholly concealing them from view.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:30

30. The waters are hid as with a stone — The waters harden like stone. Thus Furst, etc.

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