Job 38:30

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

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

Free Bible Version

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

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

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

Unlocked Literal Bible

The waters hide themselves and become like stone; the surface of the deep becomes frozen.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

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

Young's Literal Translation

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

Context

The LORD Challenges Job

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?

Summary

This verse from the book of Job speaks of the power and wisdom of God, who has established the laws of nature. It highlights God's control over the waters, whether in the form of rain, ice, or frost, and how He can bring about different weather phenomena according to His will. The verse showcases God's sovereignty over creation, emphasizing His authority and majesty as the Creator of the universe. It serves as a reminder of God's greatness and the limitations of human understanding in the face of His divine wisdom.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

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.

Job 38:30

The LORD Challenges Job

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?