Job 38:4
Job 38:4 in Multiple Translations
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.
Where were you when I put the earth on its base? Say, if you have knowledge.
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have such knowledge!
Where wast thou when I layd the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast vnderstanding,
Where wast thou when I founded earth? Declare, if thou hast known understanding.
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Where wast thou when I laid up the foundations of the earth? tell me if thou hast understanding.
◄“Where were you/Were you there with me► long ago when I ◄laid the foundations of/created► the earth? Since you know so much, tell me where you were at that time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:4
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 38:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵיפֹ֣ה
הָ֭יִיתָ
בְּ/יָסְדִ/י
אָ֑רֶץ
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
אִם
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
בִינָֽה
אֵיפֹ֣ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
where?
Part
הָ֭יִיתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְּ/יָסְדִ/י
yâçad
H3245
to found
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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
בִינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:4
אֵיפֹ֣ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
"where?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like 'where', 'when', or 'how'. It is often translated as 'what manner' or 'where' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) where? 2) what kind?
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what manner, where. See also: Genesis 37:16; Job 4:7; Isaiah 49:21.
הָ֭יִיתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/יָסְדִ/י
yâçad
H3245
"to found"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
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.
בִינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
Study Notes — Job 38:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:4
- Sermons on Job 38:4
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
2“Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge?
3Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
4Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.
5Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? 6On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:5 | He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. |
| 2 | Hebrews 1:10 | And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. |
| 3 | Proverbs 30:4 | Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 4 | Hebrews 1:2 | But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. |
| 5 | Genesis 1:1 | In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
| 6 | Psalms 102:25 | In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. |
| 7 | Proverbs 8:29–30 | when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence. |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:22 | The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. |
Job 38:4 Summary
[This verse is a reminder that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and we are limited in our understanding. God is asking Job to consider whether he was present when the foundations of the earth were laid, highlighting the vast difference between God's knowledge and human knowledge. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when we don't understand what is happening, as seen in verses like Romans 11:33-36, which describes the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge. By acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God, we can find peace and confidence in the midst of uncertainty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is God asking Job to consider in this verse?
God is asking Job to reflect on his presence and understanding when the foundations of the earth were laid, emphasizing the vast difference between God's knowledge and human knowledge, as seen in Job 38:4 and supported by verses like Psalms 104:5, which describes God's role in establishing the earth.
Is God being confrontational or aggressive in this verse?
While God's question may seem confrontational, it is actually an expression of His desire to help Job understand the limits of human knowledge and the majesty of God's power, as seen in verses like Isaiah 40:28, which describes God's eternal and all-encompassing nature.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals God's sovereignty, wisdom, and power, as He is the one who laid the foundations of the earth and has complete understanding of all things, as supported by verses like Jeremiah 32:17, which describes God's power and ability to do all things.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us of our limited understanding and the importance of humility, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to understand or control things that are beyond my knowledge or power?
- How can I apply the lesson of humility from this verse to my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when I don't understand what is happening?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others who may be struggling with feelings of overwhelm or lack of control?
- What are some practical ways I can 'brace myself like a man' and prepare to face the challenges and questions that God may be asking me, as seen in Job 38:3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?.... The earth has foundations, and such firm ones that it cannot be moved; but what are they, since it is hung in the air on nothing!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. To understand the cause of things, man should have been present at their origin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:4
Then thou wast no where, thou hadst no being; thou art but of yesterday; and dost thou presume to judge of my eternal counsels? I made the world without thy help, and therefore can govern it without thy counsel, and I do not need thee to be the controller or censurer of my works. When I laid the foundations of the earth; when I made the earth, which is as the foundation or lower part of the whole world, and settled it as firm and fast upon its own centre as if it had been built upon the surest foundations. But if thou art ignorant of these manifest and visible works, do. not pretend to the exact knowledge of my secret counsels and mysterious providences.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:4
Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.Ver. 4. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?] q.d. Thou wast nowhere, a mere nonens; thou wast no companion or counsellor of mine; nay, not so much as an onlooker, for thou art but of yesterday. Thou understandest not the reason of this fair fabric; much less of my dark and deep counsels. Declare, if thou hast understanding] Heb. if thou kuowest understanding. An irony, but friendly, and free from all bitterness; the better to convince Job of his folly and faultiness; for which end, also, multis eum interrogationibus onerat, God loadeth him with many deep questions, the least whereof he could not answer. (Mercer).
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:4
(4) Where wast thou?—The comparison of the creation of the world to the building of an edifice is such a concession to the feebleness of man as serves of itself to heighten the effect of the inevitable answer to the question preferred.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:4
Verse 4. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?] Thou hast a limited and derived being; thou art only of yesterday; what canst thou know? Didst thou see me create the world?
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:4
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 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? - The first appeal is to the creation. The question here, “Where wast thou?” implies that Job was not present. He had not then an existence.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:4
The first division of the discourse — THE OF GOD’S MORAL BY JOB THE OF SOME AS TO THE AND WORLD, IN THE MIDST OF WHICH MAN HAS BEEN PLACED, WITH THE HIGH OF WISDOM AND , Job 38:4-38.First long
Sermons on Job 38:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 4. God's Voice From the Whirlwind by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reminding the audience of the outline of the book of Job, which includes a prologue, dialogue between Job and his friends, and an epilogue. Th |
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With Nothing but God by B.B. Caldwell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and how God stripped him of his wealth and health to deliver him from the pitfalls of Phariseeism. The preacher emphasizes t |
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Physicians of No Value by B.B. Caldwell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of evangelism and spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who have been brainwashed and have become false teachers, le |
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(The Role of Demons in Today's Society) Part 1 by Dean Hochstetler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different views people have regarding miracles and the supernatural. He starts by sharing a story about two brothers from Arkansas who hav |
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Job, 1975 Part 2 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of God's creation, focusing on animals such as hawks, peacocks, and unicorns. The preacher emphasizes God's power and wisdom |
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No Other Name by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of fearing and serving the Lord in sincerity and truth. He refers to the book of Joshua chapter 24, where Joshua gives his fin |
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Suffering by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and the revelation of God's greatness in nature. He highlights various verses where God questions Job about his understandin |