Job 38:5
Job 38:5 in Multiple Translations
Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it?
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Who determined the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who stretched the line upon it?
By whom were its measures fixed? Say, if you have wisdom; or by whom was the line stretched out over it?
Who decided its dimensions? Don't you know? Who stretched out a measuring line?
Who hath layde the measures thereof, if thou knowest, or who hath stretched the line ouer it:
Who placed its measures — if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched out upon it a line?
Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it?
Who hath laid the measures of it, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Do you know how I decided how large the earth would be? Do you know who stretched a measuring tape around the earth? Surely since you think that you know so much, you should know that!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:5
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 38:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִי
שָׂ֣ם
מְ֭מַדֶּי/הָ
כִּ֣י
תֵדָ֑ע
א֤וֹ
מִֽי
נָטָ֖ה
עָלֶ֣י/הָ
קָּֽו
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
שָׂ֣ם
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מְ֭מַדֶּי/הָ
mêmad
H4461
measurement
N-mp | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֵדָ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
א֤וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
נָטָ֖ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָלֶ֣י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
קָּֽו
qav
H6957
cord
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:5
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.
שָׂ֣ם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
מְ֭מַדֶּי/הָ
mêmad
H4461
"measurement"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a measurement or a standard size. It is used to describe something that has been measured or sized, like a room or a field. This concept appears in various books, including Ezekiel and Revelation.
Definition: measurement
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Job 38:5.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תֵדָ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
א֤וֹ
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.
מִֽי
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.
נָטָ֖ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
עָלֶ֣י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
קָּֽו
qav
H6957
"cord"
N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Job 38:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:5
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:5
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:5
- Sermons on Job 38:5
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
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, 7while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:12 | Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance? |
| 2 | Zechariah 2:1–2 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. “Where are you going?” I asked. “To measure Jerusalem,” he replied, “and to determine its width and length.” |
| 3 | Job 11:9 | Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:22 | He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. |
| 5 | Isaiah 34:11 | The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction. |
| 6 | Job 28:25 | When God fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters, |
| 7 | Psalms 78:55 | He drove out nations before them and apportioned their inheritance; He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 10:16 | so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory. |
| 9 | Proverbs 8:27 | I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, |
| 10 | Psalms 19:4 | their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun. |
Job 38:5 Summary
[In Job 38:5, God asks Job who determined the size and shape of the earth, emphasizing His role as the all-powerful Creator. This question helps us understand that God is in control of everything, and we can trust in His wisdom and design (Psalm 104:5). Just like an architect uses a measuring line to design a building, God used His perfect plan to create the earth. We can have confidence in His plan for our lives, even when we don't understand everything (Proverbs 3:5-6).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'fix its measurements' in Job 38:5?
In this context, God is asking Job who determined the size and shape of the earth, emphasizing His sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalm 104:5 and Isaiah 40:22.
Why does God ask Job if he knows who stretched a measuring line across the earth?
God is highlighting the vastness of His creation and the limitations of human understanding, as also seen in Romans 11:33-34, where Paul expresses awe at God's incomprehensible ways.
Is God's question in Job 38:5 meant to be taken literally?
While the question is rhetorical, it emphasizes God's role as the Creator and Designer of the universe, as stated in Genesis 1:1 and Jeremiah 10:12, where God's power and wisdom are proclaimed.
What is the significance of the measuring line in Job 38:5?
The measuring line represents God's precise and intentional design in creating the earth, similar to the concept of God's measuring line in Zechariah 2:1-2, where it symbolizes God's care and attention to detail.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on God's question in Job 38:5, what are my own limitations and weaknesses that I need to acknowledge and surrender to Him?
- How does the idea of God measuring and designing the earth impact my understanding of His sovereignty and power in my life?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of God's measuring line to my own life, trusting in His precise and intentional design for me?
- What are some areas where I need to trust in God's wisdom and design, rather than my own understanding or abilities?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:5
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest?.... Did God or a creature? The Lord, no doubt. He laid them out in his divine mind, and laid them forth by his divine power; who does all things by weight and measure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:5
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Measures - of its proportions. Image from an architect's plans of a building. Line - of measurement (Isaiah 28:17).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:5
Who hath prescribed how long and broad and deep it should be? Or who hath stretched the line, to wit, the measuring line, to regulate all its dimensions, so as might be most convenient both for beauty and use?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:5
Job 38:5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?Ver. 5. Who hath laid the measures thereof] In that circumference and diameter that it holdeth? If thou knowest] Or, For thou knowest; quandoquidem scitus es, a tart irony. Geometricians take upon them to know the various dimensions of the earth; and Archimedes boasted, that if he had but where to set his foot from off the earth he could shake the whole body of it. As also, that he could number all the sands that were in the whole world, habitable and inhabitable. But these were vain boasts. Or who hath stretched the line upon it?] A metaphor from masons and other master builders, who work by line and by rule. Vitruvius in his 7th book saith thus, Longitudines ad regulam et lineam, altitudines ad perpendiculum, anguli ad normam respondentes exigantur.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:5
Verse 5. Who hath laid the measures thereof] Who hath adjusted its polar and equatorial distances from the centre? Who hath stretched the line] Who hath formed its zones and its great circles, and adjusted the whole of its magnitude and gravity to the orbit in which it was to move, as well as its distance from that great centre about which it was to revolve? These questions show the difficulty of the subject; and that there was an unfathomable depth of counsel and design in the formation of the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:5
5. if thou knowest] Rather, that thou shouldest know. Job knew well who laid (rather, fixed) the measures of the earth, but the point of the question is, Was he present to see who fixed them and how they were fixed, so as to be able to speak with knowledge?
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:5
Who hath laid the measures thereof - That is, as an architect applies his measures when he rears a house.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:5
5. If thou knowest — Rather, That thou shouldst know. This sounds the key-note to the whole series of questions — the folly of man’s assuming to comprehend the work of God.
Sermons on Job 38:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Job #4: God Almighty, the God Who Is Enough by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God has a reason for everything that happens in our lives, even if we don't understand it. He encourages believers to trust in God's wis |
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Prove All Things by J.C. Ryle | Doug Goins and Barclay emphasize the importance of being firmly established on a secure foundation, especially in times of suffering, which drives believers to the bedrock of their |
|
How to Pray - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the importance of prayer, addressing common obstacles that hinder believers from effectively communicating with God. He highlights that many feel overwhelmed |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Three Spiritual Laws by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the thesis that most evangelical Christians are spiritually asleep and morally stagnant. He emphasizes that this is displeasing to God and tr |
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Collection of Prayers 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for a powerful and transformative meeting. He asks God to ignite a fire of love, faith, hope, and zeal within the congregation. The p |
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God's Cure for Fear by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how these three Hebrew boys were thrown into a fiery fur |
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The Gospel: The Cross of Christ by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to Christ for salvation. He highlights that outside of Christ, there is no hope, but in Him, there is everything. T |