Job 38:8
Job 38:8 in Multiple Translations
Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb,
Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
Or who shut up the sea with doors, When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb;
Or where were you when the sea came to birth, pushing out from its secret place;
Who laid down the boundaries of the sea when it was born?
Or who hath shut vp the Sea with doores, when it yssued and came foorth as out of the wombe:
And He shutteth up with doors the sea, In its coming forth, from the womb it goeth out.
“Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke out of the womb,
Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
Who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth as issuing out of the womb:
“When the seas poured forth from inside the earth, who prevented the water from flooding over the land?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:8
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 38:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣סֶךְ
בִּ/דְלָתַ֣יִם
יָ֑ם
בְּ֝/גִיח֗/וֹ
מֵ/רֶ֥חֶם
יֵצֵֽא
וַ/יָּ֣סֶךְ
çâkak
H5526
to fence
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ/דְלָתַ֣יִם
deleth
H1817
door
Prep | N-fd
יָ֑ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
בְּ֝/גִיח֗/וֹ
gîyach
H1518
to burst/come out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מֵ/רֶ֥חֶם
rechem
H7358
womb
Prep | N-ms
יֵצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:8
וַ/יָּ֣סֶךְ
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
בִּ/דְלָתַ֣יִם
deleth
H1817
"door"
Prep | N-fd
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
יָ֑ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
בְּ֝/גִיח֗/וֹ
gîyach
H1518
"to burst/come out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to burst or come out, like water gushing forth, and is used in various contexts, including Psalm 42:7 where it describes a powerful waterfall. It can also mean to bring forth or draw out, as in Psalm 107:14. It is often translated as 'break forth' or 'come forth'.
Definition: 1) to burst forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to burst forth 1a2) to draw forth 1a3) to bring forth 1b) (Hiphil) to break forth Aramaic equivalent: gi.ach (גִּיחַ "to strive" H1519)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: break forth, labor to bring forth, come forth, draw up, take out. See also: Judges 20:33; Psalms 22:10; Micah 4:10.
מֵ/רֶ֥חֶם
rechem
H7358
"womb"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.
Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.
יֵצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
Study Notes — Job 38:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:8
- Sermons on Job 38:8
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
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?
8Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb,
9when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, 10when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:9 | And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:29 | 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. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 5:22 | Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. |
| 4 | Psalms 104:8–9 | the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them— You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth. |
| 5 | Psalms 33:7 | He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses. |
| 6 | Job 38:10 | when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, |
Job 38:8 Summary
This verse is talking about how God created the sea and set its boundaries. When the sea was first formed, it was like a powerful birth, bursting forth from the earth. God is saying that He is the one who controlled this powerful event and set the sea's boundaries, as seen in Jeremiah 5:22. This shows us that God is all-powerful and wise, and we can trust in His care and provision for us, just like Psalm 104:5-9 says He set the earth's foundations and controls the waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'when it burst forth from the womb' mean in Job 38:8?
This phrase is a poetic way of describing the sea's origin, emphasizing its sudden and powerful emergence, much like the birth of a child, as seen in Psalm 104:5-9 where God's power in setting the earth's foundations is highlighted.
Why does God ask Job about enclosing the sea behind doors?
God is emphasizing His sovereignty and power over creation, as stated in Jeremiah 5:22, where it says 'Do you not fear me? declares the Lord. Do you not tremble before me, who has made the sand a boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass'
What are the 'doors' that God is referring to in this verse?
The 'doors' are likely the shores or boundaries that God set for the sea, as mentioned in Job 38:10, where it says 'when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors'
How does this verse relate to God's overall message to Job?
This verse is part of God's response to Job's questions about His sovereignty and justice, as seen in Job 38:1-7, where God emphasizes His power and wisdom in creating the world, and in Isaiah 40:28, where it says 'Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth'
What is the significance of the sea in the Bible?
The sea is often used as a symbol of God's power and majesty, as seen in Psalm 107:23-32, where it describes God's control over the waves and the ships that sail on them, and in Revelation 21:1, where it says 'And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more'
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's power and control over creation?
- How does the image of the sea bursting forth from the womb make you think about the miracle of birth and God's role in it?
- In what ways do you see God's boundaries and 'doors' at work in your own life, and how can you trust in His sovereignty?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of respecting and fearing God's power, as seen in Jeremiah 5:22?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:8
Or [who] shut up the sea with doors,.... From the earth the transition is to the sea, according to the order of the creation; and this refers not to the state and case of the sea as at the flood, of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:8
Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? Doors - flood-gates; these when opened caused the flood (Genesis 7:11); or else the shores. Womb - of chaos. The bowels of the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:8
Who was it, thou or I, that did set bounds to the vast and raging ocean, and shut it up as it were with doors within its proper place and storehouse, that it might not overflow the earth; which without God’ s powerful restraint it would do? See 104:9. This sense seems most proper, and to be confirmed by the following verses. When it brake forth, or, after it had broken forth, to wit, from the womb or bowels of the earth, within which the waters were for the most part contained, ; compare ; and out of which they were by God’ s command brought forth into the proper place or channel which God had appointed for them.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:8
Job 38:8 Or [who] shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, [as if] it had issued out of the womb?Ver. 8. Or who shut up the sea with doors] i.e. With bounds and banks. The sea God shut up in the hollow parts of the earth, as in a great house, that the dry land, naturally overwhelmed thereby, might appear, and become fit, both to bear grain, grass, plants, &c., and to yield a habitation for men and beasts. Piscator thinks it is a metaphor from flood gates at mill ponds. When it brake forth as if it had issued out of the womb?] The sea is here set forth in lively colours, as an imcomprehensible work of God’ s wisdom. Out of nothing God produced it at first, as an infant out of the mother’ s womb. How great is God, then, to whom the great sea is but as a little infant? It brake out of the womb, when it was severed from the abyss; which lay covered with darkness, till the waters below were separated from those above, Genesis 1:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:8
Verse 8. Who shut up the sea with doors] Who gathered the waters together into one place, and fixed the sea its limits, so that it cannot overpass them to inundate the earth? When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?] This is a very fine metaphor. The sea is represented as a newly born infant issuing from the womb of the void and formless chaos; and the delicate circumstance of the liquor amnii, which bursts out previously to the birth of the foetus, alluded to. The allusion to the birth of a child is carried on in the next verse.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:8
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 38:8
Or who shut up the sea with doors - This refers also to the act of the creation, and to the fact that God fixed limits to the raging of the ocean.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:8
b. Job may, perhaps, tell who separated the sea from the womb of primeval chaos, and restrained its violence and rage within doors and bars, and made it docile and pliant as an infant in the hands of
Sermons on Job 38:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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(Genesis) Genesis 1:9-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the creation of the earth as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that God called the dry land "earth" and created it as a habitable place f |
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Easter Conference 1979-03 New Creation by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God. He compares the fast-paced and busy nature of life in the USA to the need for individ |
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The Origin of the Universe by John Whitcomb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the origin of the universe from a biblical and scientific perspective. They mention that the Son of God brought the entire univer |