Job 38:9
Job 38:9 in Multiple Translations
when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,
When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
When I made clouds the garment thereof, And thick darkness a swaddling-band for it,
When I made the cloud its robe, and put thick clouds as bands round it,
Who clothed it with clouds, and wrapped it in a blanket of deep darkness?
When I made the cloudes as a couering thereof, and darkenesse as the swadeling bands thereof:
In My making a cloud its clothing, And thick darkness its swaddling band,
when I made clouds its garment, and wrapped it in thick darkness,
When I made a cloud its garment, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it,
When I made a cloud the garment thereof, and wrapped it in a mist as in swaddling bands?
It was I, not you, who caused clouds to come over the seas and caused it to become very dark under those clouds.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:9
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 38:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/שׂוּמִ֣/י
עָנָ֣ן
לְבֻשׁ֑/וֹ
וַ֝/עֲרָפֶ֗ל
חֲתֻלָּתֽ/וֹ
בְּ/שׂוּמִ֣/י
sûwm
H7760
to set
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עָנָ֣ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
N-ms
לְבֻשׁ֑/וֹ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
clothing
N-ms | Suff
וַ֝/עֲרָפֶ֗ל
ʻărâphel
H6205
cloud
Conj | N-ms
חֲתֻלָּתֽ/וֹ
chăthullâh
H2854
swaddling
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:9
בְּ/שׂוּמִ֣/י
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
עָנָ֣ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
לְבֻשׁ֑/וֹ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
"clothing"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to clothing or garments, and sometimes even a wife. It is used in descriptions of how people dress, like in the book of Matthew. The KJV translates it as apparel or clothing.
Definition: clothing, garment, apparel, raiment Aramaic equivalent: le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "garment" H3831)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture. See also: Genesis 49:11; Job 41:5; Psalms 22:19.
וַ֝/עֲרָפֶ֗ל
ʻărâphel
H6205
"cloud"
Conj | N-ms
A cloud or dark cloud symbolizes gloom or thick darkness, often used to describe a heavy or ominous sky.
Definition: cloud, heavy or dark cloud, darkness, gross darkness, thick darkness
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness). See also: Exodus 20:21; Job 38:9; Psalms 18:10.
חֲתֻלָּתֽ/וֹ
chăthullâh
H2854
"swaddling"
N-fs | Suff
A swaddling band is a cloth used to wrap a baby tightly, like in the story of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:7. This word refers to the strips of cloth used to swaddle a newborn baby, keeping them warm and secure. It is a symbol of care and nurturing.
Definition: swaddling-band, navel-band
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: swaddling band. See also: Job 38:9.
Study Notes — Job 38:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:9
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:9
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:9
- Sermons on Job 38:9
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
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, 11and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:2 | Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. |
Job 38:9 Summary
This verse, Job 38:9, tells us that God is the one who created the clouds to cover the sea and made the darkness to surround it. This shows us that God is all-powerful and in control of everything, even the big things like the oceans and the sky (as seen in Psalm 95:4-5). It's like He's dressing the sea in a special garment and giving it a blanket to keep it cozy. This reminds us that God cares about every detail of His creation, and we can trust Him to take care of us too, just like He takes care of the sea (as promised in Matthew 6:25-34).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to make clouds the garment of the sea?
This verse, Job 38:9, illustrates God's power and control over creation, as He adorns the sea with clouds, much like a garment, highlighting His majesty and dominion over all things, as seen in Psalm 104:1-9.
Why does the verse mention thick darkness as a blanket for the sea?
The reference to thick darkness as a blanket, in Job 38:9, emphasizes God's sovereignty over both the visible and invisible aspects of creation, reminding us of His control over light and darkness, as mentioned in Isaiah 45:7.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan for creation?
Job 38:9 is part of God's response to Job, demonstrating His wisdom and power in creating and sustaining the world, as seen in the book of Job and supported by verses like Jeremiah 10:12-13, which describe God's role in establishing the foundations of the earth.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse, Job 38:9, showcases God's creative power, attention to detail, and care for His creation, reflecting His character as a loving and all-powerful God, as described in verses like Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 19:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of clouds as a garment and darkness as a blanket evoke in my understanding of God's creation?
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over the sea and its boundaries, as described in Job 38:9-11, impact my trust in His control over my life?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of God's creative power, as seen in Job 38:9, to my own life and circumstances?
- What role does the theme of God's majesty and dominion, as expressed in Job 38:9, play in my worship and praise of Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:9
When I made the cloud the garment thereof,.... For this newborn babe, the sea; and thick darkness a swaddling band for it; which was the case of the sea when it burst out of the bowels of the earth
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:9
When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:9
When I covered it with vapours and clouds which arise out of the sea. and by God’ s appointment hover above it, and cover it like a garment. Thick darkness, i. e. black and dark clouds, called darkness by a usual metonymy of the adjunct. So the same thing is repeated in other words, after the manner. Having compared the sea to a new-born infant, he continues in the same metaphor, and makes the clouds as swaddling-bands to keep the sea within its bounds; though indeed neither clouds, nor air, nor sands and shores can bound the sea, but it is God alone who doth it in and with these things.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:9
Job 38:9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,Ver. 9. When I made the cloud the garment thereof] When I clothed this new born child with a cloud, Elegans allegoria (Jun.); commanding the vapours which environ it to serve it for garments. Clouds are begotten of the waters, of the sea especially, and appear daily upon it. And thick darkness a swaddling-band for it] This thick darkness is well interpreted to be those fogs and mists which arise upon the sea, and are between the clouds and the sea; as the swaddling bands between the upper garment and the child. Interim significat, saith Mercer here. Meanwhile here is signified, that God can as easily rule and repress the sea as the mother, or nurse, can her suckling when it is swathed up.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:9
Verse 9. When I make the cloud the garment] Alluding to the cloth in which the new-born infant is first received. The cloud was the same to the newly raised vapour, as the above recipient to the new-born child. And thick darkness a swaddlingband for it] Here is also an allusion to the first dressings of the new-born child: it is swathed in order to support the body, too tender to bear even careful handling without some medium between the hand of the nurse and the flesh of the child. "The image," says Mr. Good, "is exquisitely maintained: the new-born ocean is represented as issuing from the womb of chaos; and its dress is that of the new-born infant." There is here an allusion also to the creation, as described in Genesis 1:1-2. Darkness is there said to be on the face of the DEEP. Here it is said, the thick darkness was a swaddlingband for the new-born SEA.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:9
9. thick darkness] Or, and the thick cloud.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:9
When I made the cloud the garment thereof - Referring to the garment in which the new-born infant is wrapped up. This image is one of great beauty.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:9
9. Thick darkness a swaddling band — The mighty sea, as it broke forth from unseen depths, was but an infant in the hands of God, with the cloud for garment, and the thick darkness its swaddling cloth.
Sermons on Job 38:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Positive Purposeful God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our minds, hearts, and wills to the Lord in order to experience a quick and wonderful transformation by the Ho |
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(Basics) 10. God's Word Is Our Food by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the word of God. He refers to Genesis chapter 1, where the earth responded to the word of God and something h |
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Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that it is not a decision, but a mental flip that occurs when the |
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Nor-01 a True Apostle by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relationships and how God brings people together at the right time. He mentions how everyone in the room has been prepared |
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Holy Spirit and the Crisis of Pentecost - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit is described as a seal, representing our inheritance and the g |
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Intellectual Climate and New Theology by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of an impenetrable mystery that lies behind all creation, both human and divine. He emphasizes the inexhaustible energy that exis |
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(Genesis) - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of chaos in the Bible, specifically in Genesis 1. He emphasizes that despite the chaos, God can make something excellent out of i |