Proverbs 8:27
Proverbs 8:27 in Multiple Translations
I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,
When he made ready the heavens I was there: when he put an arch over the face of the deep:
I was there when he placed the heavens in position, when he drew the horizon over the ocean,
When hee prepared the heauens, I was there, when he set the compasse vpon the deepe.
In His preparing the heavens I [am] there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,
When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass he enclosed the depths:
I was there when Yahweh put the sky in place, when he marked the place in the distance where the sky and the oceans seem to come together.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:27
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.
Proverbs 8:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/הֲכִינ֣/וֹ
שָׁ֭מַיִם
שָׁ֣ם
אָ֑נִי
בְּ/ח֥וּק/וֹ
ח֝֗וּג
עַל
פְּנֵ֥י
תְהֽוֹם
בַּ/הֲכִינ֣/וֹ
kûwn
H3559
to establish
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אָ֑נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
בְּ/ח֥וּק/וֹ
châqaq
H2710
to decree
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
ח֝֗וּג
chûwg
H2329
circle
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
תְהֽוֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
abyss
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:27
בַּ/הֲכִינ֣/וֹ
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אָ֑נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בְּ/ח֥וּק/וֹ
châqaq
H2710
"to decree"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to decree or enact a law, like writing it in stone. It appears in Judges 5:14, where it talks about being a scribe. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's laws and decrees.
Definition: 1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe 1a3) to trace, mark out 1a4) to engrave, inscribe (of a law) 1b) (Poel) 1b1) to inscribe, enact, decree 1b2) one who decrees, lawgiver (participle) 1c) (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle) 1d) (Hophal) to be inscribed
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. See also: Genesis 49:10; Proverbs 8:27; Psalms 60:9.
ח֝֗וּג
chûwg
H2329
"circle"
N-ms
This word refers to a circular shape or object. It can also describe the vault of the heavens. The KJV translates it as 'circle', 'circuit', or 'compass'.
Definition: 1) circle, circuit, compass 2) (BDB) vault (of the heavens)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: circle, circuit, compass. See also: Job 22:14; Proverbs 8:27; Isaiah 40:22.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
תְהֽוֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
"abyss"
N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:27
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,
26before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.
27I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
28when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, 29when 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Job 26:10 | He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:19 | The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. |
| 4 | Colossians 1:16 | For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. |
| 5 | Psalms 136:5 | By His insight He made the heavens. His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 6 | Isaiah 40:11 | He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 10:12 | The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | Psalms 33:6 | By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth. |
| 10 | Psalms 103:19 | The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. |
Proverbs 8:27 Summary
This verse in Proverbs 8:27 tells us that Wisdom was present when God created the heavens and the earth, and that God marked out the boundaries of the sea and the sky. It means that God is a wise and powerful creator who brings order to the world, as we also see in Genesis 1:1-31 and Psalm 104:1-35. Just like God established the foundations of the earth, He can establish a firm foundation in our lives if we trust in Him, as seen in Matthew 7:24-27. By acknowledging God's wisdom and power, we can have confidence in His ability to guide and care for us, even in uncertain times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Wisdom to say 'I was there' when God established the heavens?
This phrase emphasizes Wisdom's presence and involvement in creation, highlighting its eternal nature, as seen in Proverbs 8:23, where it says Wisdom was brought forth before the creation of the world, and also in Psalm 90:2, which states that God existed before the mountains were born.
What is the 'circle on the face of the deep' that Wisdom mentions?
The 'circle on the face of the deep' refers to the horizon, where the sky meets the sea, symbolizing God's power and wisdom in creating the boundaries of the earth, as also seen in Job 26:10, where it talks about God inscribing a circle on the waters.
How does this verse relate to the creation story in Genesis?
This verse in Proverbs 8:27 complements the creation account in Genesis 1:1-31, particularly in Genesis 1:6-10, where God separates the waters and establishes the sky, demonstrating Wisdom's role in the creation process.
What does this verse teach us about God's nature?
This verse teaches us about God's wisdom, power, and creative genius, highlighting His ability to establish order and boundaries in creation, as also seen in Jeremiah 10:12, which talks about God's wisdom in creating the earth.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to acknowledge God's wisdom and presence in creation, and how can I apply this to my daily life?
- How can I trust in God's power and wisdom when faced with uncertainty or chaos in my life, just as He established order in the creation of the world?
- In what ways can I see God's boundaries and limitations as a form of love and care, rather than restriction, in my own life and in the world around me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's creative genius and wisdom, as seen in the intricate details of the natural world?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:27
When he prepared the heavens, I [was] there,.... Made, beautified, and adorned them; when he gave them their form, figure, magnitude, and motion; when he garnished them with the sun, moon, and stars;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:27
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he prepared the heavens, I (was) there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
I was there, not as an idle spectator, but as a co-worker with my Father. Of the depth, i.e. of that great and deep abyss of water and earth mixed together, which is called both earth and water, and the deep, . When he made this lower world round, or in the form of a globe, agreeable to the form of the upper world.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
Proverbs 8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I [was] there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:Ver. 27. When he prepared the heavens.] Or, Caused them to be prepared, took order to have it done, viz., by me, who was with him, and "by whom he made the worlds." "For the Father loveth the Son, and hath put all things into his hand." When he set a compass.] Or, Drew a circle round about the earth, meaning the outspread firmament of heaven. Howbeit the Hebrews understand it of the world of angels, called by them the third world, or the third heaven; whereunto St Paul also seems to allude in 2 Corinthians 12:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
(27) When he set a compass upon the face of the depth—i.e., when He stretched the vault of heaven over it: the same expression is used in Job 22:14. It is also interpreted of the circle of the horizon.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
Verse 27. When he prepared the heavens, I was there] For there is no part of the creation of God in which wisdom, skill, contrivance, are more manifest, than in the construction of the visible heavens. When he set a compass upon the face of the depth] Does not this refer to the establishment of the law of gravitation? by which all the particles of matter, tending to a common centre, would produce in all bodies the orbicular form, which we see them have; so that even the waters are not only retained within their boundaries, but are subjected to the circular form, in their great aggregate of seas, as other parts of matter are. This is called here making a compass, בחקו חוג bechukko chug, sweeping a circle; and even this on the face of the deep, to bring the chaotic mass into form, regularity, and order.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:27
27. compass] Rather, circle, R.V. text, A.V. marg. The reference is to the heavens, just mentioned, which seem to stand like a vault or dome upon the sea, marked out by the circle of the horizon on its surface. Comp. Job 22:14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:27
A compass - Better as in the margin and Job 22:14 (see the note), i. e., the great vault of heaven stretched over the deep seas.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:27
27. The teacher now ascends to the visible heavens, (the region of the atmosphere,) as they appear to the eye.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Revelation of God by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last days and the creation of the earth. He references the book of Job, stating that the morning stars and sons of God wer |
|
How Great Is Our God? Creation Reveals a Creator by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's existence through the intricate design and fine-tuning of the universe, pointing out various scientific facts that po |
|
Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
|
Praise and Thanksgiving: Praise the Creator by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation chapter 4 and highlights the central theme of worship in heaven. The chapter describes John's arrival in heaven, where he sees a |
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li |
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His Immensity - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the wonder and mystery of God's creation. They share a personal anecdote about their younger brother's fear of falling up, highlighting the |
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Prayer and Revival - Part 2 by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and suggests that God is sending judgments upon North America. He references Ezekiel 14:21, which mentions four |