Proverbs 8:28
Proverbs 8:28 in Multiple Translations
when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong,
When he made strong the skies overhead: when the fountains of the deep were fixed:
when he made the clouds in the sky above, when he created the springs of the oceans,
When he established the cloudes aboue, when he confirmed the fountaines of the deepe,
In His strengthening clouds above, In His making strong fountains of the deep,
when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
When he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters:
I was there when Yahweh put the clouds above the earth and when he caused the water that is inside the earth to be secure.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:28
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 8:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אַמְּצ֣/וֹ
שְׁחָקִ֣ים
מִ/מָּ֑עַל
בַּ֝/עֲז֗וֹז
עִינ֥וֹת
תְּהוֹם
בְּ/אַמְּצ֣/וֹ
ʼâmats
H553
to strengthen
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
שְׁחָקִ֣ים
shachaq
H7834
cloud
N-mp
מִ/מָּ֑עַל
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv
בַּ֝/עֲז֗וֹז
ʻâzaz
H5810
be strong
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עִינ֥וֹת
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cp
תְּהוֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
abyss
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:28
בְּ/אַמְּצ֣/וֹ
ʼâmats
H553
"to strengthen"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to be strong or courageous, like in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses tells the Israelites to be brave. It can also mean to strengthen or secure something. English Bibles often translate it as 'be courageous' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold 1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure 1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to 1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). See also: Genesis 25:23; 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalms 18:18.
שְׁחָקִ֣ים
shachaq
H7834
"cloud"
N-mp
This noun refers to a cloud or a thin vapor in the sky, as in Psalm 36:5 where God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It can also mean the firmament or heaven, like in Genesis 1:20 where birds fly across the sky. The word appears about 20 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) dust, cloud 1a) fine dust 1b) (thin) cloud
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 18:12.
מִ/מָּ֑עַל
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
בַּ֝/עֲז֗וֹז
ʻâzaz
H5810
"be strong"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to be strong or prevail, and can also mean to make something firm. It's used in the Bible to describe God strengthening someone or someone becoming strong. The KJV translates it as 'harden' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong 1a) (Qal) to be strong, prevail 1b) (Hiphil) to make firm, strengthen
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong. See also: Judges 3:10; Proverbs 7:13; Psalms 9:20.
עִינ֥וֹת
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cp
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
תְּהוֹם
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 8:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Proverbs 8:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
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. 30Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.Proverbs 8:28 Summary
This verse tells us about God's amazing power and control over the world He created. When it says He established the clouds above and the fountains of the deep, it means He is in charge of the weather and the oceans (Psalm 135:7). It's a reminder that God is all-powerful and wise, and we can trust Him to take care of us. Just like He set boundaries for the sea, as mentioned in the next verse, He also sets boundaries for our lives to keep us safe and guide us (Proverbs 8:29).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to establish the clouds above?
This phrase refers to God's sovereign control over the atmosphere and weather patterns, as seen in Psalm 135:7, which says He brings the clouds and spreads the mist over the earth.
What are the fountains of the deep mentioned in this verse?
The fountains of the deep are likely referring to the sources of water that feed the oceans and seas, such as underwater springs or ocean currents, as mentioned in Genesis 7:11 and 8:2.
How does this verse relate to the creation story in the book of Genesis?
This verse is closely tied to the creation account in Genesis, particularly Genesis 1:6-10, where God separates the waters above and below the firmament, demonstrating His power and control over the natural world.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse highlights God's omnipotence, wisdom, and attention to detail, as seen in Psalm 104:24, which says God is wise and full of knowledge in all His works.
Reflection Questions
- As you reflect on God's establishment of the clouds and fountains of the deep, how does this impact your trust in His sovereignty over your life?
- In what ways can you see God's handiwork in the natural world around you, and how does this verse inspire you to worship Him?
- How does this verse remind you of the importance of respecting and caring for God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:28-30?
- As you consider the majesty and power of God displayed in this verse, how can you apply this to your daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:28
When he established the clouds above,.... In which the waters are bound, and yet are not rent under them; and where, in the thin air, they hang heavy with them; where they are weighed by measure, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:28
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he established the clouds above.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
Established, Heb. strengthened, by his word and decree, which alone upholds the clouds in the air, which of themselves are thin and weak bodies, and would quickly be dissolved or dispersed. When he strengthened the fountains; when he shut up the several fountains in the cavities of the earth, and kept them there as it were by a song hand for the use of mankind. Of the deep; which have their original from the deep, either from the sea, or from the abyss of waters in the bowels of the earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
Proverbs 8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:Ver. 28. When he established the clouds above.] That they might be kept there, as it were in tuns and bottles, till he would have them to pour down their dew, or rain.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
(28) When he established the clouds above.—Literally, made firm; comp. Genesis 1:6. When he strengthened the fountains of the deep.—More probably, when they flowed forth with strength.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
Verse 28. The clouds above] שחקים shechakim, "the ethereal regions," taking in the whole of the atmosphere, with all its meteors, clouds, vapours, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:28
28. established the clouds) Rather, made firm the skies, R.V. he strengthened] Rather, when the fountains of the deep became strong, R.V. The same Heb. word is used of the sea, Nehemiah 9:11; Isaiah 43:16, “the mighty waters.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:28
28. When he established the clouds — Stuart: “Fixed the clouds.” Patrick: “Made the watery clouds so firm in the air that they shall not fall down altogether, but by drops, upon the earth.”