Proverbs 8:29
Proverbs 8:29 in Multiple Translations
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.
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;
When he put a limit to the sea, so that the waters might not go against his word: when he put in position the bases of the earth:
when he set limits on the sea so that the waters would not go farther than he ordered, and when he laid out the foundations of the earth.
When he gaue his decree to the Sea, that the waters shoulde not passe his commandement: when he appointed the foundations of the earth,
In His setting for the sea its limit, And the waters transgress not His command, In His decreeing the foundations of earth,
when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
When he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when be balanced the foundations of the earth;
I was there when he fixed a boundary for the seas, so that the water in the seas would not go past those boundaries, and when he put down the foundations which support the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:29
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 8:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/שׂ֘וּמ֤/וֹ
לַ/יָּ֨ם
חֻקּ֗/וֹ
וּ֭/מַיִם
לֹ֣א
יַֽעַבְרוּ
פִ֑י/ו
בְּ֝/חוּק֗/וֹ
מ֣וֹסְדֵי
אָֽרֶץ
בְּ/שׂ֘וּמ֤/וֹ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לַ/יָּ֨ם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
חֻקּ֗/וֹ
chôq
H2706
statute
N-ms | Suff
וּ֭/מַיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Conj | N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַֽעַבְרוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
פִ֑י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
בְּ֝/חוּק֗/וֹ
châqaq
H2710
to decree
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מ֣וֹסְדֵי
môwçâd
H4144
foundation
N-cp
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:29
בְּ/שׂ֘וּמ֤/וֹ
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.
לַ/יָּ֨ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | 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.
חֻקּ֗/וֹ
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
וּ֭/מַיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Conj | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַֽעַבְרוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
פִ֑י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
בְּ֝/חוּק֗/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.
מ֣וֹסְדֵי
môwçâd
H4144
"foundation"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word describes a foundation or base, often translated as 'foundation'. It appears in descriptions of buildings, mountains, and other structures, emphasizing the idea of a solid starting point. The word is similar to H4143.
Definition: foundation
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: foundation. See also: Psalms 82:5; Proverbs 8:29.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:29
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
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. 31I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:9 | You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Genesis 1:9–10 | 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. God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. |
| 4 | Psalms 104:5 | He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. |
| 5 | Psalms 33:7 | He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses. |
| 6 | Job 38:4–11 | Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
Proverbs 8:29 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 8:29, tells us that God is all-powerful and in control of everything, even the huge oceans. He set boundaries for the sea so it wouldn't get too big, just like He has a plan for our lives (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). It's comforting to know that God is in charge and has a purpose for everything, including the earth and our lives (as described in Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's power and wisdom, we can have peace and confidence in His care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to set a boundary for the sea?
This refers to God's power and control over creation, as seen in Proverbs 8:29, where He sets a boundary for the sea so that the waters would not surpass His command, similar to what is described in Job 38:8-11 and Psalm 104:9.
How does this verse relate to the creation account in the book of Genesis?
The creation account in Genesis 1:1-31 provides the background for understanding God's establishment of the foundations of the earth, as mentioned in Proverbs 8:29, highlighting God's sovereignty and creative power.
What is the significance of God marking out the foundations of the earth?
This act of marking out the foundations of the earth, as seen in Proverbs 8:29, demonstrates God's wisdom and purpose in creation, as also described in Psalm 102:25 and Isaiah 48:13, showcasing His meticulous planning and design.
How does this verse impact our understanding of God's relationship with His creation?
Proverbs 8:29 emphasizes God's intimate involvement with and care for His creation, as also seen in Colossians 1:16-17, highlighting His role as the sustainer and ruler of all things.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to have 'set a boundary for the sea' in my life, and how can I trust in His power and control?
- How can I reflect on God's creative power and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 8:29, and apply it to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways I can 'rejoice always in His presence', as described in Proverbs 8:30, and cultivate a deeper sense of delight and joy in God's creation?
- How can I balance the concept of God's sovereignty with human responsibility, as implied in Proverbs 8:29, and what are the implications for my faith and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:29
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment,.... A perpetual decree, which never has been altered nor never will: he has placed the sand for the bounds of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:29
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
His decree; or, his bound or limits, to wit, those parts of the earth which border upon it. Not pass his commandment, i.e. not overflow the earth. Appointed, or laid, the foundations o the earth; either, 1. The centre of the earth; or, 2. The earth itself, which is the foundation of the world; or rather, 3. The firm standing of the earth upon its foundations, notwithstanding all the assaults which the waters of the sea or within the earth make against it; which is a singular work of God’ s providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
Proverbs 8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:Ver. 29. When he appointed the foundations.] That it should remain unmoveable, though it hang in the air, as it were by geometry. “ Terra pilae similis nullo fulcimine nixa, Aere suspenso tam grave pendet onus. ” - Ovid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
(29) When he gave to the sea his decree . . .—Compare the same thoughts in Job 38:4; Job 38:10-11.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
Verse 29. When he gave to the sea his decree] When he assigned its limits, adjusted its saltness, and proportioned the extent of the surface to the quantity of vapours to be raised from it, for the irrigation of the terrene surface. The foundations of the earth] Those irreversible laws by which all its motions are governed; its annual and diurnal rotation, and particularly its centrifugal and centripetal forces; by the former of which it has its annual motion round the sun like all other planets; and by the latter all its particles are prevented from flying off, notwithstanding the great velocity of its motion round its own axis, which causes one thousand and forty-two miles of its equator to pass under any given point in the heavens in the course of a single hour! These are, properly speaking, the foundations of the earth; the principles on which it is constructed, and the laws by which it is governed.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:29
29. his decree] So R.V. marg.; its bound, R.V. text. It may be doubted, however, whether the translators of A.V. did not mean, its (for which they often use his) decree, i.e. the law laid upon it by God for its observance. Terminum suum, Vulg. Comp. Job 38:8-11; Psalms 104:9. appointed] or, marked out, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:29
29. Should not pass his commandment — χιε, his mouth, that is, the mouth of the sea, used tropically — the edge, margin, shore. Should not pass over its shore. Foundations of the earth — Or, land.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Darkness Has Crossed a Line by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the belief in a forthcoming spiritual awakening in New York City, not due to human efforts but because darkness has crossed a line, challenging the authority |
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Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r |
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The Power of His Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revelation of God's presence in our lives. She highlights the importance of being honest before God and allowing Him to revea |
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Homily 9 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral st |
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The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes by John Wesley | John Wesley addresses the terrifying reality of earthquakes as divine judgments from God, emphasizing that they serve as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. |
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The Wisdom of Men and the Power of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the apostle Paul's experience and language, standing in weakness, fear, and trembling, and the common ministers of the gospel who r |
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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 |