Job 26:7
He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
Original Language Analysis
נֹטֶ֣ה
He stretcheth out
H5186
נֹטֶ֣ה
He stretcheth out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 9
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
צָפ֣וֹן
the north
H6828
צָפ֣וֹן
the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תֹּ֑הוּ
over the empty place
H8414
תֹּ֑הוּ
over the empty place
Strong's:
H8414
Word #:
4 of 9
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 40:22It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:Job 9:8Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Isaiah 42:5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:Psalms 24:2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.Isaiah 40:26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cosmologies typically portrayed earth resting on pillars, animals, or divine beings. Job's description of earth hanging on nothing is scientifically remarkable, possibly inspired revelation. The passage appears in Job's response to Bildad, demonstrating that Job's protests don't reflect ignorance of or doubt about God's power—he questions divine purposes while affirming divine attributes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's affirmation of God's creative power demonstrate that questioning God's purposes doesn't deny His attributes?
- What does this scientifically accurate cosmology suggest about the inspiration of Scripture?
Analysis & Commentary
Job declares: 'He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.' The verb natah (נָטָה, stretcheth) means to spread out or extend. Tsaphon (צָפוֹן, north) may refer to the northern sky or celestial regions. Tohu (תֹהוּ, empty place) means emptiness or formless void—the same word in Genesis 1:2. The phrase 'hangeth the earth upon nothing' (toleh eretz al-belimah, תֹּלֶה אֶרֶץ עַל־בְּלִימָה) describes earth suspended in space—remarkably accurate cosmology for ancient times. Job affirms God's creative power and wisdom, refuting any suggestion that he doubts divine sovereignty.