Job 26:8
He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
Original Language Analysis
צֹרֵֽר
He bindeth up
H6887
צֹרֵֽר
He bindeth up
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
1 of 7
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
מַ֥יִם
the waters
H4325
מַ֥יִם
the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
2 of 7
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
בְּעָבָ֑יו
in his thick clouds
H5645
בְּעָבָ֑יו
in his thick clouds
Strong's:
H5645
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִבְקַ֖ע
is not rent
H1234
נִבְקַ֖ע
is not rent
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
5 of 7
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
Cross References
Proverbs 30:4Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?Jeremiah 10:13When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.Isaiah 5:6And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
Historical Context
Ancient peoples observed weather phenomena without understanding atmospheric physics. Clouds holding water without bursting seemed miraculous, pointing to divine power. Job 36:27-28 and Psalm 104:3 similarly marvel at God's control over waters and clouds. Modern meteorology explains mechanisms but doesn't diminish theological significance—natural laws are God's established patterns of governance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does scientific understanding of natural phenomena enhance rather than diminish wonder at God's wisdom?
- What does God's sustaining of natural systems teach about His faithfulness and reliability?
- How should observing creation's intricacy affect our confidence in God's ability to sustain our lives?
Analysis & Commentary
Job marvels at God's power: "He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them." The verb tsarar (צָרַר, "bindeth up") means to wrap or bind securely. The noun av (עָב, "thick clouds") denotes dense cloud masses. Despite containing massive water weight, clouds don't burst (baqa, בָּקַע, "rent"). Job observes meteorological wonder revealing divine power and wisdom. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates God's sustaining providence—He not only created natural laws but continually upholds them (Hebrews 1:3). The water cycle, atmospheric physics, and cloud dynamics all depend on God's ongoing governance. Modern science describes how clouds work; theology reveals who established and maintains these systems. Job's observation anticipates Paul's declaration that "by him all things consist" (Colossians 1:17)—cohere and hold together.