Job 38:11
And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
Original Language Analysis
עַד
Hitherto
H5704
עַד
Hitherto
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
תָ֭בוֹא
shalt thou come
H935
תָ֭בוֹא
shalt thou come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹסִ֑יף
but no further
H3254
תֹסִ֑יף
but no further
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
6 of 10
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
Cross References
Psalms 89:9Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.Proverbs 8:29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:Isaiah 27:8In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.Job 2:6And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Historical Context
Ancient seafaring peoples greatly feared the ocean's power. Mediterranean storms were deadly. The sea's "pride" suggests autonomous threatening power that only the Creator could restrain. This passage would comfort Israel, often threatened by sea-based empires (Philistines, later Rome), by affirming God's ultimate authority over all threatening powers.
Questions for Reflection
- What "proud waves" in your life need to be reminded of God's sovereign decree?
- How does Christ's authority over nature demonstrate His divine identity and power to save?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" God quotes His own decree to the sea, using ad-poh (עַד־פֹה, "thus far") to mark absolute limits. The personification continues—the sea has "proud waves" (geʾon galekha, גְּאוֹן גַּלֶּיךָ). This reveals God's authority to command even the proudest natural forces. The verse anticipates Christ's calming of the storm (Mark 4:39), demonstrating that the incarnate Word possesses the same creative authority as the Father. God's ability to restrain chaos assures His people that no circumstance exceeds His control.