Job 38:12

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;

Original Language Analysis

הֲֽ֭מִיָּמֶיךָ since thy days H3117
הֲֽ֭מִיָּמֶיךָ since thy days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
צִוִּ֣יתָ Hast thou commanded H6680
צִוִּ֣יתָ Hast thou commanded
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 2 of 6
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
בֹּ֑קֶר the morning H1242
בֹּ֑קֶר the morning
Strong's: H1242
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
יִדַּ֖עְתָּהַ to know H3045
יִדַּ֖עְתָּהַ to know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 4 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
שַּׁ֣חַר and caused the dayspring H7837
שַּׁ֣חַר and caused the dayspring
Strong's: H7837
Word #: 5 of 6
dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)
מְקֹמֽוֹ׃ his place H4725
מְקֹמֽוֹ׃ his place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

Analysis & Commentary

God questions Job: 'Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place?' This asks whether Job controls daily sunrise - something so routine humans take it for granted, yet entirely beyond human power.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern sun deities were worshiped as sources of daily light. God's question reveals that even routine 'natural' phenomena demonstrate divine power.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Bible Stories