Job 38:16

Authorized King James Version

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Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

Original Language Analysis

הֲ֭בָאתָ Hast thou entered H935
הֲ֭בָאתָ Hast thou entered
Strong's: H935
Word #: 1 of 7
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 2 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נִבְכֵי into the springs H5033
נִבְכֵי into the springs
Strong's: H5033
Word #: 3 of 7
a fountain
יָ֑ם of the sea H3220
יָ֑ם of the sea
Strong's: H3220
Word #: 4 of 7
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וּבְחֵ֥קֶר in the search H2714
וּבְחֵ֥קֶר in the search
Strong's: H2714
Word #: 5 of 7
examination, enumeration, deliberation
תְּ֝ה֗וֹם of the depth H8415
תְּ֝ה֗וֹם of the depth
Strong's: H8415
Word #: 6 of 7
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
הִתְהַלָּֽכְתָּ׃ or hast thou walked H1980
הִתְהַלָּֽכְתָּ׃ or hast thou walked
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 7 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

God asks: 'Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?' This questions Job's knowledge of ocean depths - regions utterly inaccessible in ancient times. Divine knowledge encompasses what human exploration cannot reach.

Historical Context

Ancient understanding of ocean depths was minimal. God's question emphasizes the limits of human investigation versus divine omniscience.

Questions for Reflection

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