Job 38:18
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
Original Language Analysis
הִ֭תְבֹּנַנְתָּ
Hast thou perceived
H995
הִ֭תְבֹּנַנְתָּ
Hast thou perceived
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
1 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 8
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
declare
H5046
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Cross References
Revelation 20:9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.Jeremiah 31:37Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient people had limited geographical knowledge. The earth seemed vast and largely unknown. Modern exploration has mapped the planet, yet the universe's vastness now dwarfs ancient imagination. The principle remains—human knowledge is minuscule compared to God's omniscience. This would comfort Job and readers facing inexplicable circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the limits of our knowledge affect our posture toward God?
- What specific situations require you to trust God's wisdom despite your limited understanding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all." God challenges Job to comprehend earth's vast dimensions. The Hebrew rachavey-erets (רַחֲבֵי־אָרֶץ, "breadth/expanse of earth") emphasizes magnitude beyond human grasp. This question humbles human pretensions to comprehensive knowledge. If Job cannot comprehend spatial dimensions, how can he judge God's governance? The verse teaches epistemic humility—recognizing knowledge's limits is wisdom's beginning. It prepares Job to trust God's wisdom in matters beyond human understanding.