Job 38:33

Authorized King James Version

Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲ֭יָדַעְתָּ
H3045
Knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
חֻקּ֣וֹת
H2708
thou the ordinances
a statute
#3
שָׁמָ֑יִם
H8064
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#4
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
תָּשִׂ֖ים
H7760
canst thou set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
מִשְׁטָר֣וֹ
H4896
the dominion
jurisdiction
#7
בָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
thereof in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection