Job 9:8
Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.
Original Language Analysis
נֹטֶ֣ה
Which alone spreadeth out
H5186
נֹטֶ֣ה
Which alone spreadeth out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 7
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
שָׁמַ֣יִם
the heavens
H8064
שָׁמַ֣יִם
the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 7
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
לְבַדּ֑וֹ
H905
לְבַדּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְ֝דוֹרֵ֗ךְ
and treadeth
H1869
וְ֝דוֹרֵ֗ךְ
and treadeth
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
4 of 7
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
Cross References
Isaiah 44:24Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;Isaiah 40:22It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:Job 37:18Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.Psalms 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.Jeremiah 10:11Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern creation myths featured multiple deities creating through conflict. Job's 'alone' polemically rejects polytheism, affirming strict monotheism. The sea represented chaos in ancient cosmology; God's treading on it demonstrates absolute sovereignty over what ancients feared most.
Questions for Reflection
- How does strict monotheism both intensify the problem of suffering (one God controls all) and provide hope (that same God redeems)?
- What does Christ's walking on water reveal about His identity as Creator and His power over chaos threatening our lives?
- In what ways does recognizing God 'alone' as Creator prevent us from blaming circumstances, other people, or spiritual forces for our trials?
Analysis & Commentary
Job proclaims God's exclusive creative work: 'Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.' The word 'alone' (bad, בַּד) emphasizes God's sole agency—no divine council or assistants, only God creates. 'Spreadeth out' (natah, נָטָה) pictures stretching a tent (Isaiah 40:22, 42:5), while 'treadeth upon' (darak, דָּרַךְ) suggests dominion and control. Walking on sea waves demonstrates mastery over chaos (compare Christ walking on water, Matthew 14:25).
Job's monotheistic confession strengthens his dilemma: if one God alone creates and controls everything, then this same God orchestrates Job's suffering. There's no rival deity to blame, no cosmic conflict excusing divine inaction. The same sovereignty that demands worship creates accountability questions. How can the Creator who treads on sea waves (chaos) allow His righteous servant to drown in suffering?
The imagery anticipates Christ's identity as Creator (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16) and His demonstration of deity by walking on water. Job's theology is sound—God alone creates—but lacks the Christological revelation that the Creator became creature to suffer with and for us.