Proverbs 3:20
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Original Language Analysis
תְּהוֹמ֣וֹת
the depths
H8415
תְּהוֹמ֣וֹת
the depths
Strong's:
H8415
Word #:
2 of 6
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
נִבְקָ֑עוּ
are broken up
H1234
נִבְקָ֑עוּ
are broken up
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
3 of 6
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
Cross References
Genesis 7:11In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.Genesis 1:9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.Genesis 27:28Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:Jeremiah 14:22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.Deuteronomy 33:28Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.Joel 2:23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology viewed seas and atmospheric waters as primordial chaos requiring divine control. This verse affirms God's sovereign ordering of these forces through His wisdom, contrasting with pagan myths of gods battling chaos monsters. Israel's creation theology was distinctively monotheistic and orderly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does observing creation's order inform your understanding of God's wisdom?
- What can we learn about wise living from studying God's design in nature?
- How does evolutionary materialism rob nature of its wisdom-revealing function?
Analysis & Commentary
God's wisdom is displayed in creation. The Hebrew 'da'ath' (knowledge) describes not abstract information but skillful expertise. The depths breaking open and clouds dropping dew illustrate God's ordered governance of natural processes. This verse grounds wisdom in creation theology - the same wisdom by which God made the world is offered to us for living in it. Understanding creation's design principles helps us live wisely.