Proverbs 8:27
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
Original Language Analysis
בַּהֲכִינ֣וֹ
When he prepared
H3559
בַּהֲכִינ֣וֹ
When he prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
שָׁ֭מַיִם
the heavens
H8064
שָׁ֭מַיִם
the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 9
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
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
בְּחֻ֥קוֹ
I was there when he set
H2710
בְּחֻ֥קוֹ
I was there when he set
Strong's:
H2710
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
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 26:10He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.Proverbs 3:19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.Colossians 1:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Psalms 136:5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.Jeremiah 10:12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Psalms 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.Psalms 103:19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology debated whether universe was rationally ordered or chaotically random. Biblical creation affirms rational order because wise Creator designed it. This undergirded scientific revolution - nature operates by discoverable laws because wise God established them. Modern scientism ironically depends on assumptions (natural law, rationality, order) grounded in biblical creation theology it rejects.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding creation as wisely designed affect your scientific and philosophical outlook?
- What observations of natural order reveal divine wisdom to you?
- How should creation's wise design inform your confidence in discovering truth through study?
Analysis & Commentary
When God prepared the heavens, wisdom was there; when He set a compass on the deep's face. The Hebrew 'kuwn' (prepare/establish) and 'chuwg' (circle/compass/vault) describe creation's ordering. Wisdom wasn't merely observer but participant in creation. The 'compass on the deep' likely refers to horizon's circular boundary or earth's spherical shape. God's creative wisdom produced ordered cosmos from chaos.