Lexical Summary nebek: Lattice, network, woven work Original Word: נֵבֶךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spring From an unused root meaning to burst forth; a fountain -- spring. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a spring NASB Translation springs (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נֵ֫בֶךְ] noun [masculine] spring (si vera lectio) (v unknown); — only plural construct נִבְכֵייָֿם Job 38:16 the springs, sources of the ocean ("" חֵ֫קֶר תְּהוֺם); — Ol Siegf נִבְלֵי; Bu suggests נבעי = מֵבֻּעֵי as possibly; but Gr Perles read נִבְכֵי Job 28:11, also, for Masora מִבְּכִי, compare נָהָר 2 I. נבל (√ of following; meaning dubious). Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context The single appearance of נֵבֶךְ (Job 38:16) stands within the divine interrogation of Job, where the LORD contrasts His limitless knowledge with human finitude: “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?” (Job 38:16). The verse unites two images—springs and recesses—to underscore inaccessible realms that only the Creator comprehends and governs. Conceptual Picture 1. Source and Origin: Springs in Scripture often symbolize hidden beginnings that sustain visible realities (Genesis 7:11; Psalm 104:10). נֵבֶךְ evokes the idea of primal reservoirs feeding the oceans, highlighting God as the wellspring of all that exists. Historical and Literary Setting In the Ancient Near Eastern worldview, seas were chaotic and unfathomable. Job’s contemporaries would have regarded underwater sources as inaccessible and perilous. By referencing them, the text sets Yahweh apart from pagan deities: He not only tames the sea but knows its concealed origins, exhibiting absolute authority. Theological Significance • Providence: Just as unseen springs continually nourish the oceans, God’s providence sustains creation in ways largely invisible to humanity (Matthew 5:45; Colossians 1:17). Christological and Eschatological Echoes Springs motif flows into New Testament assurance of spiritual life: “I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without payment” (Revelation 21:6). The hidden fountains under the sea anticipate Christ as the unveiled Fountain of salvation (John 4:14). He embodies what Job’s generation could only imagine—a Living Water accessible to those who believe. Ministry Applications • Worship: Meditating on Job 38:16 inspires awe, moving congregations to praise the God whose wisdom penetrates unseen realms (Romans 11:33-36). Intertextual Connections Genesis 7:11; Psalm 33:7; Psalm 104:25; Proverbs 25:2; Isaiah 51:10; Jonah 2:3-6 all contribute to a biblical theology of the sea as both domain of mystery and theater of divine rule. נֵבֶךְ stands as a unique yet harmonious note within that larger symphony. Summary of Insights for Believers The lone appearance of נֵבֶךְ powerfully illustrates that the Creator’s wisdom penetrates the world’s most inaccessible places. It summons believers to humility, worship, and confident faith in God’s unseen but sustaining hand. Forms and Transliterations נִבְכֵי־ נבכי־ niḇ·ḵê- niḇḵê- nivcheiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 38:16 HEB: הֲ֭בָאתָ עַד־ נִבְכֵי־ יָ֑ם וּבְחֵ֥קֶר NAS: Have you entered into the springs of the sea KJV: Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? INT: entered into the springs of the sea the recesses 1 Occurrence |
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