Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light. New Living Translation They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures. English Standard Version He dams up the streams so that they do not trickle, and the thing that is hidden he brings out to light. Berean Standard Bible He stops up the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light. King James Bible He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. New King James Version He dams up the streams from trickling; What is hidden he brings forth to light. New American Standard Bible “He dams up the streams from flowing, And brings to light what is hidden. NASB 1995 “He dams up the streams from flowing, And what is hidden he brings out to the light. NASB 1977 “He dams up the streams from flowing; And what is hidden he brings out to the light. Legacy Standard Bible He dams up the streams from flowing, And what is hidden he brings out to the light. Amplified Bible “Man dams up the streams from flowing [so that they do not trickle into the mine], And what is hidden he brings out to the light. Christian Standard Bible He dams up the streams from flowing so that he may bring to light what is hidden. Holman Christian Standard Bible He dams up the streams from flowing so that he may bring to light what is hidden. American Standard Version He bindeth the streams that they trickle not; And the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. Contemporary English Version They also uncover the sources of rivers and discover secret places. English Revised Version He bindeth the streams that they trickle not; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. GOD'S WORD® Translation They explore the sources of rivers so that they bring hidden treasures to light. Good News Translation They dig to the sources of rivers And bring to light what is hidden. International Standard Version He dams up flowing rivers, bringing hidden things to light." NET Bible He has searched the sources of the rivers and what was hidden he has brought into the light. New Heart English Bible He binds the streams that they do not trickle. The thing that is hidden he brings forth to light. Webster's Bible Translation He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid he bringeth forth to light. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe stops up the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light. World English Bible He binds the streams that they don’t trickle. The thing that is hidden he brings out to light. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe has bound overflowing rivers, "" And the hidden thing brings out [to] light. Young's Literal Translation From overflowing floods he hath bound, And the hidden thing bringeth out to light. Smith's Literal Translation He bound the rivers from weeping, and he will bring forth the hidden thing to light. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe depths also of rivers he hath searched, and hidden things he hath brought forth to light. Catholic Public Domain Version The depths of rivers he has also examined, and he has brought hidden things into the light. New American Bible He dams up the sources of the streams, and brings hidden things to light. New Revised Standard Version The sources of the rivers they probe; hidden things they bring to light. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe binds up the rivers that they may not overflow; and the thing that is hid, he brings forth to light. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the strength of rivers he had shut in, and from the veil went out light OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He bindeth the streams that they trickle not; And the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he has laid bare the depths of rivers, and has brought his power to light. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Where Can Wisdom Be Found?…10He hews out channels in the rocks, and his eyes spot every treasure. 11He stops up the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light. 12But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?… Cross References Proverbs 2:4-5 if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 3:13-15 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. Romans 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Matthew 13:44-46 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. Luke 11:9-10 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Psalm 19:10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Psalm 119:72 The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. Treasury of Scripture He binds the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid brings he forth to light. bindeth Job 26:8 He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. Isaiah 37:25 I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places. Isaiah 44:27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: overflowing. Isaiah 45:2,3 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: … 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. Jump to Previous Bindeth Binds Bound Dams Floods Flowing Forth Hid Hidden Keeps Light Makes Overflowing Rivers Searches Secret Sources StreamsJump to Next Bindeth Binds Bound Dams Floods Flowing Forth Hid Hidden Keeps Light Makes Overflowing Rivers Searches Secret Sources StreamsJob 28 1. There is a knowledge of natural things12. But wisdom is an excellent gift of God He stops up the sources of the streams This phrase reflects the human endeavor to control and manipulate natural resources, a theme prevalent in the ancient Near East where water management was crucial for survival. In the context of Job, it symbolizes the search for wisdom and understanding, akin to mining for precious metals and gems. The imagery of stopping up streams suggests a deliberate effort to uncover hidden truths, paralleling the pursuit of divine wisdom. This can be connected to Proverbs 2:4, which encourages seeking wisdom as one would search for hidden treasures. to bring what is hidden to light Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is the speaker in this chapter, reflecting on the nature of wisdom. 2. Streams Symbolic of the hidden and mysterious aspects of creation, which God controls and reveals according to His will. 3. Wisdom The overarching theme of Job 28, where Job poetically describes the search for wisdom and its divine origin. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of God in CreationGod has the power to control and reveal the hidden aspects of creation, demonstrating His sovereignty and authority over all things. The Pursuit of Wisdom True wisdom is not found through human effort alone but is a divine gift that God reveals to those who seek Him earnestly. The Hidden and the Revealed Just as God brings hidden streams to light, He can illuminate the hidden areas of our lives, revealing truth and understanding. Trust in God's Timing God's revelation of hidden things occurs in His perfect timing, teaching us to trust in His wisdom and timing rather than our own. Spiritual Insight and Discernment As believers, we are called to seek spiritual insight and discernment, relying on God to reveal His truths to us through His Word and Spirit. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 28:11?2. How does Job 28:11 illustrate God's control over hidden things in our lives? 3. What does "sources of the rivers" symbolize about God's wisdom in Job 28:11? 4. How can we seek God's wisdom in hidden areas, as in Job 28:11? 5. How does Job 28:11 connect with Proverbs 2:6 about God's wisdom? 6. How can we apply Job 28:11 to trust God in uncertain situations? 7. What does Job 28:11 reveal about God's control over nature and hidden things? 8. How does Job 28:11 relate to the theme of divine wisdom in the Book of Job? 9. What historical context influences the interpretation of Job 28:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 28? 11. Why does Job 28 offer poetic descriptions of wisdom's source without reconciling them with scientific or pagan wisdom traditions of the time? 12. What are spirit guides? 13. If Psalm 41:11 suggests triumph over enemies is evidence of God's favor, how can it be reconciled with godly individuals who appear to be defeated? 14. In Job 24:1, why does God allow human injustice to continue unchecked, contradicting His supposed omnipotence? What Does Job 28:11 Mean He stops up•The immediate picture is a miner intentionally blocking water so the shaft stays dry. Job has just spoken of men who “break open shafts far from human habitation” (Job 28:4) and “hew out channels in the rocks” (Job 28:10). •At the same time, Scripture often shows God Himself masterfully redirecting water: He “turns rivers into deserts” (Psalm 107:33) and “rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up” (Psalm 106:9). Whether the verse spotlights human ingenuity or divine sovereignty, the action is purposeful, controlled, and effective. the sources of the streams •“Sources” points to the very fountains where water begins—underground springs that ordinarily stay out of sight. Job later hears God ask, “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea?” (Job 38:16), underscoring their hidden nature. •Stopping up a spring involves deep knowledge of the terrain and courage to tamper with something powerful. It reminds us of Proverbs 8:28, where God “established the fountains of the deep,” asserting that every wellspring is ultimately under His command. to bring what is hidden •Why block the water? So buried treasures—gold, sapphires, or ores—can finally be reached. The miner’s goal is discovery. This mirrors God’s work with truth: “He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light” (Job 12:22). •In the New Testament the same theme appears: “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). What we cannot uncover on our own, God graciously discloses. to light •Once water is held back, the dark cavern fills with daylight, and hidden minerals glisten. Light symbolizes revelation throughout Scripture. John 1:4-5 declares, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” •Ephesians 5:13 reminds believers, “Everything exposed by the light becomes visible,” encouraging us to welcome God’s illuminating work in every corner of life. summary Job 28:11 paints a vivid scene of water being stopped, darkness lifted, and secret riches uncovered. On the human level, it celebrates the miner’s skill; on the higher level, it points to the Lord who controls the springs and delights to reveal what lies concealed. Whether physical treasure or spiritual wisdom, nothing remains hidden when He decides to shine His light. Verse 11. - He bindeth the floods from overflowing. This, again, may be either taken generally of man's ability to create dams, dykes, and embankments, whereby the overflow of waters is prevented; or specially of such works when connected with mines, from which it is possible, in some instances, to dam out water that would otherwise interfere with their working. The word translated "overflowing" means probably "weeping," and seems to point to that leakage from the roofs and sides of galleries and adits which is more difficult to control and stop than even subterranean springs or rivers. And the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. This is the final result of mining operations. Things useful or beautiful that are hiddden deep down in the heart of the earth, and that might have seemed wholly inaccessible, are brought out of the pit's month into the light of day for the service and delectation of mankind.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He searchesחִבֵּ֑שׁ (ḥib·bêš) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2280: To wrap firmly, to stop, to rule the sources מִ֭בְּכִי (mib·bə·ḵî) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1065: A weeping, a dripping of the streams נְהָר֣וֹת (nə·hā·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity to bring יֹ֣צִא (yō·ṣi) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim what is hidden וְ֝תַעֲלֻמָ֗הּ (wə·ṯa·‘ă·lu·māh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8587: A hidden thing, secret to light. אֽוֹר׃ (’ō·wr) Noun - common singular Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary Links Job 28:11 NIVJob 28:11 NLT Job 28:11 ESV Job 28:11 NASB Job 28:11 KJV Job 28:11 BibleApps.com Job 28:11 Biblia Paralela Job 28:11 Chinese Bible Job 28:11 French Bible Job 28:11 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 28:11 He binds the streams that they don't (Jb) |
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