Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, New Living Translation “Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, English Standard Version “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, Berean Standard Bible Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, King James Bible Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? New King James Version “Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb; New American Standard Bible “Or who enclosed the sea with doors When it went out from the womb, bursting forth; NASB 1995 “Or who enclosed the sea with doors When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; NASB 1977 “Or who enclosed the sea with doors, When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; Legacy Standard Bible “Or who enclosed the sea with doors When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb, Amplified Bible “Or who enclosed the sea with doors When it burst forth and went out of the womb; Christian Standard Bible Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb, Holman Christian Standard Bible Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb, American Standard Version Or who shut up the sea with doors, When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb; Contemporary English Version When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries English Revised Version Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb; GOD'S WORD® Translation "Who shut the sea behind gates when it burst through and came out of the womb, Good News Translation Who closed the gates to hold back the sea when it burst from the womb of the earth? International Standard Version "Who enclosed the sea with limits when it gushed out of the womb, NET Bible "Who shut up the sea with doors when it burst forth, coming out of the womb, New Heart English Bible "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth from the womb, Webster's Bible Translation Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWho enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, World English Bible “Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke out of the womb, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He shuts up the sea with doors, "" In its coming forth, it goes out from the womb. Young's Literal Translation And He shutteth up with doors the sea, In its coming forth, from the womb it goeth out. Smith's Literal Translation And he will hedge in the sea with doors in its breaking forth, going forth from the womb. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth as issuing out of the womb : Catholic Public Domain Version Who enclosed the sea with doors, when it broke forth as if issuing from the womb, New American Bible Who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb, New Revised Standard Version “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOr who shut up the sea with gates, when it broke forth as if it had issued out of the womb? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he shut the doors of the sea and it gushed out from the womb and it brought forth OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Or who shut up the sea with doors, When it broke forth, and issued out of the womb; Brenton Septuagint Translation And I shut up the sea with gates, when it rushed out, coming forth out its mother's womb. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Challenges Job…7while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, 9when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,… Cross References Psalm 104:6-9 You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. / At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away— / the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them— ... Proverbs 8:29 when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. Jeremiah 5:22 Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. Genesis 1:9-10 And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. / God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Psalm 33:7 He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses. Isaiah 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance? Psalm 89:9 You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them. Psalm 93:4 Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic. Psalm 74:13-14 You divided the sea by Your strength; You smashed the heads of the dragons of the sea; / You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert. Isaiah 51:15 For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name. Exodus 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. Jonah 1:9 “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” Matthew 8:26-27 “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. / The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:39-41 Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” / Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Luke 8:24-25 The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. / “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!” Treasury of Scripture Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? who Job 38:10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. Psalm 33:7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. out Job 38:29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? Jump to Previous Birth Brake Broke Burst Bursting Doors Enclosed Forth Issued Issuing Pushing Sea Secret Shut Shutteth WombJump to Next Birth Brake Broke Burst Bursting Doors Enclosed Forth Issued Issuing Pushing Sea Secret Shut Shutteth WombJob 38 1. God challenges Job to answer4. God, by his mighty works, convinces Job of ignorance 31. and weakness Who enclosed the sea behind doors This phrase suggests the act of God setting boundaries for the sea, a concept that reflects His sovereign control over creation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the sea often symbolized chaos and disorder. By enclosing the sea, God demonstrates His power to bring order out of chaos, a theme that resonates with the creation narrative in Genesis 1:9-10, where God gathers the waters to reveal dry land. This imagery of "doors" implies a deliberate and protective act, emphasizing God's authority over the natural world. The idea of God setting limits for the sea is also echoed in Psalm 104:9 and Proverbs 8:29, reinforcing the notion of divine governance over creation. when it burst forth from the womb Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe speaker in this passage, God is addressing Job directly, reminding him of His divine power and sovereignty over creation. 2. Job The recipient of God's discourse, Job is a man who has suffered greatly and is seeking understanding of his suffering. 3. The Sea Represents the chaotic and powerful forces of nature that God has control over, symbolizing His authority over all creation. 4. Creation The event being referenced, where God established order in the universe, including setting boundaries for the sea. 5. The Womb A metaphorical reference to the origin or beginning of the sea, emphasizing God's role as the Creator. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all creation, including the chaotic and powerful forces of nature. This should bring comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty. Creation's Order Understand that God has established order in the universe, and His boundaries are purposeful and good. Trust in His design and plan for the world. Humility Before God Acknowledge our limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom. Approach Him with humility, especially when questioning His ways. God's Power in Our Lives Just as God controls the sea, He is capable of managing the storms in our lives. Rely on His strength and seek His guidance in difficult times. Reflecting on Creation Spend time contemplating the majesty and complexity of God's creation, which can lead to a deeper appreciation of His greatness and inspire worship. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 38:8?2. How does Job 38:8 illustrate God's sovereignty over creation and nature's boundaries? 3. What does "who enclosed the sea" reveal about God's authority in Job 38:8? 4. How can understanding God's control in Job 38:8 strengthen our faith today? 5. Connect Job 38:8 with Genesis 1:9-10 on God's creation of the seas. 6. How can we apply the lesson of God's power in Job 38:8 to daily life? 7. How does Job 38:8 relate to God's control over nature and the sea's boundaries? 8. What does Job 38:8 reveal about God's authority in creation? 9. How does Job 38:8 challenge human understanding of divine power? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 38? 11. In Job 38:8–11, is there any scientific basis for God setting literal boundaries for the sea as described? 12. If Psalm 93:4 implies God controls natural forces, why do destructive calamities continue to occur without apparent divine intervention? 13. (Psalm 65:7) How do we align the idea of God calming oceans with modern scientific understanding of natural weather patterns? 14. Proverbs 30:4 speaks of God gathering the wind and establishing Earth’s ends; how does modern science challenge this creation claim? What Does Job 38:8 Mean Who enclosed the sea• In Job 38 the Lord Himself speaks, reminding Job that He alone fashioned and governs creation. By asking “Who enclosed the sea,” God is not seeking information but asserting His sole authorship. • Genesis 1:9-10 records the moment He “gathered the waters... and called the gathering of waters ‘seas,’” proving He—and not chance—put limits on the oceans. • Psalm 104:5-9 echoes the same truth: “You set a boundary they cannot cross.” These verses affirm that the seas are literally constrained by God’s command, highlighting His sovereignty over forces that seem untamable to humanity. behind doors • The picture of “doors” turns an abstract boundary into something concrete and visible. Just as a door keeps what is inside from spilling out, God’s barriers keep the waters where He wants them. • Proverbs 8:29 says He “set a boundary for the sea so the waters would not overstep His command,” while Jeremiah 5:22 adds that the sand itself is God’s chosen barrier—“an everlasting ordinance that it cannot pass.” • Such imagery underscores the reality that creation obeys its Maker. What appears as natural shoreline or tide is, in fact, evidence of God’s continuing oversight. when it burst forth • “Burst forth” recalls the explosive power of the primeval waters released at creation, then immediately restrained. • Psalm 33:7 notes, “He gathers the waters of the sea into storehouses,” capturing both the initial surge and the subsequent containment. • When God later unleashed the Flood (Genesis 7:11), it was another demonstration that the seas remain subject to His decree; He can release or restrain them at will. from the womb • The sea’s emergence is likened to birth, portraying God as the One who brings forth even the most uncontrollable elements of nature. • Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” • Isaiah 66:9 applies the same maternal imagery to God’s creative acts, affirming that He both initiates and completes what He begins. The metaphor assures us that the sea is not a random force but a creature birthed and bounded by its Creator. summary Job 38:8 reveals a God who literally formed the oceans, set real boundaries for them, controlled their first explosive unveiling, and relates to His creation with parental authority and care. Every shoreline, tide, and breaker testifies daily that the Almighty still holds the keys to the “doors” of the deep, calling us to trust His supreme power and wise governance in every area of life. Verse 8. - Or who shut up the sea with doors? From the earth a transition is made to the sea, as the second great wonder in creation (comp. Genesis 1:9, 10; Exodus 20:11; Psalm 104:24, 25). God's might is especially shown in his power to control and confine the sea, which rages so terribly and seems so utterly uncontrollable. God has blocked it in "with doors" - i.e. with "bounds that it cannot pass, neither turn again to cover the earth" (Psalm 145:9). Sometimes the barrier is one of lofty and solid rock, which seems well suited to confine and restrain; but sometimes it is no more than a thin streak of sliver sand or a bank of loose, shifting pebbles. Yet, in both cases alike, the restraint suffices. "The sand is placed for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it" (Jeremiah 5:22); the beach of shifting pebbles remains as firm as the rock itself, and never recedes or advances more than a few feet. When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb; i.e. at its birth, when it was first formed, by the gathering together of the waters into one place (see Genesis 1:9).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Who enclosedוַיָּ֣סֶךְ (way·yā·seḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5526: To entwine as a, screen, to fence in, cover over, protect the sea יָ֑ם (yām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin behind doors בִּדְלָתַ֣יִם (biḏ·lā·ṯa·yim) Preposition-b | Noun - fd Strong's 1817: Something swinging, the valve of a, door when it burst forth בְּ֝גִיח֗וֹ (bə·ḡî·ḥōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1518: To gush forth, to issue from the womb, מֵרֶ֥חֶם (mê·re·ḥem) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7358: The womb Links Job 38:8 NIVJob 38:8 NLT Job 38:8 ESV Job 38:8 NASB Job 38:8 KJV Job 38:8 BibleApps.com Job 38:8 Biblia Paralela Job 38:8 Chinese Bible Job 38:8 French Bible Job 38:8 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 38:8 Or who shut up the sea (Jb) |
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