Job 38:1-6

The Lord Answers Job

1 Then the LORD 1answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 "Who is this that 2darkens counsel by words 3without knowledge?
3 4Dress for action[a] like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.
4 "Where were you when I 5laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements--surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone,

Job 38:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 38

In this chapter the Lord takes up the controversy with Job; calls upon him to prepare to engage with him in it, and demands an answer to posing questions he puts to him, concerning the earth and the fabric of it, Job 38:1-7; concerning the sea, compared to an infant in embryo, at its birth, in its swaddling bands and cradle, Job 38:8-11; concerning the morning light, its spread and influence, Job 38:12-15; concerning the springs of the sea, the dark parts of the earth, the place both of light and darkness, Job 38:16-21; concerning the various meteors, snow, hail, rain, thunder, lightning, and the influences of the stars, Job 38:22-38; and concerning provision for lions and ravens, Job 38:40,41.

Cross References 5

  • 1. Job 40:6; [Job 13:22]
  • 2. Job 42:3
  • 3. See Job 35:16
  • 4. 1 Kings 18:46
  • 5. Psalms 104:5; [Proverbs 30:4; Isaiah 40:12-14]; See Proverbs 8:24-29

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Hebrew Gird up your loins
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.