Job 12:8

8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.

Job 12:8 in Other Translations

8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

8 or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.

8 Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you.

8 Put your ear to the earth - learn the basics. Listen - the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.

8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

8 Or speak with the earth, and it will teach you. Even the fish will relate [the story] to you.

8 Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you; let the fish of the sea inform you.

8 Or speak to the earth. It will teach you. Or let the fish of the ocean educate you.

Job 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

Job 12:8

Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee
Or ask "a sprig of the earth" ^F14, any shrub, or tree, or whatsoever grows out of it, and they will all unite in this doctrine, that they are raised and preserved by the power of God, and are so many instances of his wisdom, power, and goodness:

and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee;
as mute as they are, they will proclaim this truth, that God is the mighty Maker and wise Disposer of them.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Ural xyv) "virgultum terrae", Pagninus, Schmidt; so Drusius and Michaelis.

Job 12:8 In-Context

6 The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure— those God has in his hand.

7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;

8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.

9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?

10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.