Job 11:8
Job 11:8 in Multiple Translations
They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?
It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know?
They are higher than heaven; what is there for you to do? deeper than the underworld, and outside your knowledge;
It is greater than the heavens—what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol —what can you know?
The heauens are hie, what canst thou doe? it is deeper then the hell, how canst thou know it?
Heights of the heavens! — what dost thou? Deeper than Sheol! — what knowest thou?
They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?
It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?
He is higher than heaven, and what wilt thou do? he is deeper than hell, and how wilt thou know?
What there is to know about God is greater than the distance from earth to heaven; so there is no way [RHQ] that you can understand it all. It is greater than the distance from here to the place of the dead; so it is impossible for you [RHQ] to know it all.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 11:8
BAB
Word Study
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Job 11:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּבְהֵ֣י
שָׁ֭מַיִם
מַה
תִּפְעָ֑ל
עֲמֻקָּ֥ה
מִ֝/שְּׁא֗וֹל
מַה
תֵּדָֽע
גָּבְהֵ֣י
gôbahh
H1363
height
N-mp
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תִּפְעָ֑ל
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עֲמֻקָּ֥ה
ʻâmôq
H6013
deep
Adj
מִ֝/שְּׁא֗וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
Prep | N-proper
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תֵּדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 11:8
גָּבְהֵ֣י
gôbahh
H1363
"height"
N-mp
Height refers to something elevated or grand, like a high place or a feeling of pride, as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel.
Definition: 1) height, exaltation 1a) height 1b) exaltation, grandeur 1c) haughtiness
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: excellency, haughty, height, high, loftiness, pride. See also: 1 Samuel 17:4; Jeremiah 48:29; Psalms 10:4.
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִּפְעָ֑ל
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
עֲמֻקָּ֥ה
ʻâmôq
H6013
"deep"
Adj
Means deep, describing something that is physically or emotionally profound, like the depths of the ocean or a mysterious situation, as seen in Psalm 36:6. It can also describe something that is unsearchable or hard to understand. This concept is used to convey a sense of awe or wonder.
Definition: 1) deep, mysterious, depths 1a) deep 1b) unsearchable
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing). See also: Leviticus 13:3; Job 12:22; Psalms 64:7.
מִ֝/שְּׁא֗וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
Prep | N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תֵּדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Job 11:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 11:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 11:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 11:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 11:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 11:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 11:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 11:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 11:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 11:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 11:8
- Sermons on Job 11:8
Context — Zophar Rebukes Job
6and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.
7Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?
8They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. 10If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 22:12 | Is not God as high as the heavens? Look at the highest stars, how lofty they are! |
| 2 | Psalms 139:6–8 | Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. |
| 3 | Isaiah 55:9 | “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 4 | Amos 9:2 | Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. |
| 5 | Psalms 148:13 | Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens. |
| 6 | Job 26:6 | Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering. |
| 7 | Job 35:5 | Look to the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds high above you. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 6:18 | But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. |
| 9 | Ephesians 3:18–19 | will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. |
| 10 | Psalms 103:11 | For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. |
Job 11:8 Summary
[Job 11:8 reminds us that God's ways are beyond our understanding, higher than the heavens and deeper than the underworld. This means that we can't fully comprehend His plans or actions, but we can trust in His goodness and wisdom, as seen in Romans 11:33, which says, 'Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!' We can also find comfort in knowing that God is always with us, even when we don't understand what's happening, as stated in Psalm 23:4, which says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's ways are higher than the heavens?
This phrase, found in Job 11:8, emphasizes the transcendent nature of God's wisdom and power, reminding us that His ways are beyond human comprehension, as also stated in Isaiah 55:9, which says, 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'
How can we know God if His ways are deeper than Sheol?
Although God's ways are deeper than Sheol, He has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:130, which says, 'The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.'
What is the significance of Sheol in this verse?
Sheol, mentioned in Job 11:8, refers to the underworld or the realm of the dead, emphasizing the vastness and mystery of God's creation, as also seen in Psalm 139:8, which says, 'If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.'
How can we apply the truth of God's transcendence in our daily lives?
Recognizing God's transcendence, as stated in Job 11:8, should lead us to humility and dependence on Him, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to comprehend or control God's ways, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How does the reality of God's transcendence impact my prayers and expectations of Him?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's wisdom and power, as described in Job 11:8?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the truth of God's transcendence in my relationships and decision-making processes?
Gill's Exposition on Job 11:8
[It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do?.... Or, "is higher than the heavens" (i); either the wisdom of God and the secrets of it; the perfection of his wisdom, by which he has made the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 11:8
It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? It is as high as heaven - the "wisdom" of God (Job 11:6). The abruptness of the Hebrew is forcible: 'The heights of heaven!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 11:8
Thou canst not measure the heights of the visible heavens, much less of the Divine perfections. What canst thou do, to wit, to find him out? What canst thou know, concerning him and his ways, which are far out of thy sight and reach?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 11:8
Job 11:8 [It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?Ver. 8. It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do?] And much higher; it is as the highnesses of heaven (so the Hebrew hath it), which is so high that one would wonder we should be able to behold the starry sky (which yet is but as the marble wall round about the palace), and the very eye not be tired in the way. How high that second heaven is may hereby be gathered, in that the stars (whereof those of the first magnitude are said to be every one above 107 times as large again as the whole earth) do yet seem to us but as so many small sparks or spangles; but how high the third heaven is above them cannot be conjectured, Ephesians 4:10. And yet the wisdom of the Almighty is far above that. But what meaneth Zophar by these cutted questions of his, What canst thou do? and what canst thou know? He thought, belike, that either Job considered not what he had said when he so set forth God’ s wisdom, and his own shallowness; or else that he contradicted himself when he nevertheless stood so much upon his own integrity, and complained so greatly of his misery, as of an injury. Deeper than hell] Which, wherever it is, appeareth, by this and other texts of Scripture, as Revelation 14:11 Deuteronomy 32:22 Psalms 55:15 Proverbs 15:24, &c., to be below, Ubi sit, sentient, qui curiosius quaerunt, saith one; where it is they shall find one day who too curiously inquire. The word here rendered hell signifieth the lower and more remote parts of the earth; and David telleth us that the wicked shall be turned into hell, into the lowest part of it, as the He locale there implieth, Psalms 9:17.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 11:8
(8) It is as high as heaven.—Literally, The heights of heaven; what canst thou do? it is deeper than the grave; what canst thou know?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 11:8
Verse 8. It is as high as heaven] High as the heavens, what canst thou work? Deep below sheol, (the invisible world,) what canst thou know? Long beyond the earth, and broad beyond the sea, is its measure. These are instances in the immensity of created things, and all out of the reach of human power and knowledge; and if these things are so, how incomprehensible must he be, who designed, created, preserves, and governs the whole! We find the same thought in Milton: - "These are thy glorious works, Parent of good! Almighty! Thine this universal frame: How wondrous fair! Thyself how wondrous then!"
Cambridge Bible on Job 11:8
8. His wisdom is immeasurable, unfathomable. The words are an exclamation: heights of heaven! what canst thou do?—thou art impotent before it, to scale it or reach it. deeper than hell] i. e. than Sheol, the place of the dead—canst thou fathom it, penetrate with thy knowledge to it?
Barnes' Notes on Job 11:8
It is as high as heaven - That is, the knowledge of God; or the subject is as high as heaven.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 11:8
8. High as heaven — Literally, the heights of heaven! The wisdom of God towers above the heavens; penetrates beneath the depths of sheol, (the underworld;) in length and breadth it surpasses earth and ocean.
Sermons on Job 11:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Word of Men and the Word of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of receiving the gospel not as the word of men, but as the word of God, emphasizing the vital distinction between the two. He delves into |
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Too Wonderful for Me by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the incredible knowledge and understanding that God has of each individual. He highlights the fact that God knows every aspect of our l |
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Bristol Conference 1973-02 the Lord Jesus Christ by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' scars on his hands. He highlights that these scars were the only thing that man ever made that would be in glory. |
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In the Service of the King by Basilea Schlink | The video is a sermon transcript about the honor and joy of being called into God's service. The speaker, Basilius Schlink, reflects on his own experience of being called by God an |
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Resisting God, an Effectual Bar to Grace. by Francois Fenelon | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34429 preaches about the manifold wisdom of God, emphasizing its diverse, multi-colored, and multi-faceted nature that surpasses human understandi |
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Suso and His Spiritual Daughter by W.R. Inge | W.R. Inge delves into the deep questions about the nature of God, explaining the complexity of understanding God's essence and the concept of the Trinity. He describes God as an im |
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Imperfection of Human Knowledge by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on the limitations of human knowledge, emphasizing that while the desire for knowledge is innate and insatiable, our actual understanding is confined and often |