Job 12:9
Job 12:9 in Multiple Translations
Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
Who knoweth not in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath wrought this,
Who does not see by all these that the hand of the Lord has done this?
Which of all these doesn't know that the Lord has done this?
Who is ignorant of all these, but that the hande of the Lord hath made these?
'Who hath not known in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath done this?
Who doesn’t know that in all these, the LORD’s hand has done this,
Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord hath made all these things?
All of them certainly know [RHQ] that it is Yahweh who has made them with his hands.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 12:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֭י
לֹא
יָדַ֣ע
בְּ/כָל
אֵ֑לֶּה
כִּ֥י
יַד
יְ֝הוָה
עָ֣שְׂתָה
זֹּֽאת
מִ֭י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
יְ֝הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עָ֣שְׂתָה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:9
מִ֭י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יְ֝הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עָ֣שְׂתָה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
Study Notes — Job 12:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 12:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 12:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 12:9
- Cambridge Bible on Job 12:9
- Barnes' Notes on Job 12:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:9
- Sermons on Job 12:9
Context — Job Presents His Case
7But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.
8Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.
9Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind. 11Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes its food?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:20 | so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 27:5–6 | By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. |
| 3 | Romans 11:36 | For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. |
| 4 | Daniel 9:17 | So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. |
| 5 | Acts 19:35 | Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:7 | The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. |
| 7 | James 2:5–7 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called? |
| 8 | Daniel 5:18 | As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 8:17–18 | You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day. |
| 10 | Job 12:3 | But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these? |
Job 12:9 Summary
This verse is saying that all of creation, from animals to the earth itself, knows that God is the one who made it all. It's like the whole world is pointing to God and saying, 'He did this!' (Romans 1:20). Even the natural world recognizes God's power and wisdom, and we can learn from that. As it says in Psalm 19:1-6, the heavens declare the glory of God, and we can see His hand at work in everything around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Job 12:9?
The main point of Job 12:9 is that all of creation, including animals, birds, earth, and sea creatures, acknowledge and recognize the hand of the Lord in their existence, as seen in Psalm 19:1-6 where the heavens declare the glory of God.
Is Job saying that animals are smarter than humans?
No, Job is not saying that animals are smarter than humans, but rather that even the animals and the natural world recognize the hand of the Lord, as stated in Romans 1:20, where it says that God's invisible attributes are clearly seen in the things that have been made.
What does the phrase 'the hand of the LORD' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'the hand of the LORD' is a metaphor for God's power, sovereignty, and creative action, as seen in Isaiah 48:13, where it says that the Lord's hand laid the foundations of the earth.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's response to his friends, where he emphasizes God's sovereignty and wisdom in creation, which is a central theme throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 38:1-7, where God speaks to Job about His power and wisdom in creation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can recognize the hand of the Lord in my own life, just like the animals and natural world do?
- How can I cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's creation, like the kind described in Psalm 8:3-9?
- In what ways do I acknowledge or ignore the hand of the Lord in my daily life?
- What would it look like for me to live in greater awareness and recognition of God's sovereignty and creative power?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:9
Who knoweth not in all these,.... Or "by" or "from all these" (o) creatures; what man is there so stupid and senseless, that does not discern, or cannot learn, even from irrational creatures, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:9
Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:9
In all these, or, by all these, brute creatures, that God by his power and wisdom hath created and ordered all this which is in them, or is done by and among them.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:9
Job 12:9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?Ver. 9. Who knoweth not in all these, &c.] Or, by all these before mentioned creatures, &c., and therefore, Zophar, you have showen no more wisdom in your lofty discourse than the birds, beasts, and fishes have taught and told us. It is a silly vanity to pretend mysteriousness about vulgar truths; to dig deep for that which lieth above ground, Theologia cryptica; to talk of new truths, and never before heard of, when as the hearer may well say, as here, Who knows not such things as these? Of some in these days it is observed, that they call upon their hearers to mark, it may be they shall hear that which they have not heard before; when the thing is either false, or if true, no more than ordinarily is taught by others. That the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?] That he alone made all without tool or toil, and that he alone manageth and ordereth all according to the good pleasure of his will; neither need he subscribe his name to his work; for the very things that he hath made proclaim that he made them. Meanwhile, hereby we may see how much we are beholden to Aristotle, Aelian, Gesner, and other learned men, who have written books concerning the nature of living creatures.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 12:9
(9) Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?—This is the only place in the dialogue parts of Job in which the sacred name of Jehovah is found, and Job’s very use of the word in such a context is the clearest evidence of the superior knowledge that he claims. No one of his friends makes use of the name; but Job uses it here, and shows thereby his knowledge of the covenant name.
Cambridge Bible on Job 12:9
9. in all these] Or, by all these, Genesis 15:8. hath wrought this] Rather, doeth this, viz. as Zophar had taught and as Job 12:10 explains, rules with an absolute sway in all the world of life upon the earth, men and creatures. We should say in English here, acts thus (as Zophar had said), cf. Isaiah 41:20, though the point prominently referred to is the infliction of suffering.
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:9
Who knoweth not in all these - Who cannot see in all these the proofs of the same divine and sovereign agency? Who cannot see the hand of the same God and the same great principles of administration?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:9
9. Lord — Jehovah. This is the only place in the poetical part of this book (if we except Job 28:28) where the name Jehovah appears.
Sermons on Job 12:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Diamond in the Rough by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God, like a skilled lapidary, knows how to deal with His most priceless jewels, even when allowing stinging blows in our lives. Just as a preci |
|
The Truth in Jesus (Part 1) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker defines a seminar as a Bible reading and emphasizes the purpose of God revealing things to His people. He uses Isaiah 41:20 to explain that God wants Hi |
|
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals t |
|
Christ: Perfect Manhood by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker explores the nature of man and how God created him. The purpose of man's creation is to be inhabited by God and used for His purposes. The speaker empha |
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Everything Is for the Glory of God by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everything is for God's glory and everything comes from God. It delves into the need for complete reliance on God for tran |
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The Apostolic Church by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the true manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the church, contrasting it with the misuse of charismatic gifts. It d |
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Faith in Perfection by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the cross as the watchword for believers. It emphasizes that the strength in battle and the boast in victory come from the cross. |