Job 26:12
Job 26:12 in Multiple Translations
By His power He stirred the sea; by His understanding He shattered Rahab.
He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
He stirreth up the sea with his power, And by his understanding he smiteth through Rahab.
By his power the sea was made quiet; and by his wisdom Rahab was wounded.
He calmed the sea with his power; because he knew what to do, he crushed Rahab.
The sea is calme by his power, and by his vnderstanding he smiteth the pride thereof.
By His power He hath quieted the sea, And by His understanding smitten the proud.
He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab.
He divideth the sea by his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
By his power the seas are suddenly gathered together, and his wisdom has struck the proud one.
With his power he calmed the sea; with his skill/wisdom he destroyed Rahab, the huge sea monster.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 26:12
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 26:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ֭/כֹח/וֹ
רָגַ֣ע
הַ/יָּ֑ם
ו/ב/תובנת/ו
וּ֝/בִ/תְבוּנָת֗/וֹ
מָ֣חַץ
רָֽהַב
בְּ֭/כֹח/וֹ
kôach
H3581
reptile
Prep | N-ms | Suff
רָגַ֣ע
râgaʻ
H7280
to disturb
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/יָּ֑ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
ו/ב/תובנת/ו
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
וּ֝/בִ/תְבוּנָת֗/וֹ
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
מָ֣חַץ
mâchats
H4272
to wound
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רָֽהַב
rahab
H7293
Rahab
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 26:12
בְּ֭/כֹח/וֹ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
רָגַ֣ע
râgaʻ
H7280
"to disturb"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to harden or toss violently, but also to quiet or settle something. It can describe the sudden movement of the sea or the skin with boils.
Definition: 1) to act in an instant, stir up, disturb 1a) (Qal) to stir up, disturb 1b) (Hiphil) to make a twinkling
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: break, divide, find ease, be a moment, (cause, give, make to) rest, make suddenly. See also: Deuteronomy 28:65; Isaiah 51:15; Proverbs 12:19.
הַ/יָּ֑ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
ו/ב/תובנת/ו
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
וּ֝/בִ/תְבוּנָת֗/וֹ
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
מָ֣חַץ
mâchats
H4272
"to wound"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to severely wound or shatter something, like in Psalm 38:5 where David describes his emotional pain. It implies a violent or forceful action, causing harm or destruction. In the Bible, it is often used to describe physical harm.
Definition: 1) to smite through, shatter, wound severely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shatter 1a2) shattering (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: dip, pierce (through), smite (through), strike through, wound. See also: Numbers 24:8; Job 26:12; Psalms 18:39.
רָֽהַב
rahab
H7293
"Rahab"
N-proper
Rahab is a name that symbolizes Egypt's pride and arrogance, as seen in Psalm 87:4. It represents a nation's strength and confidence. The name is also associated with the idea of bluster or boasting.
Definition: an emblematic name of Egypt Another name of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) This name means pride, arrogance
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: proud, strength. See also: Job 9:13; Job 26:12; Isaiah 30:7.
Study Notes — Job 26:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 26:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 26:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 26:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 26:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 26:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 26:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:12
- Sermons on Job 26:12
Context — Job: Who Can Understand God’s Majesty?
10He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.
11The foundations of heaven quake, astounded at His rebuke.
12By His power He stirred the sea; by His understanding He shattered Rahab.
13By His breath the skies were cleared; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. 14Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 31:35 | Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name: |
| 3 | Psalms 89:9–10 | You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them. You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. |
| 4 | Job 12:13 | Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His. |
| 5 | Job 9:13 | God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him. |
| 6 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 7 | Psalms 114:2–7 | Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, |
| 8 | Isaiah 2:12 | For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled— |
| 9 | Exodus 14:21–31 | 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. And the Egyptians chased after them—all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen—and followed them into the sea. At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore. When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. |
| 10 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
Job 26:12 Summary
[This verse tells us about God's amazing power and wisdom, showing how He can control even the most powerful forces in nature, like the sea, as also seen in Jeremiah 5:22. It reminds us that God is not just strong, but also wise and understanding, guiding all that He does with perfect knowledge. By trusting in God's power and wisdom, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is in control, as stated in Psalm 95:4. This truth can bring us peace and comfort, no matter what we are going through, and helps us to see God's greatness and majesty, as declared in Psalm 8:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name 'Rahab' refer to in this verse?
In Job 26:12, Rahab is likely a reference to a sea monster or a symbol of chaos in the ancient world, as seen in other passages like Psalm 89:10 and Isaiah 51:9, where God's power over the sea and its creatures is celebrated.
How does this verse relate to God's power and authority?
This verse highlights God's incredible power and understanding, as He is able to stir the sea and shatter Rahab, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation, as also seen in Jeremiah 31:35, where God's control over the oceans is declared.
What does 'by His understanding' mean in this context?
The phrase 'by His understanding' in Job 26:12 suggests that God's power is not just brute force, but is guided by His wisdom and intelligence, as seen in Proverbs 3:19, where it is written that 'the Lord by wisdom founded the earth'.
How can we apply the truth of God's power in our lives?
Recognizing God's power and authority, as described in Job 26:12, can inspire trust and worship, reminding us that He is capable of handling any challenge we face, as stated in Psalm 107:29, where it says 'He calmed the storm to a whisper'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have experienced God's power in your life, and how has it impacted your faith?
- How does the image of God stirring the sea and shattering Rahab affect your perception of His authority and control?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's power and understanding, and how can you apply this verse to those situations?
- What does this verse teach you about the relationship between God's power and His wisdom, and how can you reflect on this in your own decision-making?
- How can you use this verse to encourage others who may be facing challenges and doubting God's power and care?
Gill's Exposition on Job 26:12
He divideth the sea with his power,.... As at the first creation, when the waters were caused to go off the face of the earth, and were separated from it; and the one was called earth, and the other
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:12
Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 26:12
He speaks either, 1. Of God’ s dividing the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass over; and consequently the Hebrew word rahab, which here follows, and is translated pride, or the proud, is meant of Egypt, which is oft called Rahab, as 89:10 . But it seems most probable that that work was not yet done, and that Job lived long before Israel’ s coming out of Egypt. Or rather, 2. Of the common work of nature and providence in raising tempests, by which he breaketh or divideth the waves of the sea, by making deep furrows in it, and casting up part of the waters into the air, and splitting part of them upon the rocks and shores of the sea. By his understanding, i.e. by his wise counsel and administration of things, so as may obtain his own glorious ends. The proud; either, 1. The whale, which is called king over all the children of pride, , and which is sometimes by force of tempests cast upon the shore. Or rather, 2. The sea, which is fitly called proud, as its waves are called, , because it is lofty, and fierce, and swelling, and unruly; which God is said to smite when he subdues and restrains its rage, and turns the storm into a calm.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:12
Job 26:12 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.Ver. 12. He divideth the sea with his power] i.e. With his strong winds causing tempests: see the like Isaiah 51:15 : so that it lieth as it were in ridges, the top of one wave far from another, Jeremiah 31:35. That was a strange thing that is reported to have fallen out at London the last week. On Monday, Aug. 14, 1654, by reason of the great winds the tide was so low in the Thames, that boys waded over it from one side to the other, the old watermen affirming they never saw it so before. And by his understanding he smiteth through the proud] Heb. Pride, or Rahab, which is oft put for Egypt, as Psalms 87:4; Psalms 89:10 Isaiah 51:9, whence some would have Pharaoh meant; others, the devil; others, the whale dashing against a rock, or driven to shore where he is taken; others, the proud waves of the sea, as Job 38:11, disabled by God to stir more, as a man mortally wounded is to fight longer. An instance hereof we have in the history of Jonah, and another in the Gospel, Matthew 8:14. As God is powerful enough to raise storms, so he is wise enough to lay them again, Psalms 107:25; Psalms 107:29. He hath the sea in as great awe as a giant hath a pigmy.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:12
(12) He divideth the sea.—The word is taken in the two opposite senses of stirring up and calming; perhaps the latter is more appropriate to the context, which seems to speak of God’s mastery over nature. By his understanding he smiteth through the proud.—Literally, Rahab, which certainly is at times a name for Egypt (see Isaiah 51:9, e.g.), and which, if used in that sense here, can only refer to the signal judgments on Egypt at the Exodus. According to our view of this matter will be the indication derived therefrom of the date of Job.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 26:12
Verse 12. He divideth the sea with his power] Here is a manifest allusion to the passage of the Red Sea by the Israelites, and the overthrow of Pharaoh and his host, according to the opinion of the most eminent critics. He smiteth through the proud.] רהב Rahab, the very name by which Egypt is called Isaiah 51:9, and elsewhere. Calmet remarks: "This appears to refer only to the passage of the Red Sea, and the destruction of Pharaoh. Were we not prepossessed with the opinion that Job died before Moses, every person at the first view of the subject must consider it in this light." I am not thus prepossessed. Let Job live when he might, I am satisfied the Book of Job was written long after the death of Moses, and not earlier than the days of Solomon, if not later. The farther I go in the work, the more this conviction is deepened; and the opposite sentiment appears to be perfectly gratuitous.
Cambridge Bible on Job 26:12
5–13. That Job has no need to be instructed regarding the greatness of God he now shews, by entering upon an exhibition of its operations in every sphere of that which exists, Hades, the Earth and Heaven, in which he far outstrips the feeble effort of Bildad.
Barnes' Notes on Job 26:12
He divideth the sea with His power - Herder renders this: By his power he scourgeth the sea, By his wisdom he bindeth its pride.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:12
12. Divideth the sea — A prime idea of øâò is “rouse,” thence terrify. Others, however, guided by its other root idea, translate it quell. Smiteth through — Mahhats is rendered also to crush, break in pieces.
Sermons on Job 26:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 3:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the chaplain discusses the significance of the burning bush in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes that the burning bush is a symbol of God's presence and holiness. T |
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The Budding of the Fig Tree by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher begins by inviting the audience to raise their hands and sing a joyful song. He then asks if their names are written in the Lamb's book of life, emphas |
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The Significance of Israel 1980 by Lance Lambert | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision from the book of Daniel in which a son of man is given dominion and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. The preacher then connec |
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Israel: What's Going On? What We Can We Do? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the complexities surrounding Israel's current situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and biblical context. He discusses the o |
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Israel's Future as a Nation by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the prophecy relating to Israel's future as a nation, exploring the various viewpoints on whether Israel exists today and has a future. He discusses th |
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The Question Stated by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the significance of Romans 11, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's purposes concerning the Jewish race and the impact of Israel's p |
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The Nation of Hope by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the unchanging human history and the dying state of 'Christian Civilization,' lacking the essence of Christ. He discusses the hopelessness in |