Job 38:16

← Job 38:15 Job 38:17 →

Job 38:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep?

King James Version KJV

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

American Standard Version ASV

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? Or hast thou walked in the recesses of the deep?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Have you come into the springs of the sea, walking in the secret places of the deep?

Free Bible Version FBV

Have you entered the sources of the sea? Have you explored their hidden depths?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Hast thou entred into the bottomes of the sea? or hast thou walked to seeke out the depth?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Hast thou come in to springs of the sea? And in searching the deep Hast thou walked up and down?

World English Bible WEB

“Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Hast thou entered into the depths of the sea, and walked in the lowest parts of the deep?

Translation for Translators T4T

“Job, have you traveled to the springs in the bottom of the ocean from which the water in the seas comes? Have you investigated/explored the very bottom of the oceans?

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:16

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 38:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הֲ֭/בָאתָ עַד נִבְכֵי יָ֑ם וּ/בְ/חֵ֥קֶר תְּ֝ה֗וֹם הִתְהַלָּֽכְתָּ

הֲ֭/בָאתָ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

נִבְכֵי nêbek H5033 spring N-mp

יָ֑ם yâm H3220 West N-ms

וּ/בְ/חֵ֥קֶר chêqer H2714 search Conj | Prep | N-ms

תְּ֝ה֗וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 abyss N-cs

הִתְהַלָּֽכְתָּ hâlak H1980 to go V-Hithpael-Perf-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:16

הֲ֭/בָאתָ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

נִבְכֵי nêbek H5033 "spring" N-mp

This word means a spring or fountain, referring to a source of water. It is a simple term used to describe a natural water source.

Definition: spring, springs

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: spring. See also: Job 38:16.

יָ֑ם yâm H3220 "West" 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.

וּ/בְ/חֵ֥קֶר chêqer H2714 "search" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a search or investigation, like trying to find something out. It is used in the Bible to describe examining or inquiring about something, and is often translated as search or finding out.

Definition: a search, investigation, searching, enquiry, thing to be searched out

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: finding out, number, (un-) search(-able, -ed, out, -ing). See also: Judges 5:16; Job 36:26; Psalms 145:3.

תְּ֝ה֗וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 "abyss" N-cs

Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.

Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.

הִתְהַלָּֽכְתָּ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Hithpael-Perf-2ms

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

Study Notes — Job 38:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Job 38:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:16
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:16
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:16
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:16
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:16
Sermons on Job 38:16

Context — The LORD Challenges Job

14The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment. 15Light is withheld from the wicked, and their upraised arm is broken.

16Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep?

17Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? 18Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 8:24	When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.
2	Job 26:5–6	The dead tremble— those beneath the waters and those who dwell in them. Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering.
3	Psalms 77:19	Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found.
4	Jeremiah 51:36	Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry.

Job 38:16 Summary

This verse is a reminder that there are many things in life that are beyond our understanding and control, just like the deep oceans. God is asking Job, and us, to recognize our limitations and trust in His power and wisdom. As it says in Psalms 92:5, God's thoughts and ways are beyond our understanding, and we can trust in His goodness and love. By acknowledging the mystery and majesty of God's creation, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe, reverence, and trust in Him, as seen in Jeremiah 31:35, where God's power over the oceans is a reminder of His care and provision for His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to journey to the vents of the sea or walk in the trenches of the deep in Job 38:16?

This question from God to Job is a rhetorical one, emphasizing the limitations of human knowledge and experience, as seen in other passages like Psalms 107:23-27, where the power of God is displayed in His control over the seas.

Is God being confrontational with Job in this verse?

God's question is not meant to be confrontational, but rather to awaken Job to the reality of his own limitations and God's infinite power and wisdom, as also seen in Isaiah 40:28, where God's understanding is beyond human comprehension.

What is the significance of the 'vents of the sea' and 'trenches of the deep' in this context?

These phrases likely refer to the unexplored and mysterious depths of the ocean, highlighting the unknown and unknowable aspects of God's creation, similar to the description of the deep in Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God is moving over the face of the waters.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Job's sufferings and God's sovereignty?

This verse is part of God's response to Job's questions about his suffering, emphasizing that God's ways are not human ways, and His wisdom and power are far beyond human understanding, as expressed in Romans 11:33-36, where the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge are praised.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when faced with the unknown or unexplored aspects of life, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's sovereignty?
In what ways can I, like Job, be reminded of my limitations and God's infinite power and wisdom, especially in times of suffering or uncertainty?
What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge the mystery and majesty of God's creation, and how can I cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for Him?
How can I apply the lesson of this verse to my daily life, recognizing the boundaries of my knowledge and experience, and trusting in God's wisdom and guidance?

Gill's Exposition on Job 38:16

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?.... The subterraneous passages through which the waters flow into the sea and supply it; or the springs and fountains that rise up at the bottom of it

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:16

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Springs - fountains beneath the sea (Psalms 95:4).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:16

The springs, Heb. the tears, i.e. the several springs out of which the waters of the sea flow as tears do from the eyes. Hast thou found out the utmost depth and bottom of the sea, which in divers places could never be reached by the wisest mariner, or the longest cables? And how then canst thou fathom the depths of my counsels?

Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:16

Job 38:16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?Ver. 16. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?] Heb. into the tears of the sea, Usque ad plorata maris, Job 28:11; for springs pour out water as eyes do tears; and the same Hebrew word signifieth an eye and a spring; because, saith one, the eye is of a watery constitution; or to show that from it, as from a spring or fountain, did flow both sin itself, the cause of sin, and misery, the punishment of both: and because by it came the greatest hurt, therefore God hath placed in it the greatest tokens of sorrow: iisdem quibus videmus oculis flemus. Now, if Job cannot fathom the sea, much less can he the deep counsels of God. Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?] Et in vado voraginis ambulasti? No; that is God’ s walk alone, Psalms 77:19, whatever the Papists’ legend of their St Christopher.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:16

(16) The search of the depth—i.e., the secret recesses of it. The “springs of the sea” are rather, perhaps, the mazes, intricacies, &c. of the trackless, pathless deep. This leads to the cognate thought of the bottomless pit of death (Job 38:17).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:16

Verse 16. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea?] Of these springs, inlets, or outlets of the sea, we know just as much as Job. There was prevalent among philosophers an opinion, that through a porous bottom fresh matter was constantly oozing by which the sea was supplied with new materials. But through such pores these materials might as well ooze out as ooze in. Walked in the search of the depth?] Hast thou walked from the shallow beach through the great ocean's bed, till thou hast arrived at its profoundest depths? In other words, Dost thou know the depths of the sea? Job, we may presume, did not. No man since him has found them out. In multitudes of places they are unfathomed by any means hitherto used by man.

Cambridge Bible on Job 38:16

4–38. A survey of the inanimate creation, the wonders of earth and sky—the earth, Job 38:4-18; the heavens, Job 38:18-38

Barnes' Notes on Job 38:16

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? - The word here rendered “springs” (נבך nêbek), occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:16

Second long strophe — ARE THE OF NATURE — THE HIDDEN AND DEPTHS — EVEN THE OF HER AND FORCES, Job 38:16-27.This second long strophe descants upon the attribute of wisdom, with the closely allied attribute of omniscience.α.

Sermons on Job 38:16

	Sermon	Description
	The Bible vs. Evolution Debate by Shane Idleman	This sermon delves into the lost art of respectful debate amidst passionate disagreements, focusing on the criticism of the Bible in the modern world, particularly in the scientifi
	Faith That Works by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being properly related to Jesus through faith. He explains that surrendering all and doing what we can afford to do is not
	Walking With the Wind by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and accepting God's plan for our lives. He uses the story of Gideon and the 300 men to illustrate how God
	The Sovereignty of God by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot delves into the unfathomable depth of the Sovereignty of God, emphasizing the need for believers to approach it with trembling steps and reverent eyes. He contrasts th
	Wilderness Journey by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson illustrates the Christian life as a wilderness journey, akin to the Israelites' experience, where faith is the only means of crossing the treacherous terrain of lif
	Mr. James Mudie, Montrose (3) by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar reflects on the importance of spiritual growth and community in his letters to Mr. James Mudie, expressing a longing for deeper communion with God and the joy of servi
	March Forward by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the children of Israel, emphasizing the power of God to make a way where there seems to be no way. He enc