Job 38:20
Job 38:20 in Multiple Translations
so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home?
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, And that thou shouldest discern the paths to the house thereof?
So that you might take it to its limit, guiding it to its house?
Can you take them home? Do you know the way to where they live?
That thou shouldest receiue it in the boundes thereof, and that thou shouldest knowe the paths to the house thereof?
That thou dost take it unto its boundary, And that thou dost understand The paths of its house.
that you should take it to its bound, that you should discern the paths to its house?
That thou shouldest take it to its bound, and that thou shouldest know the paths to its house?
That thou mayst bring every thing to its own bounds, and understand the paths of the house thereof.
Can take me to its home? Do you know where the road is that goes there?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:20
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 38:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
תִ֭קָּחֶ/נּוּ
אֶל
גְּבוּל֑/וֹ
וְ/כִֽי
תָ֝בִ֗ין
נְתִיב֥וֹת
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִ֭קָּחֶ/נּוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גְּבוּל֑/וֹ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תָ֝בִ֗ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
נְתִיב֥וֹת
nâthîyb
H5410
path
N-cp
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:20
כִּ֣י
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.
תִ֭קָּחֶ/נּוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גְּבוּל֑/וֹ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | 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.
תָ֝בִ֗ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
נְתִיב֥וֹת
nâthîyb
H5410
"path"
N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a path or road that people walk on, like a beaten track. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, referring to a traveler's journey. The word is used to describe a way or pathway.
Definition: 1) trodden with the feet, path, pathway 2) path, pathway, traveller
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. See also: Judges 5:6; Proverbs 3:17; Psalms 78:50.
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Job 38:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:20
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
18Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.
19Where is the way to the home of light? Do you know where darkness resides,
20so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home?
21Surely you know, for you were already born! And the number of your days is great! 22Have you entered the storehouses of snow or observed the storehouses of hail,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 10:19 | and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. |
| 2 | Job 26:10 | He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. |
| 3 | Genesis 23:17 | So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over |
Job 38:20 Summary
In Job 38:20, God is asking Job if he can control or understand the boundaries of light and darkness. This verse helps us see that there are many things in life that are beyond our control, and that we need to trust in God's power and wisdom, just like it says in Psalm 135:6. God is reminding us that He is the one who sets the boundaries and rules over all of creation, and we can trust Him to guide us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is God trying to say to Job in this verse?
God is emphasizing Job's limitations and lack of understanding about the world, as seen in Job 38:20, and highlighting His own power and wisdom, similar to what is stated in Psalm 104:24 and Isaiah 40:28.
What does 'its border' refer to in this verse?
The 'border' likely refers to the boundaries of light and darkness, which are mentioned in the preceding verses, such as Job 38:19, where God asks Job about the way to the home of light and the residence of darkness.
Is God scolding Job in this verse?
While God's tone may seem confrontational, His goal is to instruct and guide Job, as seen in Job 38:20, and to help him understand the vastness of God's creation and His own limitations, which is a theme that continues throughout the book of Job, such as in Job 42:3.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us of our own limitations and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, and acknowledging His power and wisdom in all aspects of life, just like Job comes to realize in Job 42:2-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I try to take control, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I apply the lesson of Job 38:20 to my own understanding of God's power and wisdom?
- In what ways do I try to 'lead' or 'manage' things that are beyond my control, and how can I learn to trust God instead?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my own limitations?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:20
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof,.... Either darkness, or rather the light; take it as it were by the hand, and guide and direct its course to its utmost bound.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:20
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:20
That thou shouldest take it, i.e. taking, bring or lead it, as this verb is oft used, as , compared with 17:10 . And many other such pregnant verbs there are in the Hebrew language, having the signification of two verbs included in one, And this it refers principally to the light, and secondarily to darkness, as the consequent of the other. To the bound thereof, i.e. its whole course, from the place of its abode whence it is supposed to come, to the end of its journey which it is to go. Didst thou direct or guide the light or the sun, that he should at first take, and afterward constantly continue, in that course which now it holds; that it should go from east to west, and rise sometimes in one point or part of the heaven, and sometimes in another, and that its day’ s journey should be longer in one season of the year, and shorter in another? This regular and excellent course must needs be the effect of great wisdom. And whose wisdom was it? thine or mine? That thou shouldest know, to wit, practically, so as to direct or lead it in the manner now expressed. The paths to the house thereof; where thou mayst find it, and whence thou mayst fetch it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:20
Job 38:20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths [to] the house thereof?Ver. 20. That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof] That thou shouldest take light and darkness by the hand, as it were, and lead them to the place of their abode. And that thou shouldest know the paths, &c.] That is, which way to go to bring them out of their retiring rooms; and to reduce them into our hemisphere.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:20
(20) That thou shouldest take it—i.e., go with or track it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:20
Verse 20. Shouldest take it to the bound thereof?] Or, as Mr. Good, translates, "That thou shouldest lay hold of it in its boundary." That thou shouldest go to the very spot where light commences, and where darkness ends; and see the house where each dwells. Here darkness and light are personified, each as a real intelligent being, having a separate existence and local dwelling. But poetry animates everything. It is the region of fictitious existence. I believe this verse should be translated thus: - "For thou canst take US to its boundary; for thou knowest the paths to its house." This is a strong irony, and there are several others in this Divine speech. Job had valued himself too much on his knowledge; and a chief object of this august speech is to humble his "knowing pride," and to cause him to seek true wisdom and humility where they are to be found.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:20
20. take it to the bound thereof] The second clause, the path to its house, suggests that the bound or border of light is not the furthest limit to which it flows forth, but its own place of abode, the bound between it and darkness, from which it issues. Job is asked if he knows the way to the dwelling-place of light and darkness, so that he might take them back to the place of their abode.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:20
That thou shouldest take it to the bounds thereof - Margin, “or, at.” The sense seems to be this: God asks Job whether he was so well acquainted with the sources of light, and the place where it
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:20
20. Bound thereof — The boundary between light and darkness, (Hirtzel;) or, rather, if we make it parallel with “house,” of the second clause, the primordial, or beginning place.