Job 38:33
Job 38:33 in Multiple Translations
Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
Knowest thou the ordinances of the heavens? Canst thou establish the dominion thereof in the earth?
Have you knowledge of the laws of the heavens? did you give them rule over the earth?
Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you apply them to the earth?
Knowest thou the course of heauen, or canst thou set the rule thereof in the earth?
Hast thou known the statutes of heaven? Or dost thou appoint Its dominion in the earth?
Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish its dominion over the earth?
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set its dominion on the earth?
Dost thou know the order of heaven, and canst thou set down the reason thereof on the earth?
Do you know the laws that the stars must obey? Can you cause those same laws to rule everything here on the earth?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:33
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 38:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ֭/יָדַעְתָּ
חֻקּ֣וֹת
שָׁמָ֑יִם
אִם
תָּשִׂ֖ים
מִשְׁטָר֣/וֹ
בָ/אָֽרֶץ
הֲ֭/יָדַעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
חֻקּ֣וֹת
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
N-cp
שָׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תָּשִׂ֖ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מִשְׁטָר֣/וֹ
mishṭâr
H4896
rule
N-ms | Suff
בָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:33
הֲ֭/יָדַעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-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.
חֻקּ֣וֹת
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
N-cp
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
שָׁמָ֑יִם
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תָּשִׂ֖ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
מִשְׁטָר֣/וֹ
mishṭâr
H4896
"rule"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a person's rule or authority over something, like a king's dominion over his kingdom. It describes the power to govern or control, as seen in the book of Genesis with God's rule over creation.
Definition: rule, authority
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dominion. See also: Job 38:33.
בָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Job 38:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:33
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:33
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:33
- Sermons on Job 38:33
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
31Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion?
32Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear and her cubs?
33Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?
34Can you command the clouds so that a flood of water covers you? 35Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:35–36 | 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: “Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel’s descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me.” |
| 2 | Genesis 8:22 | As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.” |
| 3 | Job 38:12–13 | In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it? |
| 4 | Jeremiah 33:25 | This is what the LORD says: If I have not established My covenant with the day and the night and the fixed order of heaven and earth, |
| 5 | Genesis 1:16 | God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well. |
| 6 | Psalms 148:6 | He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:90–91 | Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures. Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You. |
Job 38:33 Summary
This verse is asking if we know the rules that govern the universe, and if we can control the way the heavens affect the earth. The answer is no, we can't, because that's God's job, as seen in Psalm 104:19-20, where the Bible says God made the moon to mark the seasons. God is in control of everything, and we can trust Him to take care of us, just like He takes care of the whole universe, as stated in Matthew 6:26, where Jesus says God feeds the birds of the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to know the laws of the heavens?
To know the laws of the heavens means to understand the principles and patterns that govern the universe, as seen in Jeremiah 31:35 where God says He gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night. This knowledge is beyond human comprehension, as stated in Job 38:33.
Can humans really set the dominion of the heavens over the earth?
No, humans cannot set the dominion of the heavens over the earth, as this is a divine prerogative, as stated in Psalm 103:22, where all of God's works in all places of His dominion bless Him.
Why does God ask Job if he knows the laws of the heavens?
God asks Job if he knows the laws of the heavens to emphasize Job's limitations and God's sovereignty, as stated in Isaiah 40:28, where God says His understanding is unsearchable.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us of our place in the universe and our dependence on God, as stated in Acts 17:28, where the Apostle Paul says in God we live and move and have our being.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can humble myself before God's majesty, as seen in this verse?
- How can I apply the concept of God's sovereignty over the heavens to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some 'laws of the heavens' that I can observe and learn from in my daily life, such as the changing of the seasons or the movement of the stars?
- In what ways can I trust in God's dominion over the earth, even when I don't understand the circumstances of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:33
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?.... Settled by the decree, purpose, and will of God, and are firm and stable; see Psalms 148:6; the laws and statutes respecting their situation, motion,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:33
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Ordinances - which regulate the alternations of seasons, etc. (Genesis 8:22).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:33
Knowest thou? either, 1. Simply, and by speculation, dost thou understand them? Or, 2. Practically, or operatively, so as to establish or rule them, as the next clause implies. The ordinances of heaven; the laws, which are firmly established concerning their order, motion, or rest and their powerful influences upon this lower world. Didst thou give these laws? or dost thou perfectly know them? Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? canst manage and overrule their influences, that they shall bring such seasons and such weather as thou wouldst have?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:33
Job 38:33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?Ver. 33. Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?] Either how to order them, as master over them, or to comprehend what they are certainly and perfectly. Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?] As well in regard to the motion of the heavens, which varieth the seasons of the year, as of the influences and virtue which cometh from thence. For they who think that the superior bodies have no power at all upon these inferior do go against common sense and experience, yea, this and many other texts of Scriptures; which yet make nothing at all for that judiciary astrology so much cried up in these last and worst days of the world, by some who would have the manners, studies, and events of every man to depend upon the stars, yea, the rise and ruin of kingdoms, arts, religion, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:33
(33) The ordinances of heaven.—Comp. Job 28:26. That is, the recurring seasons and their power of influencing the earth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:33
Verse 33. Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?] Art thou a thorough astronomer? Art thou acquainted with all the laws of the planetary system? Canst thou account for the difference of their motions, and the influence by which they are retained and revolve in their orbits? And canst thou tell what influence or dominion they exercise on the earth? Sir Isaac Newton has given us much light on many of these things; but to his system, which is most probably the true one, gravity is essential; and yet what this gravity is he could neither explain nor comprehend; and his followers are not one whit wiser than he. No man has ever yet fully found out the ordinances of heaven, and the dominion thereof on the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:33
33. canst thou set] Rather, as before, dost thou set? The idea is that the heavens and the stars exercise an influence over the earth and the destinies of man.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:33
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? - The laws or statutes by which the motions of the heavenly bodies are governed.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:33
33. The ordinances — ηχεϊ: meaning here the laws that guide the stars, and control the seasons, etc. The intimate and commanding relationships of the heavenly bodies to our earth are those of a king to his subjects.
Sermons on Job 38:33
| 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 |