Job 38:6
Job 38:6 in Multiple Translations
On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone,
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner-stone thereof,
On what were its pillars based, or who put down its angle-stone,
What do its foundations rest upon? Who laid its cornerstone,
Whereupon are the foundations thereof set: or who layed the corner stone thereof:
On what have its sockets been sunk? Or who hath cast its corner-stone?
What were its foundations fastened on? Or who laid its cornerstone,
Upon what are the foundations of it fastened? or who laid its corner stone;
Upon what are its bases grounded? or who laid the corner stone thereof,
What supports the pillars on which the earth rests? When the stars that shine early in the morning sang together, and someone put in place the stone that causes the earth to stay in its place, and all the angels shouted joyfully when they saw that happening, who laid that cornerstone? Did you?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:6
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 38:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
מָ֭ה
אֲדָנֶ֣י/הָ
הָטְבָּ֑עוּ
א֥וֹ
מִֽי
יָ֝רָ֗ה
אֶ֣בֶן
פִּנָּתָֽ/הּ
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מָ֭ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֲדָנֶ֣י/הָ
ʼeden
H134
socket
N-mp | Suff
הָטְבָּ֑עוּ
ṭâbaʻ
H2883
to sink
V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָ֝רָ֗ה
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
פִּנָּתָֽ/הּ
pinnâh
H6438
corner
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:6
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מָ֭ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֲדָנֶ֣י/הָ
ʼeden
H134
"socket"
N-mp | Suff
Eden means a strong foundation or base, like a pedestal or socket. It is used to describe the earth's foundation and the bases of the tabernacle. The word signifies a firm and strong base.
Definition: 1) base, pedestal, socket (strong, firm) 1a) pedestals of gold on which marble pillars were set 1b) pedestals of the earth, foundation of the earth 1c) pedestals, bases, or sockets on which tabernacle stood
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: foundation, socket. See also: Exodus 26:19; Exodus 36:38; Song of Solomon 5:15.
הָטְבָּ֑עוּ
ṭâbaʻ
H2883
"to sink"
V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
To sink is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, which can also mean to drown or settle down, as seen in various KJV translations. It appears in different forms, such as sink, fasten, or settle, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. This verb is used to describe something going down or being submerged.
Definition: 1) to sink, sink into, sink down, pierce, settle down, drown, be settled, be planted 1a) (Qal) to sink, sink down 1b)(Pual) to be sunk 1c) (Hophal) to cause to sink
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: drown, fasten, settle, sink. See also: Exodus 15:4; Psalms 69:15; Psalms 9:16.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
מִֽי
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.
יָ֝רָ֗ה
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
פִּנָּתָֽ/הּ
pinnâh
H6438
"corner"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a corner or an angle, like a pinnacle or a chief ruler. It's used in descriptions of buildings, cities, and leaders in the Bible, like in Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) corner 1a) corner (of square objects) 1b) corner (of ruler or chief-fig.) Also means: pen (פֵּן "Corner" H6434)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. See also: Exodus 27:2; Psalms 118:22; Proverbs 7:8.
Study Notes — Job 38:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:6
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:6
- Sermons on Job 38:6
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
4Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.
5Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it?
6On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone,
7while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 26:7 | He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth upon nothing. |
| 2 | Psalms 104:5 | He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. |
| 3 | Psalms 93:1 | The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved. |
| 4 | Zechariah 12:1 | This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him: |
| 5 | 2 Peter 3:5 | But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, |
| 6 | Isaiah 28:16 | So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. |
| 7 | Psalms 118:22 | The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. |
| 8 | Psalms 24:2 | For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. |
| 9 | Ephesians 2:20–21 | built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. |
| 10 | Psalms 144:12 | Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. |
Job 38:6 Summary
This verse is asking about the foundation of the earth, and who laid the cornerstone, which is a symbol of stability and strength. In simple terms, God is asking Job if he knows how the earth was created and who started the process, highlighting God's power and wisdom in creation, as seen in Psalm 104:5. It's a reminder that God is the Creator of the world, and we can trust in His wisdom and power, as encouraged in Genesis 1:1 and Romans 11:36. By recognizing God's sovereignty, we can build our spiritual foundation on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ, as described in Ephesians 2:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cornerstone in Job 38:6?
The cornerstone is a reference to the foundation stone of a building, symbolizing the starting point and stability of the structure, much like the foundation of the earth described in Psalm 104:5 and Isaiah 48:13.
Is God asking Job a rhetorical question in Job 38:6?
Yes, God is asking Job a rhetorical question to emphasize His power and wisdom in creating the earth, as seen in Job 38:4-5, and to highlight Job's limited understanding, as noted in Job 38:2-3 and Job 42:3.
How does this verse relate to God's creation of the world?
This verse is part of God's response to Job, emphasizing His role as the Creator of the world, as described in Genesis 1:1 and Isaiah 45:18, and highlighting the order and precision of His creation, as seen in Psalm 19:1-6.
What can we learn from God's question about the foundations of the earth?
We can learn about God's sovereignty and power in creating the earth, as well as the importance of recognizing our limited understanding and trusting in His wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with creation?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's wisdom and power in my own life?
- What are some ways I can apply the concept of a cornerstone to my own spiritual foundation, as described in Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:6?
- How can I balance my desire for understanding with humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, as seen in Job 42:1-6 and Psalm 131:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:6
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?.... Or the pillars of it, as Ben Gersom interprets it; see Psalms 75:3; and which Aben Ezra understands of the mountains: but be they what they may, on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:6
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; Foundations - not sockets, as margin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:6
This strong and durable building hath no foundations but in God’ s power and word, which hath marvellously established it upon itself. Or who laid the cornerstone thereof; by which the several walls and parts of the building are joined and fastened together, and in which, next to the foundations, the stability of any building does consist? The sense is, Who was it that did build this goodly fabric, and established it so firmly that it cannot be moved without a miracle?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:6
Job 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;Ver. 6. Whereupon are the foundations thereof fasttened?] Surely, upon nothing, but the word of God’ s power. The philosophers dispute many things concerning the foundations of the earth but without any sound foundation of good reason. Some Jewish doctors make the mountains to be them; but these bear not up the earth, but the contrary. The Psalmist saith, that God hath founded the solid earth upon the liquid waters, Psalms 24:2, wherein appeareth the infinite wisdom and power of God the founder. Vitruvius saith, In solido extruendum, foundations must be laid in solid places. But God is not tied to rules; his works are in oppositis mediis, as was above noted. Or who laid the corner-stone thereof] i.e. The centre, say some Jewish doctors, whither all heavy things are carried, and about which the whole world hangeth; the elements and heavenly orbs surrounding it in their motions. Others fetch this corner stone out of the middle of the sea.
But all this discourse is metaphorical, to show the firmness of the work, wherein none had any hand but only the essential wisdom of God, Proverbs 8:1, who did it with more ease than men can build a house.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:6
Verse 6. Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?] How does it continue to revolve in the immensity of space? What supports it? Has it foundations like a building, and is it fastened with a key-stone, to keep the mighty fabric in union?
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:6
6. are the foundations fastened] Or, were the foundations sunk? All the tenses here should be put in the simple past. The creation of the earth is likened to the rearing of a great edifice, whose extent was determined by line, whose pillars were sunk in their bases, and its corner-stone laid with shoutings and songs of rejoicing among the heavenly hosts (comp. Ezra 3:10 seq., Zechariah 4:7). Such music, as ’tis said, Before was never made, But when of old the sons of morning sung, While the Creator great His constellations set, And the well balanced world on hinges hung; And cast the dark foundations deep, And bid the weltering waves their oozy channel keep. Hymn on the Nativity. The stars and the angels are here as usual conjoined, and the morning stars are named as the brightest and most glorious, as also because the earth rose into existence at the morning dawn.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:6
Whereupon are the foundations - Margin, “sockets.” The Hebrew word (אדן 'eden) means “a basis,” as of a column, or a pedestal; and then also the foundation of a building.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:6
6. Whereupon are… fastened — On what were its foundations sunk? A question that implies that the earth hung free in space, as stated Job 26:7.
Sermons on Job 38:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Discourse on Singing of Psalms as a Part of Divine Worship. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of singing psalms as a vital part of divine worship, arguing that it is a distinct ordinance from prayer and should be performed with both spi |
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The Beauty of Nothing by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a pastor who endured 14 years in communist prisons, highlighting the struggles, faith, and triumphs experienced during that time. It em |
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A Helpless Babe Exposed to the Wrath of Herod by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the paradox of God's strength displayed through weakness, using the story of Christ's incarnation as the ultimate example. Despite appearing weak and defe |
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Homily 9 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral st |
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Reconcilation by Willie Mullan | In the video, the preacher mentions various topics that have been covered in previous sermons, such as redemption, atonement, and the Lord's words for the resurrection. He then int |
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Of the Creation of Angels. by John Gill | John Gill discusses the creation of angels, emphasizing their significance as the chief of God's works in the heavens. He notes that while the creation of angels is not explicitly |