Job 38:14 — Word Study
WLCתִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ כְּחֹ֣מֶר חוֹתָ֑ם וְ֝יִֽתְיַצְּב֗וּ כְּמ֣וֹ לְבֽוּשׁ׃
BSAThe earth takes shapehâphak▸ [as clay, like wet earth, is changed, turned] like claychômer [a dry measure, heap of material] [under] a sealchôwthâm [signet, signature ring] its hills stand outyâtsab▸ [features, high points, are presented, station themselves] likekᵉmôw [as, similar to] the folds of a garmentlᵉbûwsh [creases, layers, clothing, robe]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ | it is changed | Verb, Hithpael, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| כְּחֹ֣מֶר | like [the] clay of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| חוֹתָ֑ם | a seal | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְ֝יִֽתְיַצְּב֗וּ | so they may stand forth | Conjunction, verb hithpael third person masculine plural |
| כְּמ֣וֹ | like | Preposition |
| לְבֽוּשׁ׃ | clothing | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment. |
| KJV | It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. |
| ASV | It is changed as clay under the seal; And all things stand forth as a garment: |
| YLT | It turneth itself as clay of a seal And they station themselves as clothed. |
| WEB | It is changed as clay under the seal, and presented as a garment. |
| BBE | It is changed like wet earth under a stamp, and is coloured like a robe; |
The translations agree on the core meaning of the verse, emphasizing the transformation of the earth.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with two subordinate phrases that elaborate on the shaping of the earth and the presentation of the hills.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbהָפַךְ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 38:14
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Response to Jobgenerated
Job 38:14 presents God's challenge to Job, highlighting His sovereignty in creation. This verse illustrates how the earth is molded and defined by God's will, much like clay is shaped under a seal, emphasizing the power and authority of the Creator. The surrounding verses further explore God's omnipotence and the mysteries of the natural world, inviting Job to consider the vastness of God's creation and His control over it.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 104:2–6 | He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ, Tit.ha.pekhgenerated
The verb הָפַךְ (haphak) means to turn or change, specifically in the Hithpael form, indicating a reflexive action. In this context, it conveys the idea of the earth undergoing transformation, akin to clay being reshaped.
This word captures the essence of change and overturning, suggesting a complete alteration of form. The parsing as an imperfect third person feminine singular indicates that the earth is actively being changed, reflecting God's creative process.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ governs the main clause, with a prepositional phrase describing how it takes shape and another clause explaining the resulting appearance of the hills. The structure highlights the transformation process and the resulting presentation of the earth's features.
The word order emphasizes the action of the earth being shaped, followed by the comparison to the folds of a garment, illustrating the creative artistry of God.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ as λαβὼν, which suggests a taking or receiving action. This choice indicates a nuance of God's active role in shaping the earth, aligning with the overall theme of divine authority in creation.
This rendering shows a shift from the Hebrew focus on transformation to a Greek emphasis on the act of taking, which may reflect differing interpretative traditions between the Hebrew and Greek texts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 38:14 describes how the earth is shaped like clay when pressed by a seal, illustrating God's power in creation. The hills are compared to the folds of a garment, emphasizing their distinct features as they stand out.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This phrase illustrates how God molds the earth, just as clay is shaped, highlighting His creative power and authority over creation.
The comparison emphasizes the distinct features of the hills, showcasing their beauty and form as part of God's creation.
A seal represents authority and ownership, indicating that the earth is shaped according to God's design and purpose.
The verse demonstrates God's ability to transform and define the earth, illustrating His sovereignty and mastery over creation.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see God's creative power in the world around me?
- How can I better appreciate the beauty and design in nature as a reflection of God's handiwork?
- What does it mean for me to be shaped and molded by God in my own life?
- How can I recognize and respond to God's authority in my life, similar to how the earth responds to His shaping?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Gregory the Dialogist comments on this verse, interpreting it allegorically to discuss the transformation of the people of Israel by God.
The seal shall be restored as clay, and shall stand as a garment. [ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION] What else but 'clay' did the Lord find the people of Israel, whom He came unto when given up to the practices of the Gentiles,Early Church Fathers on Job 38 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 38:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIt is turned as clay [to] the seal,.... As the clay receives a different form by the impress of the seal upon it, so the earth appears in a different manner by the spring of morning light upon it; in
Read John Gill on Job 38 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Passing from creation to phenomena in the existing inanimate world. Verse 12. Hast thou - as God daily does.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 38 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIt, to wit, the earth, mentioned in the next foregoing verse. Is turned; is transformed and changed in its shape and appearance. To the seal, or, by the seal, which makes a beautiful or valuable impression upon that clay, which in itself hath no form, nor worth, nor comeliness in it. So the earth, which in the darkness of the night lies like a confused heap, without either form or beauty, when the light ariseth and shineth upon it, appears in excellent order and great glory. They; either, 1. The inhabitants of the earth, and particularly the wicked, mentioned both in the foregoing and following verses. Or, 2. More generally, the men and things of the earth, whether natural, as living…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 38 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 38:14 It is turned as clay [to] the seal; and they stand as a garment.Ver. 14. It is turned as clay to the seal] That is, the earth, now discerned, by reason of the air enlightened. The sense is this, Like as clay in the lump, that hath no figure stamped upon it, is changed by a seal impressed, and receiveth the figure of the seal upon itself (Piscator); so the earth, which by night was without form by reason of darkness, when once the sun is up, is figured as it were; that is, it shows the several figures stamped upon it. And they stand as a garment] All the several fruits, flowers, and various workmanship of God in her produced creatures that grow thereupon, appear as a stately…
Read John Trapp on Job 38 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(14) As clay to the seal.—In the darkness every object is without form and void, just as clay or wax, which has no distinctness of shape till the seal is applied, and then the impression is clear and manifest. So with the coming of the daylight after darkness. We should rather render, It is changed as clay under the seal, and all things stand forth as in their proper raiment.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 38 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 14. It is turned as clay to the seal] The earth, like soft clay, is capable of modifying itself in endless ways, and assuming infinite forms. As a proof of this, see the astonishing variety of plants, flowers, and fruits, and the infinitely diversified hues, odours, tastes, consistency, and properties, of its vegetable productions. There seems to be an allusion here to the sealing of clay, which I believe has been, and is now, frequent in the East. Six of those Eastern seals for sealing clay, made of brass, the figures and characters all in relief, the interstices being entirely perforated and cut out, so that the upper side of the seal is the same as the lower, now lie before me.…
Read AdamClarke on Job 38 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges14. Another charming figure. Under the light of morn the earth, which was formless in the darkness, takes shape like the clay under the seal. It is changed as clay under the seal, And they stand forth as a garment. In the first clause the words are lit. as seal-clay. All things with clear-cut impression and vivid colouring stand forth under the light, and together form a various, many-coloured garment, in which the earth is robed.
Read Cambridge on Job 38 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIt is turned as clay to the seal - A great variety of interpretations has been given to this passage. Schultens enumerates no less than twenty, and of course it is not easy to determine the meaning.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 38 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment.
It is changed as clay under the seal, and presented as a garment.
The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment.
The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features are dyed like a garment.
Tyndale line
It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
It is changed as clay under the seal; And all things stand forth as a garment:
It is changed as clay under the seal; and all things stand forth as a garment:
It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
It is turned as clay to facion, and all stand vp as a garment.
Strictly literal
It is changed like the signet-clay; and [all things] stand forth as in a garment:
It turneth itself as clay of a seal And they station themselves as clothed.
It turns itself as clay of a seal || And they station themselves as clothed.
She is changed as the sealing-clay: and [all things] stand as though newly clad.
The earth is changed in appearance like clay changes under a seal; all things on it stand out clearly like the folds of a piece of clothing.
From the Latin
The seal shall be restored as clay, and shall stand as a garment:
Simplified
The earth is changed like clay under a seal; its features stand out like a crumpled garment.
It is changed like wet earth under a stamp, and is coloured like a robe;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text presents תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ as part of a cohesive statement about the earth's formation. The Septuagint matches only three of the six words, indicating some divergence in translation, yet the core idea of transformation remains consistent.
תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ כְּחֹ֣מֶר חוֹתָ֑ם וְ֝יִֽתְיַצְּב֗וּ כְּמ֣וֹ לְבֽוּשׁ׃
3 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 38:14
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
הָפַךְ (haphak) is a Hebrew verb meaning to turn or overturn, with implications of change and transformation. It can describe actions like turning back, being reversed, or even being perverse. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, including reflexive and passive uses, indicating a wide range of applications in the Old Testament.
הָפַךְ vb. turn, overturn
Qal
trans.
turn, turn about, turn over
overturn, overthrow
turn = change, transform
intrans.
turn, turn back
turn = change, change into
Niph.
reflex. & intrans.
turn oneself, turn, turn back
turn = change (oneself)
be perverse
pass.
be turned, turn over to
be reversed
be turned, changed
be overturned, overthrown
be upturned, of subterran. work of miners
Hithp.
turn this way & that, every way
transform oneself
Hoph. there have been turned upon me terrors
base
H2015 הָפַךְ turn, overturn .. trans. . turn, turn about, turn over
. overturn, overthrow
. turn = change, transform
. intrans. . turn, turn back
. turn = change, change into
. . reflex. & intrans. . turn oneself, turn, turn back
. turn = change (oneself)
. be perverse
. pass. . be turned, turn over to
. be reversed
. be turned, changed
. be overturned, overthrown
. be upturned, of subterran. work of miners
. . turn this way & that, every way
. transform oneself
. there have been turned upon me terrors
2015 haphak haw-fak'
a primitive root; to turn about or over; by implication, to
change, overturn, return, pervert:--X become, change, come, be
converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse,
retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary,
every way).
הָפַךְ (ha.phakh) — to overturn.
1) to turn, overthrow, overturn
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to overturn, overthrow
1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around
1a3) to change, transform
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back
1b2) to change oneself
1b3) to be perverse
1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against
1b5) to be reversed
1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown
1b7) to be upturned
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to transform oneself
1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way
1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Hithpael · imperfect third person feminine singularHVti3fs
חֹ֫מֶר (chomer) refers to cement, mortar, clay, and also denotes a heap or a unit of dry measure (homer). It is built from the idea of bubbling up, relating to water or earth. The entries indicate its use in various contexts, including construction and measurement.
חֹ֫מֶר n.m. cement, mortar, clay
base
חֹ֫מֶר n.[m.] heap
base
חֹ֫מֶר n.m. homer, a dry measure
base
H2563a חֹ֫מֶר cement, mortar, clay H2563b חֹ֫מֶר heap H2563c חֹ֫מֶר homer, a dry measure
2563 chomer kho'mer
from 2560; properly, a bubbling up, i.e. of water, a wave; of
earth, mire or clay (cement); also a heap; hence, a chomer or
dry measure:--clay, heap, homer, mire, motion.
see HEBREW for 02560
חֹ֫מֶר (cho.mer) — clay.
1) cement, mortar, clay
1a) mortar, cement
1b) clay
1c) mire
חֹ֫מֶר (cho.mer) — heap.
2) heap
2a) swelling, surging (of water)
חֹ֫מֶר (cho.mer) — homer.
homer-a unit of dry measure about 65 imperial gallons (300 l)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word חֹתָם (chowtham) refers to a seal or signet-ring. It is derived from a root meaning related to signatures. The entries consistently emphasize its use as a signet or seal, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
חֹתָם, חוֹתָם n.m. seal, signet-ring
base
H2368 חֹתָם, חוֹתָם seal, signet-ring
2368 chowtham kho-thawm'
or chotham {kho-thawm'}; from 2856; a signature-ring:--seal,
signet.
see HEBREW for 02856
חֹתָם (cho.tam) — signet.
seal, signet, signet-ring
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
sel (substantive chotham, "seal," "signet," Tabba`ath, "signet-ring"; Aramaic `izqa'; sphragis; verb chatham, (Aramaic chatham); (sphragizo), (katasphragizomai, "to seal"):
I. Literal Sense.
A seal is an instrument of stone, metal or other hard substance (sometimes set in a ring), on which is engraved some device or figure, and is used for making an impression on some soft substance, as clay or wax, affixed to a document or other object, in token of authenticity.
1. Prevalence in Antiquity:
The use of seals goes back to a very remote antiquity, especially in Egypt, Babylonia and Assyria. Herodotus (i.195) records the Babylonian custom of wearing signets. In Babylonia the seal generally took the form of a cylinder cut in crystal or some hard stone, which was bored through from end to end and a cord passed through it. The design, often accompanied by the owner's name, was engraved on the…
Seal
Commonly a ring engraved with some device (Gen. 38:18, 25). Jezebel “wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal” (1 Kings 21:8). Seals are frequently mentioned in Jewish history (Deut. 32:34; Neh. 9:38; 10:1; Esther 3:12; Cant. 8:6; Isa. 8:16; Jer. 22:24; 32:44, etc.). Sealing a document was equivalent to the signature of the owner of the seal. “The use of a signet-ring by the monarch has recently received a remarkable illustration by the…
The importance attached to seals in the East is so great that without one no document is regarded as authentic. Among the methods of sealing used in Egypt at a very early period were engraved stones, graved stones, pierced through their length and hung by a string or chain from the arm or neck, or set in rings for the finger. The most ancient form used for this purpose was the scarabaeus, formed of precious or common stone, or even of blue pottery or porcelain, on the flat side of which the inscription or device was engraved. In many cases the seal consisted of a lump of clay, impressed with the seal and attached to the document, whether of papyrus or other material, by strings. In other cases wax was used. In sealing a sepulchre or box, the fastening was covered with clay or wax, and the impression from a seal of one in authority was stamped upon it, so that it could not be broken open…
The Hebrew word יָצַב (yatsab) primarily means to stand or to station oneself, particularly in the Hithpael form, which indicates a reflexive action. It encompasses the ideas of placing, setting, or presenting oneself. The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
[יָצַב] vb. only Hithp. set or station oneself, take one's stand
base
H3320 יָצַב only Hithp. set or station oneself, take one's stand
3320 yatsab yaw-tsab'
a primitive root; to place (any thing so as to stay);
reflexively, to station, offer, continue:--present selves,
remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-)
stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up).
יָצַב (ya.tsav) — to stand.
1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself
1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone
Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Conj | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp — Conjunction · verb hithpael third person masculine pluralHC/Vtu3mp
forth: "Forth," adverb (from "for"), signifies movement
(1) forward,
(2) out of,
(3) beyond a certain boundary.
In a few instances in the Old Testament it is the translation of the preposition `al, properly "above," "upon" (2Ki 11:15; 2Ch 23:14; Am 7:17 the King James Version), and of chuts, "without" (Ge 39:13; Jud 19:25). "Forth" is often used as an expletive of various verbs, as "break (forth)," "bring (forth)," "call (forth)," etc. In the Gospel of John it is the translation of exo, "without," as "Lazarus, come forth" (11:43; so 15:6; 19:4 the King James Version…
כְּמוֹ (kemo) is an adverb and conjunction meaning 'like' or 'as,' often used to draw comparisons or indicate similarity. It can also mean 'when' or 'according to.' The word is derived from a pleonastic form of the prefix כְּ (k-) and is related to the word מוֹ (mo). There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
כְּמוֹ adv. and conj. like, as, when (lit. the like of what (viz.) …, a pleon. form of כְּ (v. מוֹ), and, like it, prop. a subst.)
base
H3644 כְּמוֹ adv. and conj. like, as, when (lit. the like of what (viz.) …, a pleon. form of כְּ (v. מוֹ), and, like it, prop. a subst.)
3644 kmow kem-o'
or kamow {kaw-mo'}; a form of the prefix "k-", but used
separately (compare 3651); as, thus, so:--according to, (such)
as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto),
thus, when, worth.
see HEBREW for 03651
כְּמוֹ (ke.mo) — like.
adv
1) like, as, the like of which
conj
2) when, according as, as it were
כְּמוֹ (ke.mo) — (Geruth) Chimham.
Combined with ge.rut (גֵּרוּת "Geruth" H1628)
Prep — PrepositionHR
לְבוּשׁ (lebush) refers to clothing or garments in a literal or figurative sense, and can also imply a euphemism for a wife. It encompasses terms like apparel and raiment. The word is derived from a root meaning related to clothing, and its Aramaic equivalent is noted as well.
לְבוּשׁ, לְבֻשׁ n.m. garment, clothing, raiment
base
H3830 לְבוּשׁ, לְבֻשׁ garment, clothing, raiment
3830 lbuwsh leb-oosh'
or lbush {leb-oosh'}; from 3847; a garment (literally or
figuratively); by implication (euphem.) a wife:--apparel,
clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture.
see HEBREW for 03847
לְבוּשׁ (le.vush) — clothing.
clothing, garment, apparel, raiment
Aramaic equivalent: le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "garment" H3831)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa