King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths [to] the house thereof?
Complete Jewish Bible:
If you knew, you could take each to its place and set it on its homeward path.
Berean Standard Bible:
so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home?
American Standard Version:
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, And that thou shouldest discern the paths to the house thereof?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
That thou shouldest take{H3947} it to the bound{H1366} thereof, and that thou shouldest know{H995} the paths{H5410} to the house{H1004} thereof?
Cross-References (KJV):
Job 26:10
- He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
Genesis 23:17
- And the field of Ephron, which [was] in Machpelah, which [was] before Mamre, the field, and the cave which [was] therein, and all the trees that [were] in the field, that [were] in all the borders round about, were made sure
Genesis 10:19
- And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 38:20
Job 38:20 is a part of the speech given by God to Job, which occurs near the end of the Book of Job. The historical context of the entire book is set within the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, likely composed between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE. It addresses the timeless question of why suffering exists, particularly for the righteous.
In the verse, God is speaking to Job out of a whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding and ability to comprehend the vastness and complexity of creation. The themes of this verse include the limits of human knowledge and the sovereignty of God over the natural world. God asks Job if he can "take it to the bound thereof," which implies challenging Job to exert control over the elements of nature, such as the sea, which is often symbolic of chaos in ancient Near Eastern literature. The phrase "that thou shouldest know the paths [to] the house thereof" suggests a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of creation, as if the natural world were a vast household with hidden routes known only to its Creator.
This verse is part of a larger poetic dialogue where God's response to Job's suffering is not to explain the reason for his pain but to reveal the grandeur and mystery of the universe. It emphasizes that human beings, including Job, cannot fully grasp the divine wisdom and purposes behind the events that occur in the world. The verse underscores the idea that humans must recognize their finite perspective in the face of God's infinite knowledge and power.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); 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. - Strong's Number: H1366
There are 196 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גְּבוּל
Transliteration: gᵉbûwl
Pronunciation: gheb-ool'
Description: or גְּבֻל; (shortened) from גָּבַל; properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed; border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. - Strong's Number: H995
There are 162 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בִּין
Transliteration: bîyn
Pronunciation: bene
Description: a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand; 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). - Strong's Number: H5410
There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָתִיב
Transliteration: nâthîyb
Pronunciation: naw-theeb'
Description: or (feminine) נְתִיבָה; or נְתִבָה; (Jeremiah 6:16), from an unused root meaning to tramp; a (beaten) track; path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. - Strong's Number: H1004
There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּיִת
Transliteration: bayith
Pronunciation: bah'-yith
Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); 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).