Job 26:5

KJV

¶ Dead [things] are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Dead {H7496} things are formed {H2342} from under the waters {H4325}, and the inhabitants {H7931} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The ghosts of the dead tremble beneath the water, with its creatures.

Berean Standard Bible

The dead tremble— those beneath the waters and those who dwell in them.

American Standard Version

They that are deceased tremble Beneath the waters and the inhabitants thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 26:5 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute omnipotence and sovereign dominion, asserting His control not only over the visible cosmos but also over the most mysterious, hidden, and often feared realms of existence. In this verse, Job eloquently proclaims that even the "dead things" or "shades" residing "under the waters"—a reference to the deepest parts of the earth or the underworld—are not beyond God's formative power and ultimate authority, underscoring His unmatched and comprehensive rule over all creation, including life and death itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 26:5 is embedded within Job's magnificent and poetic discourse on God's omnipotence, which serves as a powerful rebuttal to Bildad's brief and somewhat inadequate speech in [Job 25](/job/25 "Job 25 - Bildad's Short Speech on God's Majesty"). Rather than merely defending his own righteousness, Job elevates the discussion to a grand theological proclamation of God's unmatched power and wisdom. Chapters 26 and 27 showcase Job's profound understanding of God's cosmic sovereignty, moving from the heavens (Job 26:6-9) to the earth's foundations (Job 26:7) and, critically, to the deepest, most mysterious parts of creation, including the underworld, as highlighted in this verse. It functions as a powerful affirmation that no realm, no matter how hidden or chaotic, lies outside God's ultimate control.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "under the waters" (Hebrew: *mi-tachat mayim*) alludes to ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, where the earth was often conceived as resting upon or being surrounded by vast, primeval waters, often associated with the abyss, chaos, or the underworld (Sheol). In many ancient myths, these deep waters were the domain of chaotic forces or independent deities. The "dead [things]" (Hebrew: *repha'im*) were understood either as ancient, powerful inhabitants (giants) or, more commonly, as the "shades" or spirits of the deceased residing in Sheol. By declaring that these *repha'im* are "formed" from "under the waters," Job asserts Yahweh's unique and absolute sovereignty over realms that other cultures might have considered independent, chaotic, or governed by other powers. This statement profoundly contrasts with pagan beliefs, firmly placing even the dreaded realm of death under the direct, formative power of the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute control over all aspects of creation, including those considered deepest, darkest, or most mysterious. It underscores that even the forces of death and the unseen inhabitants of the deep are subject to His power and formation, as seen in [Psalm 139:8](/psalms/139-8 "Psalm 139:8 - God's Presence in Sheol"). Another key theme is **God's Transcendent Wisdom**, which extends beyond human comprehension, reaching into the hidden depths of existence. The verse also touches upon the **Mystery of Creation**, acknowledging realms beyond human grasp but still firmly under God's hand, and implicitly, **God's Victory over Chaos**, as He orders and controls what was often perceived as primeval, untamed forces.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dead [things] (Hebrew, _repha'im'_):** This term is central to understanding the verse. In the Old Testament, *repha'im* can refer to ancient, mighty inhabitants or giants (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim as Giants")). However, more commonly, and almost certainly in this context, it refers to the "shades" or spirits of the dead who reside in Sheol, the underworld (e.g., [Psalm 88:10](/psalms/88-10 "Psalm 88:10 - The Rephaim in Sheol"), [Isaiah 26:14](/isaiah/26-14 "Isaiah 26:14 - The Rephaim as Deceased")). Job's use of this term emphasizes God's dominion over the departed, asserting that even the spirits of the dead are subject to His power.
* **formed (Hebrew, _cholalu'_):** The verb *cholalu* comes from the root חול (chul), which carries connotations of being brought forth, travailed, or made. It suggests a process of creation, birth, or formation. The passive voice implies that these "dead things" are *being formed* or *brought into being* by an external agent—God. This signifies that even these shadowy inhabitants of the deep are not self-existent or autonomous but are continually subject to God's creative or formative power, highlighting His active involvement and control over every realm.
* **under the waters (Hebrew, _mi-tachat mayim'_):** This phrase refers to the deep, subterranean waters, which in ancient Near Eastern cosmology were often associated with the underworld, the abyss, or Sheol. It signifies the deepest, most hidden, and mysterious parts of creation, realms typically beyond human reach or comprehension. By stating that even from "under the waters" these "dead things are formed," Job powerfully reinforces God's comprehensive and inescapable reach, demonstrating that no part of existence, however remote or terrifying, is outside His sovereign jurisdiction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dead [things] are formed":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject: the *repha'im*, or the spirits of the dead. The verb "are formed" (passive voice) indicates that these entities are not independent or self-originating but are brought into existence or continually sustained by a higher power. This challenges any notion of an autonomous realm of the dead or spirits, asserting God's ultimate creative and sustaining power over them.
* **"from under the waters,":** This phrase specifies the origin or location from which these "dead things" are formed. It points to the deepest, most concealed parts of the earth, the cosmic abyss, or the underworld (Sheol). This emphasizes the profound extent of God's power, reaching into realms that are typically hidden, mysterious, and often associated with chaos or death in ancient thought. It highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty over all dimensions of existence.
* **"and the inhabitants thereof.":** This concluding phrase broadens the scope of the assertion. It clarifies that not only the "dead things" themselves but also all other "inhabitants" of these deep, watery, subterranean regions are under God's formative and sovereign hand. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's dominion, leaving no part of creation, visible or invisible, outside of His ultimate control and power.

#### Literary Devices
Job 26:5, within its broader context, employs several powerful literary devices to convey God's immense power. **Merism** is evident as Job describes God's dominion over the heavens (v. 6), the earth (v. 7), and the depths "under the waters" (v. 5), thereby encompassing the entirety of creation from highest to lowest, visible to invisible. This comprehensive scope underscores God's absolute sovereignty. The verse also utilizes **Poetic Language** and vivid **Imagery** by referring to "dead things" being "formed" from the mysterious "under the waters," creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring picture of God's control over realms beyond human experience or understanding. Furthermore, there is an element of **Allusion** as Job engages with ancient Near Eastern cosmological concepts of the underworld and primeval chaos. However, he recontextualizes these ideas not to validate pagan myths but to assert Yahweh's unique and supreme sovereignty over all such realms, effectively debunking any notion of independent powers or forces outside of God's ultimate authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 26:5 offers a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation, including the very realms of death and the unseen. This truth is foundational to biblical theology, contrasting sharply with ancient pagan ideas of independent underworld deities or chaotic forces. It asserts that even the *repha'im*, the shades of the dead, are not beyond God's formative power, implying that death itself is ultimately under His dominion. This concept foreshadows God's ultimate victory over death through resurrection, demonstrating His comprehensive authority over life and death, and His power to bring forth new life even from the depths of the grave.

* [Psalm 139:8](/psalms/139-8 "Psalm 139:8 - God's Presence in Sheol")
* [Proverbs 15:11](/proverbs/15-11 "Proverbs 15:11 - Sheol and Abaddon are before the Lord")
* [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 26:5 serves as a powerful anchor for faith, reminding us that there is no place, no entity, and no circumstance—however mysterious, terrifying, or seemingly uncontrollable—that lies outside of God's ultimate authority and sovereign hand. For the believer, this truth should inspire profound awe and unwavering trust. If God governs the deepest, most hidden, and even the "dead" realms of existence, He certainly has comprehensive control over our known world, our personal circumstances, and the ultimate mystery of death itself. This verse invites us to humble ourselves before such a magnificent Creator, finding comfort in His omnipresence and omnipotence, especially when facing the unknowns of life or the inevitability of death. It calls us to rest in the assurance that our lives, and indeed our very existence, are held securely within the grasp of the One who forms even the "dead things" from "under the waters."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's declaration of God's power over the unseen and the dead challenge or expand your understanding of God's sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's control over the "unknown" or "unseen" elements, knowing that even the deepest realms are subject to Him?**
* **What comfort can you draw from knowing that even death itself is ultimately under God's formative power and not an independent force?**

### FAQ
**What are the "dead [things]" mentioned in Job 26:5?**

Answer: The "dead [things]" refers to the Hebrew word *repha'im* (רְפָאִים). While this term can sometimes refer to ancient giants or powerful beings (as in [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim as Giants")), in the context of Job 26:5 and other poetic books (e.g., [Psalm 88:10](/psalms/88-10 "Psalm 88:10 - The Rephaim in Sheol"), [Isaiah 26:14](/isaiah/26-14 "Isaiah 26:14 - The Rephaim as Deceased")), it most commonly refers to the "shades" or spirits of the dead who reside in Sheol, the underworld. Job's point is that even these inhabitants of the realm of the dead are not self-existent or beyond God's control; they are "formed" or brought into being by Him.

**How does this verse relate to ancient Near Eastern cosmology?**

Answer: This verse draws upon ancient Near Eastern cosmological ideas, where the universe was often conceived as having an earthly realm, a heavenly realm above, and a subterranean realm "under the waters" or the "deep" (the abyss). This "deep" was often associated with primeval chaos or the underworld (Sheol/Hades). Unlike pagan myths where these realms might be governed by independent, often malevolent deities, Job's declaration asserts that the God of Israel, Yahweh, has absolute and sovereign control over *all* these realms, including the deepest and most mysterious parts of creation. He is not merely a sky-god or an earth-god, but the supreme ruler over everything, even the forces associated with death and chaos.

**Does this verse imply God creates death?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God is the author of death in the sense of evil or a curse. Instead, it speaks to God's ultimate *dominion* and *sovereignty* over the realm of the dead and its inhabitants. It emphasizes that even death and the spirits of the departed are subject to His power and are not outside of His control. This is a statement about God's comprehensive authority over all existence, including the transition between life and death, and the state of those who have passed on. It foreshadows the biblical truth that God has the power to overcome death itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 26:5, with its profound declaration of God's sovereignty over the "dead things" formed "under the waters," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "shades" or *repha'im* of the underworld, once conceived as beyond human reach, are definitively subjected to God's power through Christ's death, descent, and triumphant resurrection. Jesus, as the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life"), demonstrates God's formative power over death itself, rising from the grave and conquering its dominion ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He descended into the depths, not to be held captive, but to proclaim victory over spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")) and to destroy the one who holds the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). The imagery of God forming "dead things" from "under the waters" is powerfully realized in Christ, who now holds the "keys of death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), signifying His absolute authority over every realm, including the very one Job describes as being under God's sovereign hand. In Christ, the mysterious depths and the power of death are not only known to God but utterly subdued by Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.