Job 26:7

KJV

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, [and] hangeth the earth upon nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

He stretcheth out {H5186} the north {H6828} over the empty place {H8414}, and hangeth {H8518} the earth {H776} upon nothing {H1099}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He stretches the north over chaos and suspends the earth on nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth upon nothing.

American Standard Version

He stretcheth out the north over empty space, And hangeth the earth upon nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 26:7 stands as a profound declaration of God's unparalleled power and wisdom in creation, articulated by Job himself amidst his intense dialogue with his friends. This verse offers a remarkably prescient cosmological statement, depicting God's sovereign act of extending the northern sky over a void and suspending the Earth in space without any physical support, thereby emphasizing divine omnipotence and the unfathomable nature of the Creator's ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 26 is part of Job's final and most comprehensive response to his friends, specifically following Bildad's brief and somewhat dismissive speech in [Job 25](/job/25 "Job 25 - Bildad's Short Speech on God's Majesty"). Throughout the book, Job's friends have primarily focused on God's justice as it relates to human sin and suffering, implying Job's affliction is a direct consequence of his transgressions. In contrast, Job consistently redirects the conversation to God's incomprehensible power and majesty over creation, arguing that divine ways are far beyond human understanding. Job 26:7 serves as a powerful illustration of this point, demonstrating God's absolute control over the cosmos as evidence that His wisdom and actions transcend human capacity for judgment or full comprehension, making it difficult to fully grasp the reasons for suffering. This verse, therefore, functions as a rhetorical flourish, reinforcing Job's argument that God's greatness is not merely in His justice but in His unfathomable creative and sustaining power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, various cosmologies attempted to explain the structure of the universe. Common beliefs often depicted the Earth as a flat disc resting on pillars, supported by a vast ocean, or even carried on the backs of mythological creatures (e.g., a great turtle or elephants). The sky was often conceived as a solid dome or "firmament" above the Earth, holding back celestial waters. Within this prevailing worldview, Job's declaration that God "hangeth the earth upon nothing" is extraordinarily unique and scientifically advanced. It stands in stark contrast to the prevailing ancient models, suggesting a divine revelation that transcended contemporary human understanding of the cosmos. This statement would have been counter-cultural and profoundly counter-intuitive, highlighting the distinctiveness of the biblical understanding of creation and God's absolute sovereignty over it.
* **Key Themes:** Job 26:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, presenting God as the ultimate architect and sustainer of the universe, capable of creating and upholding the vast cosmos without any external aid or visible support. Secondly, it highlights **God's Unfathomable Wisdom**, showcasing a divine knowledge of the universe that far surpasses human understanding, especially for its time. This speaks to God's profound wisdom in the intricate design and maintenance of creation, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Sits Above the Circle of the Earth"), which describes God sitting above the circle of the earth. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Biblical Foresight and Accuracy**, as its description of the Earth suspended in space without physical support remarkably aligns with modern astronomical understanding, predating scientific discovery by thousands of years. This unique insight suggests a divinely inspired perspective on the natural world, reinforcing the Bible's authority and truthfulness. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Human Limitations**, demonstrating that humanity's capacity to comprehend God's ways, particularly in creation and providence, is inherently limited, prompting humility and awe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **empty place (Hebrew, _tōhû'_):** This term, also famously found in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Was Formless and Void"), denotes a state of formlessness, desolation, or void. In Job 26:7, its application to the "north" (celestial expanse) suggests that God's creative power extends even to regions of apparent emptiness or chaos, bringing order and structure where there was none. It emphasizes that God does not require pre-existing materials or order to establish His dominion; He creates and commands even the void itself.
* **upon nothing (Hebrew, _bĕlîmâ'_):** This is a unique and highly significant Hebrew word, literally meaning "without anything," "no-thing," or "nothingness." It is a hapax legomenon (occurring only once) in the Hebrew Bible. The phrase powerfully conveys the absolute absence of any physical or tangible support for the Earth. This stands in stark contrast to ancient cosmologies that posited pillars, waters, or mythological creatures supporting the Earth. The use of _bĕlîmâ_ underscores the miraculous, supernatural nature of the Earth's suspension, attributing its stability solely to divine power and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place":** This clause describes God's expansive dominion over the celestial realm. The "north" (צָפוֹן, _tsaphon_) often refers to the northern sky, sometimes associated with the pole star or the dwelling place of God in ancient Near Eastern thought. The act of "stretching out" (נָטָה, _natah_) implies an act of creation, ordering, and establishing. By stretching it "over the empty place" (_tōhû_), the verse highlights God's ability to command and organize even the formless void, bringing structure and existence to what was previously nothing, demonstrating His absolute control over the vastness of the cosmos.
* **"and hangeth the earth upon nothing":** This is the most striking and scientifically prescient part of the verse. The verb "hangeth" (תָּלָה, _talah_) implies suspension, as if an object is suspended from above without visible support. The phrase "upon nothing" (_bĕlîmâ_) radically asserts that the Earth floats freely in space, held in place by no physical means, but solely by divine will and power. This statement is a profound testament to God's supernatural power and control, revealing an understanding of the Earth's celestial position that far predates human scientific discovery and stands in stark contrast to the prevailing ancient cosmological views.

#### Literary Devices
Job 26:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of God's cosmic power, emphasizing the vastness and incomprehensibility of His creative acts by depicting the Earth's suspension on "nothing." This exaggeration serves to magnify God's omnipotence beyond human comprehension. **Metaphor** is central to the imagery, as the Earth is metaphorically "hung" as if it were an object suspended by an invisible thread, vividly illustrating its unsupported state in space. The phrase "empty place" for the northern sky also functions metaphorically to convey a vast, unformed expanse that God brings into order. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Anthropomorphism**, as God is described as "stretching out" and "hanging," attributing human-like actions to the divine to make His cosmic work relatable, even as the ultimate reality of His power remains beyond full human grasp. These devices collectively amplify the awe-inspiring nature of God's creative and sustaining power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 26:7 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the nature of God as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. It transcends mere scientific observation, serving as a powerful theological statement about divine omnipotence, wisdom, and sovereignty. The verse asserts that God's power is not limited by pre-existing conditions or the need for physical support; rather, He brings order out of chaos and sustains existence by His sheer will. This truth invites humanity to a posture of humility and worship, recognizing that the God who can suspend an entire planet upon nothing is utterly beyond human comprehension and control. It reinforces the biblical teaching that creation itself is a continuous act of divine power and that the stability of the universe rests solely on God's unwavering faithfulness.

* [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Formless and Void")
* [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Sits Above the Circle of the Earth")
* [Psalm 104:5](/psalms/104-5 "Psalm 104:5 - God Established the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound imagery of Job 26:7 invites us to pause and contemplate the sheer magnitude of God's power and wisdom. If the Creator of the universe can effortlessly suspend an entire planet in the vastness of space "upon nothing," then what challenge in our lives could possibly be too great for Him to handle? This verse calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereign care, reminding us that the same divine power that upholds the cosmos is intimately involved in sustaining our individual lives, providing for our needs, and guiding us through every circumstance. In moments of doubt, fear, or overwhelming difficulty, reflecting on God's cosmic power as displayed in Job 26:7 can instill a profound sense of peace and security, knowing that our lives are held in the hands of an infinitely wise and powerful God. It cultivates a spirit of humility, recognizing our smallness in the face of His greatness, and inspires worship for a God whose ways and works are truly unfathomable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of God "hanging the earth upon nothing" impact your understanding of His power and sovereignty in your own life?**
* **What specific anxieties or burdens might you release to the God who sustains the entire cosmos by His word?**
* **In what ways can contemplating the vastness of God's creation lead you to deeper worship and humility?**

### FAQ
**Was Job 26:7 scientifically accurate for its time?**

Answer: Yes, Job 26:7 is remarkably prescient and scientifically accurate, especially considering the ancient context in which it was written. While many ancient cosmologies depicted the Earth resting on physical supports like pillars, waters, or mythological creatures, Job's declaration that God "hangeth the earth upon nothing" aligns perfectly with modern astronomical understanding of the Earth floating in space, held by gravitational forces. This statement predates scientific discovery by thousands of years, suggesting a divinely inspired insight into the true nature of the cosmos rather than a product of contemporary human observation or theory. It highlights the unique insights found within biblical texts regarding the natural world.

**What is the significance of "the north" in this verse?**

Answer: The "north" (צָפוֹן, _tsaphon_) in biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts often referred to the northern celestial regions, sometimes associated with the pole star or even considered the dwelling place of God (e.g., [Psalm 48:2](/psalms/48-2 "Psalm 48:2 - Mount Zion, the Joy of the Whole Earth")). In Job 26:7, "He stretcheth out the north over the empty place" likely signifies God's dominion over the entire celestial expanse. It emphasizes that God's creative power extends to all parts of the heavens, even those perceived as a void or unformed (_tōhû_), bringing order and existence to the vast, seemingly empty spaces of the cosmos. It underscores the boundless nature of God's creative reach.

**How does Job 26:7 contribute to Job's overall argument in the book?**

Answer: Job 26:7 is a crucial part of Job's argument that God's ways are unfathomable and His power is beyond human comprehension. Throughout the book, Job's friends attempt to explain his suffering through a simplistic retribution theology (suffering equals sin). Job, however, consistently points to God's immense and mysterious power in creation as evidence that divine actions cannot be neatly categorized or understood by human logic. By describing God's ability to suspend the Earth on "nothing" and stretch the heavens over a void, Job highlights God's absolute sovereignty and wisdom, which far transcend human wisdom. This serves to humble his friends and underscore the limitations of human understanding when attempting to grasp the complexities of God's justice and providence, especially in the context of suffering. It shifts the focus from human sin to divine majesty, asserting that God's greatness is an undeniable truth, regardless of human circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 26:7, with its awe-inspiring depiction of God's power in suspending the Earth upon nothing, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that the very God who "stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing" is the Triune God, and that Christ Himself is the active agent in this cosmic creation and ongoing sustenance. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") declares that "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." More explicitly, [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ the Creator and Sustainer") states that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This means the very power that keeps the Earth suspended in space, defying natural explanation, is the power of Christ. The "nothing" upon which the Earth hangs is upheld by the "word of his power" (as [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things") describes Christ sustaining all things). Therefore, the mysterious, unfathomable power of God revealed in Job is not an abstract force, but is personified and made accessible in Jesus, the Son who is the exact imprint of God's nature and the one through whom the universe finds its coherence and continued existence. The Creator of the cosmos is the Redeemer of humanity, inviting us to trust in the same power that hangs the Earth upon nothing to sustain our lives and secure our salvation.

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.

Cross-References

Job 9:8

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

Isaiah 40:22

[It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Psalms 104:2

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Psalms 104:5

[Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:2

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Isaiah 42:5

¶ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: