Job 28:24

KJV

For he looketh to the ends of the earth, [and] seeth under the whole heaven;

KJV (with Strong's)

For he looketh {H5027} to the ends {H7098} of the earth {H776}, and seeth {H7200} under the whole heaven {H8064};

Complete Jewish Bible

For he can see to the ends of the earth and view everything under heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.

American Standard Version

For he looketh to the ends of the earth, And seeth under the whole heaven;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:24 serves as a profound declaration of God's absolute omniscience and omnipresence, asserting that His divine gaze extends to the furthest reaches of creation, encompassing and comprehending all that exists "under the whole heaven." This verse encapsulates the Creator's perfect and exhaustive knowledge, positioning Him as the sole possessor of true wisdom, a wisdom that humanity, despite its ingenuity, can never fully uncover or grasp on its own.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 28:24 is the climactic statement in the "Hymn to Wisdom" (or "Poem on Wisdom") found in [Job 28](/job/28 "Job 28 - The Hymn to Wisdom"). This chapter stands as an interlude between Job's final discourse (chapters 26-27) and the speeches of Elihu (chapters 32-37). It contrasts humanity's remarkable ability to mine the earth for precious metals and gems (described in [Job 28:1-11](/job/28-1 "Job 28:1-11 - Humanity's Mining Prowess")) with its utter inability to find or comprehend true wisdom. The chapter repeatedly asks, "But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding reside?" ([Job 28:12](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12 - The Elusiveness of Wisdom")). It asserts that wisdom's value surpasses all earthly treasures ([Job 28:15-19](/job/28-15 "Job 28:15-19 - Wisdom's Priceless Value")) and that it is hidden from all living creatures ([Job 28:20-22](/job/28-20 "Job 28:20-22 - Wisdom Hidden from All")). The chapter culminates by revealing that only God knows the path to wisdom because He established the universe and sees everything within it. Verse 24, alongside [Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Knows the Way to Wisdom") and [Job 28:25-27](/job/28-25 "Job 28:25-27 - God's Creation and Wisdom"), provides the answer: God alone possesses and comprehends true wisdom because His knowledge is universal and complete.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Palestine, suggesting a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era. The cultural backdrop includes a deep respect for wisdom, a common theme in ancient Near Eastern literature, particularly in Egyptian and Mesopotamian "wisdom texts." However, Job's unique contribution is its grappling with the problem of suffering and the limits of human understanding concerning divine justice and wisdom. The concept of a deity who "sees all" was not unique to Israel, but Job elevates this divine attribute to an unparalleled level of comprehensive, discerning knowledge. The "ends of the earth" and "under the whole heaven" reflect a common ancient cosmological understanding of a vast, but finite, world, over which God's dominion and sight are absolute. The detailed description of mining operations in [Job 28:1-11](/job/28-1 "Job 28:1-11 - Humanity's Mining Prowess") also speaks to the technological advancements and human ingenuity of the time, further emphasizing the contrast between human capabilities and divine omniscience.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:24 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Omniscience**, asserting God's infinite and perfect knowledge. He doesn't merely observe; He deeply comprehends all that is, from the furthest reaches of the cosmos to every minute detail. This highlights His complete awareness of all events, thoughts, and beings, a theme echoed in [Psalm 139](/psalm/139 "Psalm 139 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Universal Scope of God's Gaze**. God's vision is boundless, unimpeded by distance, time, or physical barriers, reinforcing His absolute sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer. Finally, it highlights **God's Unrivaled Understanding**. In stark contrast to humanity's limited perception and endless search for wisdom, God inherently possesses it because His vision and understanding are total. He not only sees the world but also understands its very essence and purpose, including the nature of wisdom itself, making Him the ultimate source of all true knowledge and understanding, as seen in [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Looketh (Hebrew, _yābīn'_):** Derived from the root בִּין (bin), this word means "to understand," "to discern," or "to perceive deeply." It implies more than a superficial glance; it denotes a profound, comprehensive grasp of what is seen. When used in conjunction with "seeth," it emphasizes that God not only observes everything but does so with perfect understanding and discernment, knowing the intricacies and implications of all He beholds. This is a cognitive act, not just visual.
* **Seeth (Hebrew, _yabbîṭ'_):** From the root נָבַט (nabat), meaning "to gaze," "to look intently," or "to behold." This term suggests a direct, penetrating gaze, indicating active and purposeful observation. Unlike a casual glance, "seeth" here implies a focused, comprehensive vision that misses nothing. Together with "looketh," it forms a powerful expression of God's all-encompassing, discerning awareness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he looketh to the ends of the earth,"**: This clause establishes the boundless reach of God's perception. "Ends of the earth" is a metaphorical expression for the uttermost limits of the known world, signifying every remote and distant place. The verb "looketh" (yābīn) implies not just seeing, but understanding and discerning. God's knowledge is not confined by geographical boundaries or human limitations; it extends to every conceivable point on the planet.
* **"and seeth under the whole heaven;"**: This second clause expands on the first, emphasizing the vertical and atmospheric scope of God's vision. "Under the whole heaven" refers to everything beneath the sky, encompassing all that exists in the atmosphere, on the surface of the earth, and even beneath it. The verb "seeth" (yabbîṭ) reinforces the idea of an intense, penetrating gaze. Together, these two clauses present a complete picture of God's omnipresence and omniscience, covering both horizontal and vertical dimensions of creation, leaving no part of existence outside His awareness.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "ends of the earth" and "under the whole heaven," which are used to emphasize the immeasurable and absolute scope of God's vision, far beyond any literal geographical measurement. This exaggeration serves to underscore His infinite knowledge. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the attribution of human-like senses ("looketh," "seeth") to God, making His divine attributes more comprehensible to human readers. While God does not have physical eyes, these terms convey His perfect and complete awareness. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is skillfully used as the second clause ("and seeth under the whole heaven") reiterates and expands upon the meaning of the first clause ("For he looketh to the ends of the earth"), reinforcing the idea of God's all-encompassing knowledge through slightly different but complementary imagery. Finally, the verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a God whose gaze spans the entire cosmos, from the most distant horizon to the highest heavens, leaving nothing unseen or unknown.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:24 is a foundational statement about the divine attribute of omniscience, which is crucial for understanding God's character and His just governance of the universe. It asserts that God's knowledge is not merely extensive but exhaustive, perfect, and inherent to His being. This truth undergirds His sovereignty, His ability to judge righteously, and His capacity to orchestrate all of history according to His purposes. It assures us that no event, no thought, no hidden motive escapes His divine awareness, providing both comfort in His care and a call to accountability in our lives. This profound understanding of God's all-seeing eye is a consistent theme throughout the biblical narrative, affirming His active involvement and intimate knowledge of His creation.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the LORD are in Every Place")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things are Naked and Open to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth that God "looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven" carries profound practical implications for believers. It offers immense comfort and reassurance, knowing that God is intimately aware of every detail of our lives—our struggles, our joys, our deepest thoughts, and our most private moments—no matter how hidden or insignificant they may seem to others. There is no circumstance or location that is beyond His sight or care, meaning we are never truly alone or forgotten. This understanding cultivates a deep sense of security and trust in His constant presence and perfect knowledge. Conversely, this truth also inspires a sense of accountability, reminding us that all our actions, motives, and intentions are fully known to Him. This should motivate us to live lives that honor Him, fostering integrity, sincerity, and a desire to please Him in all things, knowing that His gaze penetrates beyond outward appearances to the heart. It encourages us to surrender our limited understanding and trust in His infinite wisdom, especially when our own paths seem unclear or difficult.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's all-encompassing sight bring you comfort in times of difficulty or loneliness?**
* **In what ways does knowing God sees "under the whole heaven" challenge you to live with greater integrity and sincerity in your private life?**
* **How can reflecting on God's perfect knowledge help you to trust His plan and wisdom when circumstances are beyond your understanding?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 28:24 imply that God physically "sees" with eyes, or is it a metaphor?**

Answer: While the verse uses anthropomorphic language ("looketh," "seeth"), it does not imply that God possesses physical eyes in the way humans do. Instead, these terms are metaphors used to convey the reality of God's perfect and comprehensive knowledge. God is spirit ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit")), and His "seeing" refers to His infinite awareness, understanding, and discernment of all things, everywhere, at all times. It's a way of expressing His omniscience and omnipresence, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from Him, whether in the physical realm or the spiritual, the visible or the invisible. The language makes a profound theological truth accessible to human comprehension, assuring us that God's knowledge is absolute and complete, without any limitations of space or time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:24, with its declaration of God's all-encompassing gaze and perfect wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most tangible expression in Jesus Christ. As the eternal Son, Christ is the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He is the one through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ")), and thus, He inherently possesses the divine knowledge and understanding described in Job. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the one who knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")), who sees Nathanael under the fig tree before meeting him ([John 1:48](/john/1-48 "John 1:48 - Jesus Sees Nathanael Under the Fig Tree")), and who declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His perfect knowledge is not merely an abstract attribute but a compassionate, redemptive knowledge that leads Him to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). In Christ, God's all-seeing eye is not just a source of accountability but also a wellspring of grace, for He perfectly knows our weaknesses and intercedes for us ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")). Thus, the boundless wisdom and knowledge of God, so powerfully asserted in Job 28:24, are fully embodied and revealed in the person and work of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

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

Proverbs 15:3

¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Psalms 33:13

The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

Psalms 33:14

From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

Revelation 5:6

¶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.