Job 37:7

KJV

He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.

KJV (with Strong's)

He sealeth up {H2856} the hand {H3027} of every man {H120}; that all men {H582} may know {H3045} his work {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He brings all human activity to a stop, so that everyone he has made can know it.

Berean Standard Bible

He seals up the hand of every man, so that all men may know His work.

American Standard Version

He sealeth up the hand of every man, That all men whom he hath made may know it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:7, embedded within Elihu's profound discourse on God's majesty, proclaims the divine prerogative to halt or direct human activity, symbolized by the "sealing up of the hand." This action is not arbitrary but purposeful, designed to compel all humanity to acknowledge and understand God's sovereign work in the world. The verse underscores God's absolute control over creation and human endeavors, revealing His wisdom and power through both natural phenomena and direct intervention, thereby inviting humility and a deeper apprehension of His omnipotence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 37:7 is situated within Elihu's fourth and final speech, which spans chapters 32-37. Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, positions himself as a mediator, correcting both Job's self-justification and the other friends' rigid theology. In chapter 37, Elihu focuses intensely on God's incomprehensible power and wisdom, particularly as manifested in meteorological phenomena. He describes the awe-inspiring thunder, lightning, and storms, emphasizing that these are not random occurrences but instruments of God's deliberate control. Immediately preceding verse 7, Elihu speaks of God commanding the snow to fall and the rain to pour down upon the earth (Job 37:6), highlighting how these natural forces can bring human activity to a standstill. Thus, "He sealeth up the hand of every man" flows naturally from the imagery of disruptive weather, implying that God's powerful acts in nature compel humanity to cease their ordinary labors and consider His might.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, life was intimately tied to agricultural cycles and manual labor. Weather phenomena like prolonged rain, snow, or drought directly impacted daily life, dictating periods of intense work or enforced idleness. The "hand" (Hebrew: _yad_) was a powerful symbol, representing not only physical labor but also skill, strength, authority, and destiny. To "seal up the hand" would evoke the cessation of work, the inability to perform one's craft, or even the withdrawal of God's empowering presence. Sealing was also a common practice for documents, property, or tombs, signifying ownership, finality, or security. When applied to God sealing human hands, it conveys His ultimate authority and control over human plans and productivity. This cultural understanding amplifies the verse's message: human endeavor is utterly dependent on divine permission and provision, and God's interventions, whether through weather or other means, serve as powerful reminders of this reality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **God's Sovereignty and Control**, asserting His absolute dominion over all creation, including human activity and the very forces of nature. The phrase "He sealeth up the hand of every man" vividly portrays God's ability to halt or direct human plans, whether through natural means or direct intervention, underscoring the theme of [God's absolute authority](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Absolute Authority"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Revelation through Creation**. The stated purpose, "that all men may know his work," signifies that God's power, demonstrated through His control over nature and life, serves as a grand display of His wisdom and omnipotence. This aligns with the biblical truth that [the heavens declare the glory of God](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - Creation Declares God's Glory"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **Human Limitations and Dependence**. By "sealing up the hand," God reminds humanity of its inherent limitations and profound dependence on Him. Our plans and efforts are subject to His will and power, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - God Directs Human Steps"), which states that "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sealeth up (Hebrew, _chatam_):** This verb (חתם) carries multiple layers of meaning, including to shut, close, seal, or to mark. In ancient contexts, sealing could signify ownership, finality, security, or the prevention of access. When applied to the "hand," it suggests a cessation, restriction, or even an incapacitation of its normal function. It implies that God brings human activity to a halt or limits its scope, perhaps by forcing men indoors due to harsh weather, or by simply demonstrating that all human effort is ultimately under His divine prerogative. It is a powerful metaphor for divine intervention in the course of human life and labor, asserting God's ultimate authority over human agency.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad_):** The Hebrew word (יד) for "hand" is highly versatile and symbolic. Beyond its literal meaning, it often represents power, strength, skill, labor, work, and even destiny or direction. In this context, "the hand of every man" signifies human activity, productivity, plans, and the very capacity for work and achievement. When God "seals up the hand," it means He is exercising His ultimate authority over human endeavors, whether by preventing them, redirecting them, or bringing them to a complete halt.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yada'_):** The verb (ידע) "to know" in Hebrew is not merely intellectual apprehension but often implies experiential knowledge, deep recognition, and intimate understanding. When the verse states "that all men may know his work," it means God's actions are purposed to lead humanity to a profound, experiential recognition of His power, wisdom, and sovereign control. It's an invitation to acknowledge His active presence and purpose in the world, moving beyond mere observation to a transformative understanding of His character and ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sealeth up the hand of every man;":** This clause presents a vivid metaphor for God's absolute control over human activity. The "hand" symbolizes human labor, skill, planning, and productivity. To "seal up" the hand implies an authoritative cessation or restriction of these human capacities. This can occur through various means, such as natural disasters (like the snow and rain mentioned in the preceding verse), illness, unforeseen circumstances, or direct divine intervention. It signifies that no human effort, no matter how diligently planned or executed, is ultimately beyond God's sovereign will and power. It's a declaration that human agency operates entirely within the bounds of divine permission and purpose.
* **"that all men may know his work.":** This is a purpose clause, revealing the divine intent behind God's actions of limiting human endeavor. The cessation or interruption of human work is not arbitrary but serves a profound pedagogical purpose. God's aim is for "all men"—a universal scope—to "know" (experientially recognize and understand) "his work." "His work" encompasses God's creative power, His providential governance, His justice, and His wisdom displayed in the natural world and in His dealings with humanity. By bringing human activity to a halt, God forces humanity to pause, look beyond their own efforts, and contemplate His superior power and wisdom, thereby leading them to a deeper, more humble apprehension of His divine majesty and active presence in the world.

#### Literary Devices
Job 37:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "He sealeth up the hand of every man." The "hand" serves as a metaphor for human labor, skill, and agency, while "sealing up" metaphorically represents God's authoritative cessation or restriction of these human activities. This vivid imagery effectively communicates God's absolute control over human endeavors. The verse also utilizes a **Purpose Clause** ("that all men may know his work"), which clearly articulates the divine intention behind God's actions, shifting the focus from mere observation of power to the profound pedagogical goal of divine revelation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Sovereignty** conveyed through the very structure and assertion of the verse, emphasizing God's ultimate authority and active involvement in the world, even in seemingly disruptive ways. The phrase "every man" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, emphasizing the universal scope of God's influence on humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:7 serves as a powerful theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, not only over the natural world but also over human activity and destiny. It asserts that God's interventions, whether through the forces of nature or other means, are purposeful, designed to reveal His character and compel humanity to acknowledge His supreme authority. This divine control is not oppressive but aims at a deeper, experiential knowledge of God's "work"—His creative power, providential care, and wise governance. The verse challenges anthropocentric views, reminding humanity of its inherent limitations and utter dependence on the Creator, fostering humility and a recognition that all human plans and efforts are ultimately subject to God's overarching will. It underscores that even in moments of forced inactivity or thwarted plans, God is actively at work, orchestrating circumstances for His glory and for humanity's spiritual benefit.

* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27 "All Creatures Depend on God")
* [Isaiah 45:9](/isaiah/45-9 "God's Sovereignty Over His Creation")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "God Does as He Pleases")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:7 offers profound insights for contemporary life, inviting us to re-evaluate our understanding of control, productivity, and divine purpose. In a world that often prioritizes ceaseless activity and human achievement, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our endeavors are not ultimate. When our plans are thwarted, our work is paused, or unforeseen circumstances bring our projects to a halt, it is not always a sign of failure or bad luck, but potentially a divine "sealing up of the hand." These interruptions, whether through illness, economic downturns, natural disasters, or simply the need for rest, can be God's way of forcing us to pause, look beyond our own efforts, and reflect on His overarching sovereignty. Such moments are opportunities for humility, for recognizing our dependence on Him, and for seeking to "know His work" in a deeper, more intimate way. It challenges us to trust in God's timing and wisdom, even when His methods seem to disrupt our carefully laid plans, understanding that His ultimate purpose is always our good and His glory. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of spiritual receptivity, learning to discern God's hand not only in what He enables but also in what He restrains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life has God seemingly "sealed up your hand," bringing your plans or efforts to a halt?**
* **How did you respond to these interruptions, and what did you learn about God's work during those times?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty in these "pauses" lead to greater humility and trust in Him?**
* **What does it mean for you, personally, to "know His work" more deeply in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does "He sealeth up the hand of every man" mean God stops us from working or pursuing our goals?**

Answer: Not necessarily in a punitive or permanent sense, but rather in a sovereign and purposeful way. The phrase "sealeth up the hand" is a metaphor for God's ability to halt, restrict, or redirect human activity and plans. This can happen through various means, such as natural phenomena (like severe weather that prevents outdoor work, as implied by the surrounding context in [Job 37:6](/job/37-6 "Job 37:6 - God Commands Snow and Rain")), unforeseen circumstances, or even a divine prompting for rest or re-evaluation. The purpose is not to punish human effort but "that all men may know his work"—to lead humanity to a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of God's ultimate power, wisdom, and control over all things. It's a reminder that our plans are always subject to His will, and sometimes, a pause in our work is precisely what God uses to reveal Himself more profoundly.

**What does it mean for "all men to know his work"?**

Answer: "To know His work" (Hebrew: _yada'_ his work) signifies more than just intellectual understanding; it implies an experiential, profound recognition and acknowledgment of God's active presence, power, and wisdom in the world. "His work" encompasses everything God does: His creation, His providential governance, His justice, and His wisdom displayed in nature and in His dealings with humanity. When God "seals up the hand" of humanity, it forces a cessation of self-reliant activity, compelling people to look beyond their own efforts and consider the greater power at play. This enforced pause is designed to draw humanity into a deeper, more humble apprehension of God's majesty and His active, purposeful involvement in every aspect of life, leading to awe and submission. It's about recognizing that God is the ultimate orchestrator, and His actions, even those that seem disruptive, are intended to reveal His character and lead us to trust Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 37:7 speaks of God's sovereign control over human activity and His revelation through creation in the Old Testament, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. Christ is the very embodiment of God's "work" that all men are to know. He is the one through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained (see [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). The divine power that "sealeth up the hand of every man" and brings human endeavors to a halt is perfectly demonstrated in Christ's authority over nature, as seen when He calmed the storm (see [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) or walked on water (see [Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")). More profoundly, Christ's life, death, and resurrection represent God's ultimate "work" of salvation, a work that no human hand could accomplish or hinder. His sacrifice "sealed up" the power of sin and death, bringing an end to humanity's futile attempts at self-justification and ushering in a new era where all who believe can truly "know His work" of redemption (see [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Knowing God and Jesus Christ")). Through Christ, God's sovereignty is not merely a force that limits but a loving power that redeems, inviting humanity into a deeper, saving knowledge of the Father's ultimate plan, which was eternally purposed in His Son (see [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan in Christ")).

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

Psalms 109:27

That they may know that this [is] thy hand; [that] thou, LORD, hast done it.

Psalms 111:2

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Isaiah 26:11

LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Isaiah 5:12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Job 9:7

Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.