Job 38:28

KJV

Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?

KJV (with Strong's)

Hath {H3426} the rain {H4306} a father {H1}? or who hath begotten {H3205} the drops {H96} of dew {H2919}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Does the rain have a father? Who is the father of dewdrops?

Berean Standard Bible

Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew?

American Standard Version

Hath the rain a father? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 38:28 presents a profound rhetorical challenge from God, emerging from the whirlwind to confront Job's limited human understanding. Through the questions, "Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?", God highlights that the origins and intricate formation of even the most common and vital natural phenomena—rain and dew—are entirely beyond human comprehension, control, or independent causation. This serves as a majestic demonstration of God's singular, sovereign wisdom, omnipotence, and meticulous, active involvement in sustaining His creation, ultimately designed to humble Job and all humanity before the Creator's unfathomable ways and absolute authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 38:28 is strategically placed within the opening of God's first direct discourse to Job, spanning [Job 38-39](/job/38 "Job 38-39 - God's First Response to Job"). This divine speech marks a dramatic turning point in the book, following Job's final lament and the exhaustive, yet ultimately insufficient, theological debates of his friends and Elihu concerning suffering and divine justice. Rather than directly addressing Job's complaints or justifying His actions in human terms, God immediately challenges Job's presumption to question divine wisdom with the piercing inquiry, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" ([Job 38:2](/job/38-2 "Job 38:2 - God Challenges Job's Ignorance")). God then embarks on a breathtaking tour of creation, systematically highlighting the intricate workings of the cosmos, from laying the earth's foundations ([Job 38:4-7](/job/38-4 "Job 38:4-7 - God Questions Job About Creation's Foundations")) to controlling the mysteries of the sea, light, darkness, and various meteorological phenomena. The rhetorical questions in verse 28 regarding rain and dew are integral to this sustained divine interrogation, meticulously crafted to expose the vast chasm between finite human knowledge and infinite divine omniscience, thereby preparing Job for a transformative encounter with God's unassailable sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly within the arid or semi-arid climate of the biblical lands (including the traditional setting of Job in Edom), rain and dew were not merely atmospheric occurrences but were universally recognized as indispensable, life-sustaining provisions. Rainfall was absolutely critical for successful agriculture, pasturage, and the very survival of human and animal life; prolonged drought was a constant existential threat and often interpreted as a sign of divine judgment, while abundant rain was an unambiguous mark of divine blessing. Dew, though seemingly less dramatic, was equally vital, especially during rainless seasons, providing essential moisture for vegetation. Unlike the surrounding polytheistic cultures, which frequently attributed weather phenomena to a pantheon of deities (e.g., Baal as the storm god, controlling fertility and rain), the Israelite worldview, profoundly articulated in the book of Job, unequivocally asserted that Yahweh alone held absolute dominion over all elements of nature. The rhetorical questions about the "father" of rain and the "begetter" of dew directly refute any notion of independent natural forces or rival divine powers, powerfully reinforcing the exclusive, singular sovereignty of the one true God over all creation.
* **Key Themes:** Job 38:28 significantly contributes to several profound themes central to the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, which underscores God's absolute, unchallenged control over every facet of creation, especially the meteorological processes essential for life. Rain and dew are depicted as having God alone as their ultimate "father" or originator, emphasizing His active, personal, and meticulous involvement in sustaining the world. This verse also powerfully highlights **Human Ignorance and Humility**. By posing questions Job cannot possibly answer, God vividly demonstrates the profound limitations of human understanding and wisdom when contrasted with His infinite knowledge. It serves as a divine call for humanity to recognize its finite place before the Creator, fostering a spirit of reverent awe and humble submission, a posture Job ultimately embraces in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession"). Furthermore, the verse illuminates the **Mystery and Intricacy of Creation**. Even seemingly common and everyday occurrences like rainfall and dew formation are presented as profound mysteries that bear witness to the unfathomable wisdom, precision, and artistry of God's design. This theme encourages a deep and abiding appreciation for the wonders of the natural world as a continuous, tangible revelation of God's glory and power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hath (Hebrew, _yêsh'_):** This word, often translated as "is" or "are," functions here as an interrogative, implying existence or possession. In the context of "Hath the rain a father?", it challenges the very notion of an independent origin or humanly discernible source for rain. God is rhetorically asking if rain possesses a "father" in the conventional sense, thereby asserting that no such earthly or created entity exists, and only He is its ultimate source. It underscores the rhetorical nature of the question, demanding a recognition of divine causation.
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** A fundamental Hebrew word, "father" denotes the ultimate source, originator, or cause. In this profound rhetorical question, it signifies not merely a progenitor but the one who establishes, sustains, and exercises complete control. By asking if rain has a "father," God emphatically asserts that no created being, natural process, or pagan deity can claim to be the independent source of rain; only God Himself occupies that unique, exclusive role. This term powerfully emphasizes divine causation, personal involvement, and absolute authority, directly contrasting with any deistic or polytheistic view of a detached or shared creator.
* **Begotten (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root means "to bear young," "to bring forth," or "to produce." When applied to the "drops of dew," it highlights the deliberate, intentional, and precise act of creation and formation. Dew is not a random or spontaneous occurrence but is specifically "begotten" or brought into existence through God's direct will and intricate design. The use of this term, paralleling "father," powerfully reinforces the idea of God as the active, personal, and sole agent behind these natural phenomena, emphasizing His meticulous care, detailed control, and profound artistry over even the smallest, most delicate elements of His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hath the rain a father?":** This is a potent rhetorical question, designed not for Job to provide an answer, but to lead him to the inescapable conclusion that only God can be considered the "father" or ultimate source of rain. It directly challenges any human tendency to seek purely naturalistic explanations or to attribute control over this vital phenomenon to anything other than the divine. The question inherently implies that rain does not originate from human effort, an autonomous natural cycle independent of God, or the capricious will of pagan deities. Instead, its very existence and sustenance are solely divine, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign power over a phenomenon absolutely essential for all life.
* **"or who hath begotten the drops of dew?":** This second rhetorical question serves as a powerful parallel to the first, reinforcing the same profound truth through the lens of a slightly different, yet equally vital, natural phenomenon. "Drops of dew" are distinct from rain, often appearing in the absence of rainfall and forming in a delicate, almost imperceptible manner. The verb "begotten" emphasizes the precise, intricate, and intentional formation of each individual drop, highlighting God's meticulous attention to detail. Just as rain has no earthly "father," dew has no earthly "begetter." Both questions collectively point to God as the sole, ultimate, and meticulous orchestrator of all weather and atmospheric conditions, demonstrating His comprehensive and detailed control over every aspect of creation, from the grand, life-giving storms to the smallest, most delicate forms of moisture.

#### Literary Devices
Job 38:28 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message and underscore God's unassailable sovereignty. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**. God poses these questions not to elicit information from Job, but to make an undeniable point and to expose the inherent limitations of Job's (and indeed, all humanity's) knowledge and understanding. By asking "Hath the rain a father?" and "who hath begotten the drops of dew?", God compels Job to confront his utter inability to provide an answer, thereby vividly highlighting the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human comprehension and infinite divine wisdom. This device serves powerfully to humble Job and underscore God's incomprehensible and unchallengeable sovereignty. Closely related is **Personification**, where inanimate natural phenomena are attributed human-like familial roles. Rain is said to have a "father," and dew is "begotten," as if by a parent. This personification serves to emphasize the intentional, purposeful, and profoundly personal origin of these natural elements, attributing their existence directly to a divine "parent" or ultimate originator rather than to impersonal, random forces. Finally, the verse exhibits striking **Parallelism**, a hallmark feature of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses, "Hath the rain a father?" and "or who hath begotten the drops of dew?", mirror each other in both their grammatical structure and their underlying theological meaning. This repetition with variation powerfully reinforces the central idea that both major and minor forms of precipitation originate solely from the direct, sovereign act of God, adding significant emphasis and poetic force to God's majestic declaration of His absolute control over creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 38:28 stands as a powerful theological declaration concerning God's active, intimate, and continuous involvement in the natural world, directly challenging any deistic notion that God merely created the world and then withdrew. It profoundly affirms His ongoing providence, demonstrating that even the most common and seemingly mundane aspects of creation, such as the formation of rain and dew, are direct results of His sovereign will, meticulous design, and active sustenance. This verse unequivocally underscores that God is not a distant architect but a present, engaged sustainer, whose wisdom and power are infinitely beyond human comprehension. It calls humanity to a posture of profound humility and reverent awe, compelling us to recognize the vastness of our intellectual limitations and the non-existence of our control over the cosmos, while God's wisdom is boundless and His authority absolute. This profound truth should naturally lead to a deeper, more unwavering trust in His providential care, even and especially in circumstances we cannot understand, knowing that the God who meticulously orchestrates the heavens also holds our lives in His omnipotent hand.

* [Psalm 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God Covers the Heavens with Clouds and Provides Rain")
* [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God Sends Rain on the Just and Unjust")
* [Acts 14:17](/acts/14-17 "Acts 14:17 - God Gives Rain and Fruitful Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 38:28 invites us to cultivate a profound and transformative sense of awe and humility before the Creator. In a contemporary world that often seeks to explain every phenomenon through purely naturalistic processes, this verse powerfully reminds us that the ultimate source, intricate design, and ongoing sustenance of creation point unequivocally to a divine mind and an omnipotent hand. It challenges our intellectual pride, urging us to acknowledge the vastness of what we do not know and to humbly embrace the mystery of God's ways. For the believer, this truth fosters a deeper, more resilient trust: if God meticulously orchestrates the rain and dew, which are absolutely essential for physical sustenance, how much more will He care for our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs? This verse encourages us to find profound comfort and security in His unwavering sovereignty, especially when facing trials, uncertainties, or moments where our lives feel chaotic or unpredictable. We are reminded that the same God who governs the immense cosmos is intimately involved in sustaining our individual lives and governing all our circumstances. Ultimately, it calls us to worship Him not only for His immense power but also for His unfathomable wisdom and meticulous care, which are gloriously evident in every single drop of rain and dew.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific aspects of creation do I often take for granted that, upon closer, prayerful reflection, reveal God's incredible wisdom, power, and meticulous care?**
* **How does acknowledging God's absolute and comprehensive sovereignty over natural phenomena impact my trust in Him during times when my life feels chaotic, unpredictable, or beyond my control?**
* **In what practical ways does this verse challenge my own intellectual pride or my inherent desire for complete understanding and control over my circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does God ask rhetorical questions instead of giving direct answers to Job's suffering?**

Answer: God's rhetorical questions throughout [Job 38-39](/job/38 "Job 38-39 - God's Challenge to Job") serve a crucial, transformative purpose far beyond merely providing factual information. They are meticulously designed to expose the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human knowledge and infinite divine omniscience, thereby profoundly humbling Job. God does not directly explain Job's suffering because, in this specific context, the problem of suffering is ultimately secondary to the more fundamental problem of Job's limited perspective on God's majestic governance of the entire universe. By posing questions about the creation, sustenance, and intricate workings of the world—questions that Job cannot possibly answer, such as the origin of rain and dew—God powerfully demonstrates His infinite wisdom, boundless power, and absolute authority, which far transcend Job's capacity to comprehend or challenge. The divine objective is not to justify God's actions to Job in human terms, but rather to re-establish God's unquestionable authority and sovereignty, leading Job to a place of humble, reverent trust and submission rather than continuing to demand explanations or justification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 38:28 speaks majestically of the Creator God's sovereign control over the elements of rain and dew, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest redemptive meaning are gloriously revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament unequivocally teaches that all things were created through Him and for Him, and indeed, in Him all things hold together and cohere ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The very "father" of rain and "begetter" of dew is none other than the Triune God, with the Son, the pre-existent Word, serving as the active agent in all creation. Jesus Himself dramatically demonstrated this divine authority over nature, famously calming a raging storm with a mere word, causing His disciples to marvel in profound awe, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" ([Mark 4:39-41](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This miraculous display directly echoes God's rhetorical questions to Job, revealing that the one who controls the elements is indeed divine, possessing the very power that Job could not comprehend. Furthermore, just as God provides physical sustenance through the provision of rain and dew, Jesus offers the ultimate spiritual sustenance, declaring Himself the "living water" that eternally quenches spiritual thirst ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) and the "bread of life" that satisfies the deepest human hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The profound mystery of creation's intricate workings, so powerfully highlighted in Job 38:28, ultimately points forward to the even greater, more glorious mystery of the Incarnation, where the Creator Himself became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to redeem His fallen creation. Thus, the God who meticulously orchestrates every single drop of dew is the very same God who, in Christ, meticulously works all things—even our suffering and trials—for the ultimate good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

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

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Job 29:19

My root [was] spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.

1 Kings 17:1

¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Proverbs 3:20

By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

1 Samuel 12:17

[Is it] not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.

1 Samuel 12:18

So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.