Proverbs 3:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

By his knowledge {H1847} the depths {H8415} are broken up {H1234}, and the clouds {H7834} drop down {H7491} the dew {H2919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open and the dew condenses from the sky.

Berean Standard Bible

By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.

American Standard Version

By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:20 beautifully articulates the profound and active role of God's divine knowledge in the ongoing sustenance and intricate operation of the natural world. Following the declaration that the Lord founded the earth and established the heavens by wisdom and understanding, this verse extends that truth by revealing how specific, vital natural phenomena—the gushing forth of subterranean waters and the gentle descent of dew from the clouds—are direct manifestations of His intelligent design and continuous oversight, underscoring His sovereign control over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:20 concludes a significant section (Proverbs 3:13-20) that extols the supreme value and life-giving benefits of wisdom. This passage personifies wisdom as a source of blessing, prosperity, and security, declaring it more precious than rubies or fine gold. The immediate preceding verse, [Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - God's Wisdom in Creation"), explicitly states, "The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens." Proverbs 3:20 seamlessly continues this thought, moving from the initial act of creation to the ongoing maintenance of the created order. It attributes specific, vital natural processes—the breaking open of the depths and the dropping of dew from clouds—directly to God's knowledge, reinforcing His role as the intelligent designer and faithful sustainer of all things. The entire section builds a compelling case for seeking and embracing wisdom, demonstrating its cosmic significance before applying it to individual life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly in Israel, the understanding of the natural world was deeply intertwined with theological convictions. Water, whether from deep springs, rivers, or atmospheric precipitation, was absolutely essential for life, agriculture, and survival in a predominantly arid climate. The "depths" (Hebrew: *tehomot*) often referred to subterranean waters, springs, or even the primordial abyss, a concept familiar from the creation narrative in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Dew was also critically important, especially during dry seasons, as it provided essential moisture for crops and vegetation. For the Israelites, these natural phenomena were not random occurrences but direct expressions of divine power and provision. The concept of God's "knowledge" (Hebrew: *da'ath*) was not merely intellectual understanding but an active, creative, and governing intelligence that ordered the cosmos and ensured its continued flourishing, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness to His creation.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Wisdom in Creation**, asserting that God's knowledge is not merely theoretical but is the active, foundational force behind the physical world and its processes. This echoes the broader biblical witness to God as the intelligent architect of the universe, as seen in [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nature**. From the mighty subterranean waters ("depths") to the gentle, life-giving dew from the clouds, God is depicted as being in complete, meticulous control of all natural elements, showcasing His [omnipotent role as Creator](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God as Creator") and Sustainer. Lastly, it implicitly speaks to **Sustenance and Provision**. The breaking of the depths (referring to springs or underground water sources) and the dew from the clouds are both crucial for life and agriculture, illustrating God's ongoing, consistent provision for His creation, ensuring its flourishing and the well-being of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** H1847, derived from the verb "to know." In this context, it refers to God's profound, comprehensive, and active understanding. It's not just intellectual awareness but a governing intelligence that directs and orders the cosmos. It implies divine skill, insight, and purpose in the operation of the natural world.
* **Depths (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** H8415, often translated as "abyss" or "deep." This word typically refers to vast, subterranean bodies of water or the primordial ocean. Its use here evokes powerful, foundational water sources, suggesting God's control over the most immense and hidden aspects of the earth's hydrological system.
* **Broken up (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** H1234, a primitive root meaning "to cleave," "rend," "break forth," or "gush out." When applied to the depths, it describes the powerful action of water bursting forth, such as from springs or underground reservoirs, indicating a dynamic and forceful act of divine initiation and control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By his knowledge":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine agent and the means by which the subsequent actions occur. It points back to the "LORD" mentioned in the preceding verse ([Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - God's Wisdom in Creation")), emphasizing that the natural processes described are not random or self-sustaining but are direct results of God's active, intelligent oversight and understanding. His knowledge is the guiding principle behind creation's ongoing operations.
* **"the depths are broken up":** This clause describes a powerful hydrological phenomenon. "The depths" (Hebrew: *tᵉhôwm*) refers to vast, deep-seated water sources, possibly underground springs, subterranean rivers, or even the primordial waters. The verb "broken up" (Hebrew: *bâqaʻ*) signifies a forceful, cleaving action, suggesting that these deep waters gush forth or are made accessible by divine decree. This imagery can evoke both the initial separation of waters during creation and the ongoing provision of vital water sources.
* **"and the clouds drop down the dew":** This second clause describes another crucial natural process, contrasting the mighty "depths" with the gentle yet vital "clouds" and "dew." "Clouds" (Hebrew: *shachaq*) are the atmospheric source, and "drop down" (Hebrew: *râʻaph*) describes the gentle descent of moisture. "Dew" (Hebrew: *ṭal*) is a critical source of moisture in arid regions, especially during dry seasons when rain is scarce. This part of the verse highlights God's meticulous and consistent provision, not just through grand, powerful acts but also through subtle, daily sustenance essential for life and vegetation.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:20 is rich in **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of both powerful and gentle natural phenomena. The phrase "the depths are broken up" evokes a sense of immense power and control over vast, hidden water sources, perhaps recalling the primordial waters or the gushing of springs. This is contrasted with the delicate yet equally vital image of "the clouds drop down the dew," which signifies gentle, consistent, and life-sustaining provision. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition**, placing the mighty "depths" alongside the subtle "dew," demonstrating God's comprehensive sovereignty over all scales of natural operation, from the grand to the minute. Furthermore, while not personifying wisdom directly in this verse, it continues the **Personification** of wisdom from the broader passage ([Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom")), implicitly connecting the active "knowledge" that governs these natural processes back to the divine Wisdom that is the very source of life and blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:20 stands as a profound theological statement on God's immanence and transcendence. It asserts that the same divine wisdom and knowledge that conceived and initiated creation ([Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - God's Wisdom in Creation")) is actively engaged in its moment-by-moment sustenance. This verse teaches us that the natural world is not a self-operating machine but a living testament to God's continuous, intelligent, and benevolent oversight. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation, from the powerful forces of subterranean waters to the delicate provision of dew, affirming His role as both the magnificent Creator and the meticulous Sustainer. This understanding should inspire awe and trust, recognizing that the God who orders the cosmos also orchestrates the details of our lives.

* [Psalm 104:10-13](/psalms/104-10 "Psalm 104:10-13 - God's Provision of Water")
* [Job 38:28](/job/38-28 "Job 38:28 - God as the Father of Rain and Dew")
* [Genesis 8:22](/genesis/8-22 "Genesis 8:22 - God's Covenant of Sustenance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:20 invites us to look at the natural world with eyes of faith, recognizing that every aspect of creation, from the grandest geological formations to the subtlest atmospheric phenomena, is a direct manifestation of God's infinite knowledge and purposeful design. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial appreciation of nature to a profound reverence for the Creator who sustains it. Practically, it encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's provision. If His knowledge is so meticulously engaged in ensuring the earth's hydrological cycles and the delicate balance of its ecosystems, how much more can we trust Him to provide for our daily needs and guide our lives? It challenges us to seek and value divine wisdom above all else, knowing that the same wisdom that orders the cosmos is available to us for navigating life's complexities. This verse reminds us that true security and peace are found in acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning our lives with His wise and benevolent will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's active knowledge in natural processes (like dew and springs) deepen your trust in His provision for your personal life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God's wisdom as displayed in creation?**
* **How might understanding God's continuous sustenance of the world impact your approach to environmental stewardship or your reliance on earthly resources?**

### FAQ
**What does "the depths are broken up" refer to in a literal sense?**

Answer: Literally, "the depths are broken up" (Hebrew: *tᵉhôwmôt nivqāʿû*) refers to subterranean waters or vast underground springs bursting forth. In ancient Israel, access to water was crucial, and natural springs or wells that tapped into deep water sources were vital. This phrase signifies God's direct control over these powerful and essential water supplies, causing them to emerge and provide life-sustaining water. It can also carry echoes of the primordial waters or the "fountains of the great deep" mentioned in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Fountains of the Great Deep").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:20, by highlighting God's knowledge as the active force sustaining creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is not merely an agent of God's wisdom, but He *is* the very **Wisdom of God personified** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). It is through Him that all things were created, and by Him, all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The divine knowledge that breaks up the depths and causes the dew to fall is the same wisdom embodied in Christ, who demonstrates absolute authority over nature, calming storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and multiplying food ([John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")). He is the ultimate source of living water ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) and the spiritual "dew" of God's grace and provision for His people. Thus, the cosmic wisdom celebrated in Proverbs is fully revealed and enacted in the person and work of Jesus, who not only sustains the physical creation but also brings spiritual life and sustenance to all who believe.

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

Genesis 7:11

¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Genesis 1:9

¶ And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so.

Job 38:26

To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is; on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man;

Job 38:28

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

Psalms 65:9

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

Psalms 65:12

They drop [upon] the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

Job 38:8

Or [who] shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, [as if] it had issued out of the womb?