Proverbs 8:29

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

When he gave {H7760} to the sea {H3220} his decree {H2706}, that the waters {H4325} should not pass {H5674} his commandment {H6310}: when he appointed {H2710} the foundations {H4144} of the earth {H776}:

when he prescribed boundaries for the sea, so that its water would not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;

Commentary

Proverbs 8:29 KJV is part of a profound passage where Wisdom is personified, describing her active presence during God's creation of the universe. This verse specifically highlights God's masterful design and control over the natural world.

Context

Chapter 8 of Proverbs presents Wisdom as an eternal attribute of God, existing with Him before creation. She is depicted not merely as a concept but as a divine co-worker or master craftsman (Proverbs 8:30), delighting in the creative process. Verses 22-31 detail Wisdom's role and presence as God established the cosmos. This particular verse, Proverbs 8:29, focuses on the specific acts of creation that demonstrate divine order and power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Order: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over creation. He "gave to the sea his decree," indicating a precise and unchangeable command that the vast, powerful waters should not exceed their appointed boundaries. This reflects God's meticulous design, where everything operates according to His divine will. The establishment of the "foundations of the earth" further emphasizes God as the ultimate architect, bringing stability and structure to the world.
  • Wisdom's Role in Creation: While not explicitly stating Wisdom's action in this verse, it is part of Wisdom's monologue. Her presence during these foundational acts underscores that the universe was created not by chance but with profound intelligence, purpose, and order. This speaks to the inherent design and glory evident in creation.
  • God's Unchangeable Word: The phrase "that the waters should not pass his commandment" highlights the enduring power and authority of God's word. What God decrees, stands. This concept is foundational to understanding God's character and His faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "decree" (חֹק, ḥoq) implies a statute, an established limit, or an appointed boundary. It signifies a fixed and unalterable law, emphasizing the precision and permanence of God's creative commands. The "foundations of the earth" (מוּסְדוֹת אָרֶץ, mûsədōt ʼāreṣ) refers to the stable, underlying structures upon which the earth rests, metaphorically speaking, affirming God's power to establish permanence in the physical world.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God setting boundaries for the sea is echoed throughout Scripture, demonstrating His power and authority. For instance, in Job 38:8-11, God questions Job, "Who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth... And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" Similarly, Psalm 104:9 states, "Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth." These passages reinforce the powerful imagery of God's creative control, a control Wisdom was present to witness and participate in.

Practical Application

For us today, Proverbs 8:29 offers profound reassurance. The same God who meticulously ordered the vast oceans and firmly established the earth's foundations is the one who orchestrates our lives. This verse encourages trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He is a God of order, purpose, and unwavering control, even amidst life's storms. It reminds us that His wisdom underlies all creation and provides a stable basis for our faith, knowing that His decrees are steadfast and His promises are true.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 104:9

    Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

  • Jeremiah 5:22

    Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

  • 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.

  • Genesis 1:10

    And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that [it was] good.

  • Psalms 104:5

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

  • Psalms 33:7

    He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

  • Job 38:4

    ¶ Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
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