from בְּלִי and מָה; (as indefinitely) nothing whatever; nothing.
Transliteration:bᵉlîymâh
Pronunciation:bel-ee-mah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בְּלִימָה (bᵉlîymâh) `{{H1099}}` is a unique and highly evocative term, derived from the negative particle בְּלִי (bᵉlî) `{{H1097}}`, meaning "without" or "not," and the interrogative/indefinite pronoun מָה (mâh) `{{H4100}}`, meaning "what" or "anything." The combination thus yields the meaning "without anything" or "nothing whatever." Its semantic range is extremely narrow, serving to emphasize an absolute void, a complete absence of substance, support, or foundation. It signifies a state of utter non-existence in a specific context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בְּלִימָה (bᵉlîymâh) `{{H1099}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant. This singular instance is found in the book of Job:
* [[Job 26:7]]: "He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing."
In this verse, Job is responding to Bildad, extolling the incomprehensible power and wisdom of God in creation. The phrase עַל בְּלִימָה (ʿal bᵉlîymâh), translated as "on nothing," describes the seemingly impossible act of God suspending the massive earth in space without any visible or physical support. The context highlights God's supernatural ability to transcend the limitations of the created order. The ancient understanding of the cosmos often involved pillars or foundations supporting the earth; Job's declaration, inspired by divine revelation, utterly shatters such conceptions, presenting a universe sustained by an unseen, omnipotent power. This statement serves as a profound testament to God's unique and absolute control over His creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding בְּלִימָה (bᵉlîymâh) `{{H1099}}` is enhanced by considering its constituent parts and broader conceptual parallels:
* **בְּלִי (bᵉlî) `{{H1097}}`**: The negative particle "without" or "not," which forms the basis of בְּלִימָה. It underscores the absence of something.
* **מָה (mâh) `{{H4100}}`**: The interrogative/indefinite pronoun "what" or "anything," which combines with בְּלִי to emphasize the absolute lack of *anything* whatsoever.
* **Concepts of "Void" or "Emptiness"**:
* תֹהוּ (tohu) `{{H8414}}` and בֹהוּ (bohu) `{{H922}}`: These terms appear together in [[Genesis 1:2]] to describe the earth as "formless and void" before God's creative acts. While tohu wa-bohu refers to a state of unformed, chaotic emptiness, בְּלִימָה more specifically denotes the *absence of support* or foundation. Both, however, point to a primordial state that requires divine ordering and sustenance.
* רִיק (riq) `{{H7385}}`: Meaning "empty" or "vain," often used for physical emptiness or futility. While related, בְּלִימָה carries a more specific nuance of absolute non-support.
* **Divine Creation *Ex Nihilo***: Although בְּלִימָה itself doesn't directly state creation *out of nothing*, its use in [[Job 26:7]] strongly implies a universe that does not rely on pre-existing physical structures. It points to a cosmos utterly dependent on God's word and power, hinting at the concept of creation from non-existence.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of בְּלִימָה (bᵉlîymâh) `{{H1099}}` in [[Job 26:7]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty**: The primary theological message is a powerful declaration of God's absolute power. He does not require pre-existing matter, physical pillars, or any discernible support system to create or sustain His universe. The earth's suspension "on nothing" is a testament to a divine power that operates beyond all human comprehension and natural laws. It underscores God's complete sovereignty over all creation.
* **Transcendence of God**: God is not bound by the physical limitations or requirements of His creation. He is utterly transcendent, able to establish and maintain order in ways that defy human logic and scientific explanation. This challenges any anthropocentric view of the cosmos and elevates God to a unique, unapproachable plane of existence and power.
* **Dependence of Creation**: The existence and stability of the entire cosmos, particularly the earth, are shown to be entirely dependent on God's continuous, sustaining power. Creation has no inherent self-support; its very being is a testament to the Creator's ongoing will. This fosters a sense of awe and humility in the face of divine majesty.
* **Divine Wisdom**: Within Job's discourse on God's wisdom in creation, the ability to hang the earth on nothing stands as an ultimate example of divine sagacity. It is a wisdom that far surpasses human understanding, demonstrating that God's ways are unsearchable and His judgments inscrutable.
### Summary
בְּלִימָה (bᵉlîymâh) `{{H1099}}` is a rare, yet immensely significant, Hebrew word meaning "nothing whatever" or "on nothing." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Job 26:7]] serves as a profound theological statement regarding the nature of God. By declaring that God "hangs the earth on nothing," the text powerfully asserts His boundless omnipotence, His transcendence over the created order, and the absolute dependence of the cosmos upon His sustaining power. This unique word encapsulates the divine wisdom that can order and maintain creation without any physical foundation, pointing to a universe upheld solely by the Creator's sovereign will.
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