Meaning, commentary and cross references
Job 38:4
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
NIV · New International Version
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
WEB · World English Bible
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.
What does Job 38:4 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Job 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?.... The earth has foundations, and such firm ones that it cannot be moved; but what are they, since it is hung in the air on nothing! No other than the power and will of God, who laid these foundations, and the Son of God, who has created and upholds all things by the word of his power, Hebrews 1:3. Where was Job then?
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Job 38:4–11
Let him tell where he was when this lower world was made, and whether he was advising of assisting in that wonderful work (Job 38:4): "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Thy pretensions are high; canst thou pretend to his? Wast thou present when the world was made?" See here, (1.)
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Job 38:1–7 (WEB)
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, 2“Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me! 4“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. 5Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it? 6What were its foundations fastened on? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Cross references
- Psalms 104:5
- Hebrews 1:10
And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.
- Proverbs 30:4
Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you know?
- Hebrews 1:2
has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
- Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
- Psalms 102:25
- Proverbs 8:22
“The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.
- Proverbs 8:29–30
when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,