He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.

JOB 26:12KJV
Know the Bible

Job 26:12 (KJV)

What does Job 26:12 mean?

Job 26:12 describes God’s power over the sea and His ability to defeat the “proud” by His understanding. The verse uses the image of God dividing the sea and striking down forces that oppose Him, showing His unmatched strength and wisdom.

In this part of the book of Job, Job is speaking to his friends, describing God’s greatness and control over creation. The “sea” and the “proud” likely point to powerful, chaotic forces in ancient thinking—sometimes even mythic sea monsters or symbols of evil. Job is emphasizing that God’s wisdom and might are so great that nothing, no matter how strong or proud, can stand against Him.

The Hebrew behind Job 26:12

  • “divideth” (רָגַע, raga‘): This word often means to calm, subdue, or break up. Here, it suggests God’s ability to bring order to the chaotic sea, not just physically dividing water but also controlling chaos.
  • “sea” (יָם, yam): In ancient Hebrew thought, the sea often symbolized chaos or danger. By mentioning the sea, Job highlights God’s power over the most uncontrollable forces.
  • “proud” (רָהַב, rahav): This word can mean “the proud” but is also used elsewhere in the Bible as a poetic name for a mythical sea monster or a symbol of arrogance and chaos. Job is likely referring to both proud beings and the idea of God conquering chaos itself.

Why Job 26:12 matters

  • Job 26:12 helps clear up that Job is not just talking about God’s power in nature, but also about His authority over all forces of chaos and pride, both literal and symbolic.
  • The verse ties into a bigger theme in Job: even when life feels out of control, God’s wisdom and power are greater than any force that seems overwhelming.
  • Understanding the original words shows that Job is using poetic images familiar to his listeners, making his point about God’s greatness even stronger.

Where else these words appear

“proud” Hebrew H7293 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 9:13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
  • Isaiah 30:7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

“divideth” Hebrew H7280 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
  • Isaiah 51:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“smiteth” Hebrew H4272 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
  • Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
  • Psalms 68:21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

“understanding” Hebrew H8394 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
  • Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  • Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.