To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.

JOB 28:25KJV
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What does Job 28:25 mean?

Job 28:25 describes how God assigns weight to the wind and measures the waters, showing that He controls and orders the natural world with precision. The verse highlights God's wisdom and power in setting limits and balances in creation, things that humans cannot fully grasp.

In the book of Job, Job is speaking to his friends about the limits of human understanding compared to God's wisdom. This verse is part of a larger passage where Job describes how people search for valuable things on earth, but true wisdom belongs to God alone. By mentioning the wind and waters, Job points to everyday elements that only God can truly measure and control.

The Hebrew behind Job 28:25

  • "weight" (מִשְׁקָל, mishqal): This word means "weight" or "measure." The idea is that God gives even something as intangible as wind a set amount or force, emphasizing His detailed oversight.
  • "winds" (רוּחַ, ruach): Often meaning "wind" or "spirit," here it refers to the physical wind. The verse stresses that even the wind, which seems uncontrollable, is under God's command.
  • "weigheth" (תָּקַע, takan): This verb means "to measure" or "to regulate." It shows that God not only knows but actively determines the amount of water, underlining His role as the ultimate organizer.
  • "measure" (מִדָּה, middah): This word means "measure" or "portion." It reinforces the idea that God sets boundaries and quantities for the waters, highlighting His wisdom in creation.

Why Job 28:25 matters

  • Job 28:25 corrects the idea that natural forces are random or uncontrolled, showing instead that God is intimately involved in the workings of creation.
  • The verse emphasizes the theme of the chapter: human wisdom is limited, but God's wisdom is seen in how He orders even the smallest details of the world.
  • By focusing on wind and water, Job points to things people experience daily but cannot control, reinforcing the message that only God possesses true understanding and power.

Where else these words appear

“weigheth” Hebrew H8505 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
  • Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
  • Ezekiel 18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

“measure” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
  • Ezekiel 40:28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;