And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,

JOB 38:10KJV
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Job 38:10 (KJV)

What does Job 38:10 mean?

Job 38:10 describes God setting boundaries for the sea, establishing a fixed limit and securing it with barriers, like bars and doors, to keep it in its proper place. The verse uses the image of God forcefully containing the chaotic waters, showing His control over creation.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Job out of a whirlwind, challenging Job’s understanding of the natural world. The context is God reminding Job that only He has the power and authority to set limits for the sea, which in ancient times symbolized chaos and danger. The language emphasizes God’s role as Creator, who not only brings the sea into existence but also restrains it for the world’s order.

The Hebrew behind Job 38:10

  • "up" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means "to break" or "to burst." Here, it pictures God breaking up or opening a path for the sea, as if forcefully making room for it.
  • "decreed" (חֹק, choq): This word refers to something prescribed, a statute, or a fixed limit. In this context, it highlights that God set a specific, unchangeable boundary for the sea.
  • "set" (שִׁית, sim): This verb means "to place" or "to set." It shows God actively placing barriers, not leaving the sea’s boundaries to chance.
  • "bars" (בְּרִיחַ, beriach): This word means "bar" or "bolt," like those used to secure a door. It adds to the image of God locking the sea in, making sure it cannot cross its limits.
  • "doors" (דֶּלֶת, delet): This is the common word for "door," reinforcing the idea of God enclosing the sea as one would close a door to keep something in or out.

Why Job 38:10 matters

  • Job 38:10 clears up the idea that the sea is wild and uncontrollable; it emphasizes that even the most powerful forces in nature are under God’s command.
  • The verse highlights God’s authority and wisdom in creation, which is a central point in God’s response to Job’s questions and complaints.
  • This image connects to the larger theme in Job 38, where God asks Job a series of questions to show the limits of human understanding compared to divine power.

Where else these words appear

“bars” Hebrew H1280 · used in 37 verses

  • Exodus 26:26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

“doors” Hebrew H1817 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
  • 2 Kings 4:4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
  • Nehemiah 7:3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

“decreed” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:16 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

“up” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: