Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?

JOB 38:28KJV
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Job 38:28 (KJV)

What does Job 38:28 mean?

Job 38:28 asks whether rain and dew have a father or someone who has given them birth, highlighting that these natural processes do not have a human origin or explanation. The verse points to the mystery and power of God as the true source behind things people cannot control or fully understand.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking directly to Job out of a storm, challenging Job’s understanding of the world. By asking who fathers the rain or dew, God is showing Job that there are many things in creation that are beyond human ability or knowledge, emphasizing God’s unique role as Creator.

The Hebrew behind Job 38:28

  • "Father" (אָב, ’av): This word means a literal father or originator. Here, it stresses the idea of a source or creator, asking if anyone but God can claim to be the origin of rain.
  • "Begotten" (יָלַד, yalad): This verb means to give birth or bring forth. The verse uses it to picture the drops of dew as if they were children, again pointing to the need for a source or parent.
  • "Rain" (מָטָר, matar) and "dew" (טַל, tal): Both words refer to natural phenomena that were mysterious and vital in the ancient world, reminding the listener that their origins are not human but divine.

Why Job 38:28 matters

  • Job 38:28 clears up any idea that people control or fully understand the forces of nature, reminding readers that some things are only in God’s hands.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s creative power, which is a key theme in God’s response to Job’s questions and complaints.
  • This question fits into a larger series of questions God asks Job, all designed to show the limits of human knowledge and the greatness of the Creator.

Where else these words appear

“dew” Hebrew H2919 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • Proverbs 19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

“rain” Hebrew H4306 · used in 36 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 23:4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
  • Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

“Hath” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
  • Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.