King James Version

What Does Job 25:2 Mean?

Job 25:2 in the King James Version says “Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.” — study this verse from Job chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.”

Job 25:2 · KJV

Fear & CouragePeace

Context

1

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

2

Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.

3

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

4

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

Read Job 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dominion and fear are with him (מֶמְשָׁלָה וָפַחַד עִמּוֹ)—Bildad emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty (מֶמְשָׁלָה, memshalah) and the terror (פַחַד, pachad) He inspires. While theologically true, Bildad wields these truths as weapons rather than comfort. He maketh peace in his high places (עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו)—The participle emphasizes God's continual cosmic ordering. The meromav ('high places') refers to the heavenly realm where God governs angelic hosts.

Ironically, Bildad describes divine transcendence to silence Job's complaints, yet Job craves precisely this sovereign God's personal attention (Job 23:3-5). The theology is orthodox but pastorally bankrupt—accurate doctrine deployed without love becomes a 'noisy gong' (1 Corinthians 13:1). Bildad's God is distant sovereign, not covenant Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cosmology conceived of divine councils where gods maintained cosmic order. Bildad's reference to God making peace 'in his high places' reflects this widespread worldview, adapted to monotheistic Israelite faith. The book of Job frequently engages these cosmological concepts (see Job 1:6-12, 38:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can accurate theology be pastorally harmful when divorced from compassion?
  2. In what ways do you emphasize God's transcendence at the expense of His immanence, or vice versa?
  3. How does Job's dialogue warn against using doctrinal correctness as a bludgeon?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַמְשֵׁ֣ל1 of 6

“Dominion”

H4910

to rule

וָפַ֣חַד2 of 6

“and fear”

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

עִמּ֑וֹ3 of 6
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עֹשֶׂ֥ה4 of 6

“are with him he maketh”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם5 of 6

“peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

בִּמְרוֹמָֽיו׃6 of 6

“in his high places”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 25:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 25:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:20Revelation 6:16Ephesians 2:16-17Isaiah 57:191 Chronicles 29:11-12Daniel 4:34-37

Test Your Knowledge

Job 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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