King James Version
What Does Job 26:5 Mean?
“Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof. and the: or, with the inhabitants”
Context
3
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
4
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
5
Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof. and the: or, with the inhabitants
6
Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
7
He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Dead things are formed.**—The Hebrew word is *the Rephaim, *who were among the aboriginal inhabitants of the south of Palestine and the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea, and it is used to express the dead and the inhabitants of the nether world generally. The word rendered *are formed *probably means either *are pierced *or *tremble: ***that is, they are **pierced through with terror, or they tremble, with a possible reference to the state of the dead as the prey of corruption, though spoken of them where they are beyond the reach of it. All the secrets of this mysterious, invisible, and undiscoverable world are naked and open before Him—the grave lies naked and destruction is uncovered.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 26:5 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 26:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge