King James Version

What Does Job 38:32 Mean?

Job 38:32 in the King James Version says “Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Mazzaroth: or, the twelve si...” — study this verse from Job chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Mazzaroth: or, the twelve signs guide: Heb. guide them”

Job 38:32 · KJV

Context

30

The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. is: Heb. is taken

31

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Pleiades: or, the seven stars: Heb. Cimah Orion: Heb. Cesil?

32

Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Mazzaroth: or, the twelve signs guide: Heb. guide them

33

Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

34

Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?

Read Job 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God challenges Job with astronomical phenomena beyond human control. 'Mazzaroth' (mazzarot, מַזָּרוֹת) likely refers to the constellations or zodiac in their seasons, though the exact meaning is debated. 'Arcturus with his sons' refers to the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear) with its associated stars. The verbs 'bring forth' (yatsa, יָצָא) and 'guide' (nachah, נָחָה) emphasize active direction and leading, asking whether Job can command the heavenly bodies to appear and move according to divine schedule. This verse reveals God's governance of celestial mechanics with implications for His sovereignty over time itself—seasons, years, and ages all move at His command. The stars that ancient cultures worshiped as deities are merely obedient servants of Yahweh. This cosmic perspective humbles human pretensions to wisdom while establishing that the God who controls the universe is trustworthy to govern individual lives, even when we cannot understand His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient astronomical observation was highly developed in Mesopotamia and Egypt, where star charts and zodiacal systems were used for timekeeping, agriculture, and astrology. God's reference to these constellations asserts His authority over what pagan cultures considered divine powers. The biblical witness consistently affirms that celestial bodies are created servants, not gods (Psalm 148:3-6, Isaiah 40:26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over the cosmos affect your confidence in His governance of your life's details?
  2. What modern equivalents to ancient astrology do you trust more than God's providence?
  3. How does the vastness of creation that God governs inspire both humility and trust in His care for you personally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֲתֹצִ֣יא1 of 7

“Canst thou bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מַזָּר֣וֹת2 of 7

“Mazzaroth”

H4216

some noted constellation (only in the plural), perhaps collectively, the zodiac

בְּעִתּ֑וֹ3 of 7

“in his season”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

וְ֝עַ֗יִשׁ4 of 7

“Arcturus”

H5906

the constellation of the great bear (perhaps from its migration through the heavens)

עַל5 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּנֶ֥יהָ6 of 7

“with his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תַנְחֵֽם׃7 of 7

“or canst thou guide”

H5148

to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)

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 38:32 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 38:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 38:31Job 9:92 Kings 23:5

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