King James Version
Job 38:5 in the King James Version says “Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?” — study this verse from Job chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?”
Job 38:5 · KJV
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. answer: Heb. make me know
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. hast: Heb. knowest understanding
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; foundations: Heb. sockets fastened: Heb. made to sink?
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
KJV Study — Public Domain
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“Who hath laid”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“thereof if thou knowest”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“or who hath stretched”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“the line”
H6957a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
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.
Job 38:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Job 38:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge