King James Version

What Does Job 38:7 Mean?

Job 38:7 in the King James Version says “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” — study this verse from Job chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”

Job 38:7 · KJV

Joy

Context

5

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

6

Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; foundations: Heb. sockets fastened: Heb. made to sink?

7

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8

Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

9

When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? God continues His creation discourse with this stunning poetic image of celestial worship at earth's founding. "Morning stars" (kokhvei boker, כּוֹכְבֵי בֹקֶר) likely refers to angelic beings rather than literal stars, paralleled by "sons of God" (benei Elohim, בְּנֵי אֱלֹהִים), a phrase elsewhere denoting angels (Job 1:6, 2:1). The parallelism suggests these are synonymous terms for heavenly beings who witnessed creation.

"Sang together" (ranan yachad, רָנַן יַחַד) uses a verb meaning to shout for joy or cry out in jubilation, with yachad emphasizing unity—they sang in chorus. "Shouted for joy" (heri'u, הֵרִיעוּ) intensifies the image: a loud cry of celebration or triumph. The scene portrays creation as cosmic worship service, with angels as choir celebrating God's creative work. Their joy reflects creation's goodness—everything God made was very good (Genesis 1:31).

This verse has profound theological implications. It reveals that creation existed before humanity—angels witnessed earth's founding, establishing that God's purposes transcend human history. It also shows that creation evokes worship from those who perceive God's wisdom and power rightly. When Job questions God's governance, God reminds him that celestial beings who witnessed creation's beginning worshiped—should not Job trust the Creator whom angels praise? Revelation 4-5 echoes this imagery, depicting heavenly beings worshiping God for creation and redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase "sons of God" (benei Elohim) in Job's prologue clearly denotes angelic beings who appear before God's throne (Job 1:6, 2:1). Ancient Near Eastern literature sometimes used similar terminology for divine council members—lesser deities or servants attending the high god. Biblical usage demythologizes this concept: "sons of God" aren't gods but created spirit beings serving the one true God.

The image of stars or celestial beings singing reflects ancient cosmology's sense of wonder at the heavens. Psalm 19:1-4 declares that heavens declare God's glory, their voice going out through all earth. While ancient pagans often deified stars and planets, Scripture consistently portrays them as God's creation, witnesses to His majesty rather than objects of worship.

Early Christian interpretation saw Christological significance here. Christ as eternal Word was present at creation (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16), and Hebrews 1:6 quotes God commanding angels to worship Christ at His incarnation. The angelic joy at creation's beginning anticipates their announcement of redemption's beginning: "Glory to God in the highest" at Christ's birth (Luke 2:13-14). Creation and redemption both evoke heavenly worship, both display God's wisdom and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the angels' worship at creation reveal about the goodness and glory of God's creative work?
  2. How does knowing that angels witnessed creation and rejoiced provide perspective on human existence and purpose?
  3. What is the significance of God reminding Job that creation evoked worship from those who witnessed it?
  4. How does this image of cosmic worship at creation's beginning connect to the heavenly worship scenes in Revelation?
  5. In what ways should creation's beauty and order still evoke worship and wonder in believers today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּרָן1 of 8

“sang”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

יַ֭חַד2 of 8

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

כּ֣וֹכְבֵי3 of 8

“stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

בֹ֑קֶר4 of 8

“When the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַ֝יָּרִ֗יעוּ5 of 8

“shouted”

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

כָּל6 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 8

“and all the 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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃8 of 8

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 38:7 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 38:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 5:11Job 1:6Ezra 3:11-12Revelation 22:16Job 2:1Revelation 2:28

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