King James Version
Proverbs 8:27 in the King James Version says “When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: a compass: or, a circle” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: a compass: or, a circle”
Proverbs 8:27 · KJV
Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. fields: or, open places the highest: or, the chief part
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: a compass: or, a circle
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“When he prepared”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
“the heavens”
H8064the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
“I was there when he set”
H2710properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“upon the face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“of the depth”
H8415an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 8:27 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 Proverbs 8:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge