Proverbs 8:29 kjv

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

Proverbs 8:29 nkjv

When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth,

Proverbs 8:29 niv

when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

Proverbs 8:29 esv

when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,

Proverbs 8:29 nlt

I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth's foundations,

Proverbs 8 verses

Proverbs 8 29 Meaning

Proverbs 8:29 describes Wisdom's presence during God's majestic acts of creation, specifically when the Creator set impassable boundaries for the vast primordial waters and securely established the very foundations of the earth. This verse emphasizes God's supreme authority, precise design, and deliberate establishment of order and stability in the cosmos.

Proverbs 8 29 Context

Proverbs chapter 8 is a powerful and extended personification of Wisdom (חָכְמָה, Chokhmah), presented as a divine attribute, and a pre-existent entity with God, actively involved in the creation of the cosmos. Chapters 1-9 serve as an introduction to the book, emphasizing the call to embrace Wisdom and fear the Lord. Within this context, Proverbs 8:29 is part of a grand poetic description (8:22-31) of Wisdom's presence during God's mighty acts of creation, demonstrating Wisdom's ancient origin and essential role in the establishment of the universe.

Historically and culturally, the ancient Near East often viewed primordial waters as a symbol of chaos or unbridled power. For God to set an inviolable "decree" or "limit" for the sea, and to firmly "appoint the foundations of the earth," underscores His supreme sovereignty over all creation, including the most chaotic elements. This perspective offered a direct theological counterpoint to pagan myths that depicted the world as emerging from a struggle among lesser deities or impersonal forces. It unequivocally declares a singular, omnipotent Creator who brought orderly cosmos out of the deep, showcasing divine purpose and meticulous design rather than chance or mythological conflict.

Proverbs 8 29 Word analysis

• When (בְּהֲכִינוֹ - bəhakhino): Literally "in his preparing" or "in his establishing." This term denotes a precise, intentional action by God, indicating not a spontaneous event but a deliberate preparation and structuring of the universe.
• he gave (בְּתִתּוֹ - bətittō): Literally "in his giving." Highlights God's active bestowing of authority and boundary. It signifies His absolute right and power to issue directives to creation.
• to the sea (לַיָּם - layyam): Refers to the vast, primeval waters, often symbolizing powerful, potentially chaotic forces in biblical thought (e.g., tehom in Gen 1:2). The divine act of assigning limits implies mastery over chaos.
• his decree (חֻקּוֹ - ḥuqqo): From the root חֹק (ḥoq), meaning "something prescribed, fixed portion, limit, boundary, statute." This emphasizes God's sovereign law-making power. It's an unchangeable ordinance, a divine and binding statute that cannot be broken. This "decree" is not arbitrary but reflective of an intelligent design.
• that the waters should not pass (וּמַיִם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ - ūmayim lo yaʿăvru): "And waters not pass over/transgress." This phrase strongly reinforces the immutability and effectiveness of God's command. It points to the power of God's word to enforce the boundary, ensuring stability and preventing the re-emergence of chaos over the land.
• his commandment (פִיהוּ - pîhû): Literally "his mouth." This word links the decree directly to God's spoken word. It signifies an authoritative utterance, just as God spoke creation into being (e.g., "Let there be..."), demonstrating that His spoken word itself holds irresistible power and enforces His will upon creation.
• when he appointed (בְּאַמְּצוֹ - bəʾammeṣo): Literally "in his strengthening" or "in his making firm." From אָמַץ (ʾamaṣ), "to be strong, firm, steadfast." This verb highlights a forceful, stabilizing action, making something enduring and secure. It signifies the robust and reliable nature of the earth's foundations established by God.
• the foundations (מוֹסְדוֹת - mosdôt): Refers to the underlying structures, the basis or established ground upon which something rests. In the context of the earth, it symbolizes stability, permanence, and security, providing a contrast to the fluid, potentially destructive nature of the waters. These are divinely laid, not self-generated.
• of the earth (אָרֶץ - ʾāreṣ): Refers to the dry land, the habitable part of the world. It signifies the secure, stable environment created by God for life to flourish, a testament to His purposeful design.

Words-group analysis

• "When he gave to the sea his decree": This phrase portrays God as the supreme authority who sovereignly imposes an unbreakable law on the mighty and often tempestuous sea. It depicts His ultimate control over primal forces, bringing order out of potential chaos through His authoritative word.
• "that the waters should not pass his commandment": This reinforces the inviolability of God's commands. His word acts as an active force, effectively constraining the waters, assuring their perpetual containment, and thereby guaranteeing the security and stability of the dry land, which allows for life to exist.
• "when he appointed the foundations of the earth": This pictures God as the ultimate Architect and Engineer, firmly securing the very bedrock of the world. This action speaks to the deliberate, stable, and designed nature of creation, providing a secure and reliable dwelling place for humanity. It underlines divine craftsmanship and foresight.

Proverbs 8 29 Bonus section

• This verse provides a powerful theological basis for understanding "natural laws" – they are not autonomous principles but rather reflections of God's unceasing decrees and commands that govern the universe. The order and regularity in creation are a continuous testament to His enduring word.
• The portrayal of the contained sea challenges any ancient worldview that might have considered the sea an independent or unruly deity. Here, it is entirely subservient to the one true God's decree, reinforcing monotheism.
• The emphasis on "foundations" provides comfort and security: if God so meticulously founded the earth, His plans and purposes for His people are also unshakeable and trustworthy. The physical world's stability mirrors His spiritual faithfulness.

Proverbs 8 29 Commentary

Proverbs 8:29 serves as a poetic yet profound declaration of God's supreme authority and precise craftsmanship in creating the cosmos. It places Wisdom as a discerning witness, even an active participant, in these foundational acts. The verse draws upon two pivotal aspects of creation: God's command over the tumultuous waters and His secure laying of the earth's bedrock. The "decree" given to the sea, enforced by His very "commandment" or "mouth," demonstrates not only His power to tame chaotic forces but also the permanence and effectiveness of His divine ordinances. This divine imposition of boundaries ensures the stable coexistence of land and sea. Concurrently, God's act of "appointing the foundations of the earth" underscores His deliberate design and the enduring stability He imbued into the physical world. Far from a chaotic or haphazard event, creation is depicted as a divinely orchestrated act of establishing order, boundaries, and reliable structures, all reflecting the intelligent purpose and supreme power of the Creator with Wisdom as His companion in the grand endeavor.