Jobs Simply

Christians, what does the word foundation in Job 38:4 mean?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job%2038:4&version=NASB;

Public Comments

1. This is my opinion, everyone interprets differently, but I think foundation means: 1. the basis or groundwork of anything: the moral foundation of both society and religion. 2. the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests. 3. the lowest division of a building, wall, or the like, usually of masonry and partly or wholly below the surface of the ground. 4. the act of founding, setting up, establishing, etc.: a policy in effect since the foundation. 5. the state of being founded. 6. an institution financed by a donation or legacy to aid research, education, the arts, etc.: the Ford Foundation. 7. an endowment for such an institution. 8. a cosmetic, as a cream or liquid, used as a base for facial makeup. 9. foundation garment. 10. Solitaire . a card of given denomination on which other cards are to be added according to denomination or suit.
2. (Job 38:4) Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? Tell [me], if you do know understanding. Where was Job—where were any of us—when the earth came to be? Were we the architects who designed our earth and, from that design, laid out the dimensions as though with a ruler or straightedge? No, indeed! Humans were not even on the scene. The Master Builder Jehovah, in answering Job out of the windstorm, compared the literal earth to a building. (Job 38:4-7) Though the earth hangs upon nothing, it has, as it were, durable foundations that will not be made to totter, for the unchangeable laws governing the universe hold it firmly in place, and God’s purpose toward the earth has remained unchanged. (Job 26:7; 38:33; Ps 104:5; Mal 3:6) On the other hand, injustice and disobedience to God’s law in effect tear down the foundations that give stability to the land, causing the foundations of the figurative earth (the people and their established systems) to totter.—Ps 82; 11:3; Pr 29:4. The laying of the foundations of the earth is not to be confused with “the founding [Gr., ka‧ta‧bo‧les′] of the world.” From Jesus’ words at Luke 11:48-51, it is evident that Abel lived at the founding of the world, which has reference to mankind. The planet Earth’s foundations had long previously been laid. =========================== If you would like to know more about this and other themes, next time Jehovah's Witness come to your door, ask them for a free Bible study at your convenience. You will never regret all the knowledge you will acquire and remember that what you do with that knowledge is your choice. Knowledge + Application = Wisdom
3. the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests. This would probably be a reference to the crust.
4. It means just what it says. I suppose the fact that the divine speech in Job 38 reflects the understanding of Job's age (although poetic language) is taken by you as "proof" that the bible cannot be believed? Methinks you're missing the forest for the trees.
5. My Bible is asking of Job in that verse; where were you when I founded the earth?
6. It means the Earth that you stand on. God Bless Ya, Chicago Bob imasinner There is more joy in Jesus in one day. Than there is in the World 365/24/7 I know, I tried than both.
7. Where375 wast thou when I laid the foundations3245 of the earth776? declare5046 , if thou hast3045 understanding998. Foundation meas the beginings, establishing, founding
8. I have read all the other answers and each has true ring to them.You must read and study the verses you are questioning,then pray you get the message God meant for you to get from it. For myself,it means our Father was telling Job how he made the earth alone!
9. the earth. Gensis 1:1 God made the heavens and the EARTH. God laid down the foundation all grows, lives on...ect...
10. according to strong's exhaustive concordance the word foundation rendered thus by the translators into english from the hebrew yacad means: sit down together ,settle,consult,appoint,take counsel, lay,ordain,found,instruct,set surely. i can only assume on reading between the lines that this counsel consisted of advice from the 24 elders - revelation 4;4 / 5:5 / 7:11 / 11:16 / 14:3 / 19:4
11. In the KJV the word is plural, foundations. Upon reading the following verses in the chpt, it must mean every aspect of God's creation. To God alone the glory! He is showing mankind just how insignificant we are.