Job 28:24

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 28:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For he looketh to the ends of the earth, And seeth under the whole heaven;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For he looketh to the ends of the earth, And seeth under the whole heaven;
Job 28:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 28

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24For he looketh to the ends of the earth, And seeth under the whole heaven;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he looketh to the ends of the earth, etc.] In this and some following verses, reasons and are given, which abundantly show that God must know the way and place of wisdom; since all the parts and places of the earth, even to the ends of it, are seen by him, and all creatures and things in it; nor is there anything in heaven, earth, and hell, that is hid from him; and therefore if there is a way to it, or a place for it, he must needs know it; where its direction is, or where it steers its course, and takes up its abode [and] seeth under the whole heaven; the fowls of the air, the beasts of the field, the inhabitants of the world, and all that is done in it; everything falls under the eye…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“"Seeth (all that is) under," &c.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For he looketh to the ends of the earth - That is, God sees and knows everything. He looks upon the whole universe. Man sees objects dimly; he sees but a few, and he little understands the bearing of one thing or another. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For - He, and he only knows it, because his providence, is infinite and universal, reaching to all places, and times, past, present, and to come; whereas the most knowing men have narrow understandings, and the wisdom, and justice, and beauty of God's works are not fully seen 'till all the parts of them be laid together. Job 28:25”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ch2 16:9; Pro 15:3; Zac 4:10; Rev 5:6 Job 28:25”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification