Proverbs 8:27
“When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:”
Proverbs 8:27 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
- DRADouay–Rheims
- When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass he enclosed the depths:
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,
- DARBYDarby
- When he prepared the heavens I was there; when he ordained the circle upon the face of the deep;
- WEBThe World English Bible
- When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- In His preparing the heavens I am there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,
- BPVBiblePics Version
- When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He marked out the horizon over the deep.
Context: Proverbs 8
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
About Proverbs 8: The Excellence of Wisdom
Solomon extols the virtues of wisdom as a divine and foundational force in the creation of the world
Commentary
This chapter shows that true wisdom is not just an abstract concept but an active force at work in the world. Through wisdom, God has created and structured the universe, and it is the pathway to genuine happiness and success in life. As we read through this chapter, we see how wisdom is portrayed not as something hidden away, but as a very present and desirable reality that calls out to us. Thus, this section of Proverbs invites readers to embrace wisdom as a friend and guide, rather than a mere intellectual pursuit.