Job 26:11

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

עַמּוּדֵ֣י
עַמּוּדֵ֣י
Root word pillars, pillar, apiece
Dictionary form: עַמּוּד · am-MOOD

Noun — Common, masculine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: the pillars
pillars ×20 of the pillars ×14 the pillars ×14 pillar ×11 their pillars ×7 and the pillars ×5 his pillars ×4 in a pillar ×4
More options
pillar — Default choice; architectural or symbolic upright support.
column — Prefer for formal/architectural contexts, e.g. temple colonnades.
post — Simpler register; good for functional, structural supports.
shaft — Emphasizes the tall, cylindrical form of the structure.
support — Abstract or metaphorical uses where shape is less important.
standing stone — Use when the pillar serves a memorial or marker role.

BDB6131 H5982

BDB6130 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6132

עַמּוּד, עַמֻּד110 noun masculine1Kgs 7:15 pillar, column; — עַמּוּד absolute 1Kgs 7:15 +, construct Exod 13:21 +; עַמֻּד absolute Jer 52:21, construct Num 14:14 suffix עַמּוּדוֺ 2Chr 23:13 plural עַמּוּדִים 1Kgs 7:16 +, less often ׳עַמֻּ v1Kgs 7:21 +; construct עַמּוּדֵי Exod 26:32 +, less often ׳עַמֻּ Exod 38:17 +; suffix עַמּוּדָיו Exod 36:38 +, עַמֻּדָיו Exod 27:10 +, etc.; —

1. pillar, supporting house Judg 16:25; Judg 16:26; Judg 16:29 pillars in tabernacle Exod 27:10; Exod 27:11; Exod 27:17; Exod 36:38; Num 3:37 + 27 t. Exodus, Numbers (P), + עַמּוּדֵי שִׁטִּים pillars of acacia wood Exod 26:32; Exod 26:37; Exod 36:36 pillars in Solomon's palace 1Kgs 7:2; 1Kgs 7:3; 1Kgs 7:6, ׳אוּלָם הָע v1Kgs 7:6, עַמּוּדֵי אֲרָזִים v1Kgs 7:2 pillars of cedar (P); in Ezekiel's temple Ezek 42:6 (twice in verse); שֵׁשׁ ׳ע Esth 1:6 (in palace), Song 5:15 (simile).
2. two bronze pillars — 1Kgs 7:15; 2Kgs 25:13 = Jer 52:17 — before temple 1Kgs 7:15 (twice in verse) + 14 t. 1Kgs 7, + 2Kgs 25:16; 2Kgs 25:17 (twice in verse) = Jer 52:20; Jer 52:21 (twice in verse), Jer 27:19; 1Chr 18:8; 2Chr 3:15; 2Chr 3:17 + 5 t. Chronicles; perhaps one of these was ׳הָע by which king stood in temple 2Kgs 11:14 = 2Chr 23:13; 2Kgs 23:3 > ׳ע here = standing-place, platform Thes and others; two pillars before Ezekiel's temple Ezek 40:49.
3. columns, uprights, of silver Song 3:10 (litter).
4. עָשָׁן ׳ע Judg 20:40 column of smoke: (הֶ)עָנָן ׳ע Exod 13:21; Exod 13:22 (J) + 6 t. J E, hence Neh 9:12; Neh 9:19; Ps 99:7 || (הָ)אֵשׁ ׳ע Exod 13:21; Exod 13:22 (J), Num 14:14 (JE), Neh 9:12; Neh 9:19 קֵשׁ וְעָנָן ׳ע Exod 14:24 (J), all of the theophanies at time of Exodus.
5. a. בּרזֶל ׳ע Jer 1:18 (figurative of prophet).
  b. poetic of pillars of earth Job 9:5 + Job 75:4, of heaven Job 26:11.
  c. of wisdom's house Prov 9:1.

pillars, pillar, apiece
ʿammûd
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
  • pillar, column
    • pillar
    • "column, upright"column (of smoke)

שָׁמַ֣יִם
שָׁמַ֣יִם
Root word heaven, heavens, air
Dictionary form: שָׁמַיִם · shaw-ma-YIM

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: of heaven
heaven ×76 of heaven ×74 the heavens ×50 the heaven ×22 of the heaven ×20 of the air ×19 from heaven ×15 in heaven ×15
More options
sky — Best for atmospheric or visible dome contexts.
heavens — Modernized plural; suits poetic or cosmic scope.
heaven — Theological or divine dwelling; singular register.
atmosphere — Technical/scientific contexts; birds, weather, air.
cosmos — Emphasizes vast, ordered universe; rare but vivid.
firmament — Retains ancient cosmological feel; use sparingly.

BDB8792 H8064

BDB8791 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8793

[שָׁמַי]noun masculineDeut 33:28 only plural שָׁמַ֫יִם421 (Sta§324 a) heavens, sky (Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian šamû plural šamê, šamûtu, also šamâmu, compare Phoenician שמם; Sabean סמה HomChr 46, 124; Arabic Ethiopic Aramaic שְׁמַיָּא ; Palmyrene, Nabataean שמ(י)ן in proper name (compounded with בעל) Lzb153 GACooke45; on plural form see BaZMG xiii (1888), 341 f.); — absolute ׳שׁ Gen 1:1 +, מָ֑יִם- Gen 2:4 +; הַשָּׁמַ֫יְמָה Exod 9:8 +; construct שְׁמֵי Deut 10:14 + 9 t.; suffix שָׁמֶיךָ Ps 8:4 +2 t., שָׁמָיו Deut 33:28, שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19, with verb plural, Hos 2:23

1. a. visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are Judg 5:20; Gen 15:5 (J), Deut 4:19; Gen 1:14; Gen 1:15; Gen 1:17 (P), hence ׳כּוֺכְבֵי הַשּׁ Gen 22:17 (JE) = 9 t. (usually as countless), ׳(כָּלֿ) צְבָא הַשּׁ Deut 4:19; Jer 8:2 + ( ׳צ 1 c; rarely of angels, ׳צ 1 b; before which fowl fly Gen 1:20 (P), compare Deut 4:17; Jer 8:7; Prov 30:19, ׳עוֺף הַשּׁ Gen 2:19 (J), Gen 1:19 (P) + (עוֺף 1), ׳צִפֹּר שׁ Ps 8:9, ׳נִשְׁרֵי שׁ Lam 4:19 as רָקִיע (q. v.) Gen 1:8 (P), Ps 19:2, with waters beneath and above Gen 1:9 (P, compare vGen 1:7), Ps 148:4, darkened with clouds 1Kgs 18:45, cleared by wind Job 26:13 whence comes rain Gen 8:2 (J), Judg 5:4; Deut 11:11 +, and dew Gen 27:28 (J), vGen 27:39 (E), Deut 33:28 (poem) +. compare ׳בִּרְכֹת שׁ Gen 49:25 (poem in J), ׳מֶגֶר שׁ Deut 33:13 (poem), but also (destructive) fire 2Kgs 1:10 (twice in verse); Job 1:16 + (see also 2 a below); ׳הֹבְרֵישׁ Isa 47:13, i.e. astrologers, compare ׳אוֺתוֺתהַשּׁ Jer 10:2 as high Gen 11:4 (J), Amos (:2 (opposed to שְׁאוֺל), vGen 11:6 (opposed to אֶרֶץ) +, ׳עַדלֵֿב הַשּׁ Deut 4:11as over all the earth, ׳תַּחַת (כָּלֿ)הַשּׁ Gen 6:17; Gen 7:19 (both P), Deut 2:25; Eccl 1:13 ׳מִתַּחַת וגו (of extermination) Exod 17:14 (E), Deut 7:24; Deut 9:14 +; specifically of Israel, שָׁמֶיךָ Deut 28:23, שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19 (H); וּבֵין הָאָרֶץ ׳בֵּין הַשּׁ 2Sam 18:9 (hung from tree), 1Chr 21:16 (of angel), compare Ezek 8:3 (Ezekiel in vision), Zech 5:9 (flying ephah); וְעַדקְֿצֵה ׳מִקְּצֵה הַשּׁ ׳הַשּׁ of limits of horizon Deut 4:32, compare Deut 30:4; Neh 1:9; Ps 19:7 as made by God Jer 51:15 (opposed to תֵּבֵל), Ps 8:4 + enduring Deut 11:21; Job 14:12; Ps 89:30 especiallyוְ(הָ)אָרֶץ ׳(הַ)שּׁ = universe (compare in Sabean, SabDenkmNo.41.42, l.3) Deut 3:24; Gen 1:1 (P) + (especially Deuteronomy, Isa2, Psalms), + הַיָם Exod 20:11; Hag 2:6, etc., + מַיִם מִתַּחַת לָאָרֶץ Exod 20:4= Deut 5:8,.compare Prov 30:4, etc.; opposed to תְּהוֺם Prov 8:27 (+ אֶרֶץ vProv 8:29) חֲרָשִׁים וְהָאָרֶץ חֲרָשָׁה ׳שׁ as part of future glory Isa 65:17; Isa 66:22.
  b. phrases are: ׳אֲרֻבּוֺת הַשּׁ (letting rain through) Gen 7:11; Gen 8:2 (P), Mal 3:10 (figurative), compare ׳בַּשּׁ ׳א ׳הֲיַעֲשֶׂה י 2Kgs 7:2; 2Kgs 7:19, so ׳דַּלְתֵי שׁ Ps 78:23 (for manna), compare ׳דְָּגַן שׁ, vPs 78:24, ׳לֶחֶם שׁ Ps 105:40 ׳מוֺסְדוֺת הַשּׁ 2Sam 22:8 (|| הָאָרֶץ; in || Ps 18:8 חָרִים ׳מ), ׳עַמּוּרֵי שׁ Job 26:11, ׳חוּג שׁ Job 22:14 towards the sky is הַשָּׁמַ֫יְמָה Josh 8:20(J), Exod 9:8; Exod 9:10 (P), Job 2:12; Judg 13:20; Judg 20:40; 2Chr 6:13 עַלהַֿשָּׁמַיִם Exod 9:22; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:21; Exod 10:22(all E), ׳אֶלשֿׁ Deut 32:40 (poem), Dan 12:7, ׳שׁ alone 1Kgs 8:22; 1Kgs 8:54; Job 35:5; Prov 23:5.
2. a. as abode of God (׳י) 1Kgs 8:30; 1Kgs 8:32 + often, where he sits enthroned Ps 2:3; Isa 66:1, etc., compare ׳רֹכֵבשׁ Deut 33:26(poem), Ps 68:34, whence he rains brimstone Gen 19:24 (J), bread Exod 16:4 (E), compare Neh 9:15, casts hailstones Josh 11:11 (E), talks with Israel Exod 20:22 (E; Gi vExod 20:19) +, compare Gen 21:17; Gen 22:11; Gen 22:15 (E), looks down Deut 26:15 +, hears his people Ps 20:7+ 10 t. Chronicles, etc.; he thunders ׳בַּשּׁ 1Sam 2:10; Ps 18:14,|| ׳מִןשֿׁ 2Sam 22:14 he bends (נטה) ׳שׁ to come down v2Sam 22:10= Ps 18:10, compare Ps 144:5 and (rend) Isa 63:19 ׳נִפְּתְּחוּ הַשּׁ Ezek 1:1 in vision of God, compare ׳שַׁעַר הַשּׁ Gen 28:17 (E; + בֵּית אֱלֹהִים); though even ׳שְׁמֵי הַשּׁ the highest heuvens cannot hold him Deut 10:14; 1Kgs 8:27 2 Chron 6:18, 2Chr 2:5; Neh 9:6; Ps 148:4, שְׁמֵי שְׁמֵיקֶֿדֶם Ps 68:34 he is called ׳אֱלֹהֵי הַשּׁ (post-exilic title) Ezra 1:2 = 2Chr 36:23 + 11 t. Ezra Nehemiah; Jonah 1:9 (compare Aramaic, Dan 2:18; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:44 in Gen 24:7 add with ᵐ5 וֵאלֹהֵי הָאָרֶץ, as vGen 24:3), ׳אֵלהַֿשׁ Ps 136:26 his sword is ׳בַּשׁ Isa 34:5, but also his חֶסֶד Ps 36:6, צֶדֶק Ps 85:12, אֱמוּנָח Ps 89:3, his word fixed Ps 119:89. — ׳שׁ are שָׁמָיו (of Israel) Deut 33:28 (poem), שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19 שָׁמֶיךָ Ps 8:4; Ps 144:5, ׳שְׁמֵי י Lam 3:66, קָדְשׁוֺ ׳שׁ Ps 20:7.
  b. Elijah taken up ׳הַשּׁ in whirlwind 2Kgs 2:1, compare v2Kgs 2:11.
3. ׳הַשּׁ personified in various relations Isa 1:2; Jer 2:12; Job 15:15; Ps 19:2; Ps 50:6 = Ps 97:6; Ps 89:6; Ps 148:4.
4. מְלֶכֶת ׳הַשּׁ see ׳מ p. 573.


I, II. שַׁמָּה see שׁמם. שָׂ֫מָּה see שָׁם.


BDB9965 H8064 H8065

BDB9964 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9966

[שְׁמַ֫יִן] noun masculine plural heavens (Biblical Hebrew [שָׁמַי], שָׁמַיִם, √ שׁמה); — always emphatic שְׁמַיָּא:

1. visible sky Jer 10:11; Dan 4:8; Dan 4:10; Dan 4:17; Dan 4:19; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:27; Dan 4:28 ׳עוֺף שׁ Dan 2:38 ׳צִפֲּרֵי שׁ Dan 4:9; Dan 4:18 ׳טַל שׁ v.Dan 4:12 v.Dan 4:20 v.Dan 4:22 v.Dan 4:30; Dan 5:21 ׳רוּחֵי שׁ Dan 7:2 winds of the sky; ׳עֲנָנֵי שׁ vDan 7:13 heavens + earth = universe Jer 10:11, where God shews signs Dan 6:28.
2.heavens as abode of God Dan 2:28; Dan 4:31, hence, figurative, as ruling v.Dan 4:23 (׳שׁ sometimes = God in Late Hebrew, J, Aramaic, DWorte Jesu 179; Eng.Tr.218 f.); as abode of angels v.Dan 4:32 (Dr); elsewhere in phrase ׳אֱלָהּ שׁ Dan 2:18; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:44; Ezra 5:11; Ezra 5:12; Ezra 6:9; Ezra 6:10; Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:23 (twice in verse), ׳מֶלֶךְ שׁ Dan 4:34, ׳מָרֵא שׁ Dan 5:23.

heaven, heavens, air
šāmayim
the 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 revolve)
  • heaven, heavens, sky
    • visible heavens, sky
      • as abode of the stars
      • "as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc
      Heaven (as the abode of God)

יְרוֹפָ֑פוּ
יְרוֹפָ֑פוּ
Root word tremble
Dictionary form: רוּף · roop

Verb — Poal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine plural intensive passive (rare stem) — like Pual not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: tremble
tremble ×1
More options
shake — Broad, physical motion; most universally understood.
quake — Vivid, sudden trembling; suits dramatic or fearful contexts.
shudder — Implies an involuntary, visceral reaction; good for dread or awe.
tremble — Modernized KJV equivalent; still natural in contemporary prose.

BDB8067 H7322

BDB8066 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8068

[רָפַף] verb Po`el shake, rock (Aramaic רְפַף, move gently; Arabic quiver, flash, throb; also Late Hebrew רִפְרֵף flutter, Arabic flutter, flap wings); — Imperfect 3 masculine plural עַמּוּדֵי שָׁמַיִם יְרוֺפָ֑פוּ Job 26:11.

tremble
rûp
properly, to triturate (in a mortar), i.e., (figuratively) to agitate (by concussion)
  • (Polel) to shake, rock

וְ ֝יִתְמְה֗וּ
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֝יִתְמְה֗וּ
Root word wonder, marvelled, marvellously, amazed, astonished, …
Dictionary form: תָּמַהּ · taw-MA

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine plural simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: and are astonished
and wonder ×2 and are astonished ×1 and marvelled ×1 marvel ×1 marvellously ×1 shall wonder ×1 they marvelled ×1 they shall be amazed ×1
More options
be amazed — Broad, natural modern choice for strong surprise.
be astonished — Slightly more intense; fits overwhelming shock.
marvel — Retains KJV word but is still current; use for wonder with awe.
be astounded — Strong register; good for speechless, stunned reaction.
be dumbfounded — Colloquial; emphasizes being left without words.
be in awe — Highlights reverent wonder rather than mere surprise.

BDB9183 H8539

BDB9182 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB9184

[תָּמַהּ] verb be astounded, dumbfounded (Late Hebrew id.; so Aramaic תְּמַהּ, ); —

Qal Perfect 3 plural תָּמָ֑הוּ Ps 48:6 Imperfect 2 masculine singular תִּתְמֶהּ Eccl 5:7 3 masculine plural יִתְמְהוּ Job 26:11, etc.; Imperative masculine plural תְּמָ֑הוּ Isa 29:9; Hab 1:5be astounded Isa 29:9; Hab 1:5 (see Hithpa`el), Jer 4:9 (|| שׁמם, Niph`al), Ps 48:6 + מִן causative Job 26:11 + על of thing at which Exod 5:7 look in astonishment at אִישׁ אֶלרֵֿעֵהוּ ׳ת Gen 43:33 (J), Isa 13:8. Hithpa`el Imperative masculine plural + Qal Imperative וְהִתַּמְּהוּ תְּמָהוּ Hab 1:5 (see above), literally astonish yourselves, be astounded but We Hithpalpel הִתְמַהְמְהוּ; Gr reads infinitive absolute תָּמַהַּ (Marti and others וּתְמָהוּ) for תמהו.

wonder, marvelled, marvellously, amazed, astonished, …
tāmah
to be in consternation
  • to be astounded, be stunned, be amazed, be dumbfounded
    • (Qal) to be astounded
    • "(Hithpael) to astonish yourself, be astounded, be astonished at one another

מִ גַּעֲרָתֽ וֹ
מִ
Prefix — preposition from, out of
גַּעֲרָתֽ
Root word rebuke, reproof, rebuking
וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: גְּעָרָה · ɡeh-aw-RAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: at his reproof
the rebuke ×4 at thy rebuke ×2 rebuke ×2 a reproof ×1 and his rebuke ×1 at his reproof ×1 at my rebuke ×1 at the rebuke ×1
More options
rebuke — Most direct modern equivalent; widely understood.
reproof — Slightly more formal; implies correction of fault.
reprimand — Strong, official-sounding; suits authoritative contexts.
censure — Formal register; emphasizes public or solemn disapproval.
stern word — Colloquial; useful for gentler or relational contexts.
denunciation — Forceful; fits divine judgment or cosmic power passages.

BDB1717 H1606

BDB1716 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1718

גְּעָרָה noun feminine rebuke — Prov 13:1 + 2 t.; גַּעֲרַת Eccl 7:5 + 5 t.; suffix גַּעֲרָֽתְךָ Ps 18:16 + (suffixes 6 t.); —

1. of man Prov 13:1; Prov 13:8; Prov 17:10; Eccl 7:5; Isa 30:17 (twice in verse).

rebuke, reproof, rebuking
gĕʿārâ
a chiding
  • a rebuke, reproof

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
עַמּוּדֵ֣י שָׁמַ֣יִם יְרוֹפָ֑פוּ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝יִתְמְה֗וּ Revia Mugrash — a lesser break מִגַּעֲרָתֽוֹ Silluq — end of the verse

עַמּוּדֵי שָׁמַיִם יְרוֹפָפוּ וְיִתְמְהוּ מִגַּעֲרָתֽוֹ׃
11
The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
Cross References

1 Samuel 2:8

מֵקִים מֵֽעָפָר דָּל מֵֽאַשְׁפֹּת יָרִים אֶבְיוֹן לְהוֹשִׁיב עִם-נְדִיבִים וְכִסֵּא כָבוֹד יַנְחִלֵם כִּי לַֽיהוָה מְצֻקֵי אֶרֶץ וַיָּשֶׁת עֲלֵיהֶם תֵּבֵֽל׃
8
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.

Haggai 2:21

אֱמֹר אֶל-זְרֻבָּבֶל פַּֽחַת-יְהוּדָה לֵאמֹר אֲנִי מַרְעִישׁ אֶת-הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶת-הָאָֽרֶץ׃
21
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

Job 15:15

הֵן ‫(בקדשו)‬ בִּקְדֹשָׁיו לֹא יַאֲמִין וְשָׁמַיִם לֹא-זַכּוּ בְעֵינָֽיו׃
15
Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.

Psalms 18:7

וַתִּגְעַשׁ וַתִּרְעַשׁ׀ הָאָרֶץ וּמוֹסְדֵי הָרִים יִרְגָּזוּ וַיִּתְגָּֽעֲשׁוּ כִּי-חָרָה לֽוֹ׃
7
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

Hebrews 12:26

οὗ φωνὴ τὴν γῆν ἐσάλευσεν τότε νῦν δὲ ἐπήγγελται λέγων Ἔτι ἅπαξ ἐγὼ σείω οὐ μόνον τὴν γῆν ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸν οὐρανόν
26
Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet more once I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

Revelation 20:11

Καὶ εἶδον θρόνον λευκὸν μέγαν καὶ τὸν καθήμενον ἐπ' αὐτοῦ οὗ ἀπὸ προσώπου ἔφυγεν γῆ καὶ οὐρανός καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς
11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

2 Peter 3:10

Ἥξει δὲ ἡμέρα κυρίου ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ ἐν οἱ οὐρανοὶ ῥοιζηδὸν παρελεύσονται στοιχεῖα δὲ καυσούμενα λυθήσονται καὶ γῆ καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἔργα κατακαήσεται
10
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.