Job 38:38

בְּצֶ֣קֶת עָ֭פָר לַמּוּצָ֑ק וּרְגָבִ֥ים יְדֻבָּֽקוּ
When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?
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Job 38:38
Masoretic Phrasing
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.
בְּצֶ֣קֶת עָ֭פָר Dechi — a lesser break לַמּוּצָ֑ק Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וּרְגָבִ֥ים יְדֻבָּֽקוּ Silluq — end of the verse
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Word Parts
בְּ צֶ֣קֶת
בְּ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with
צֶ֣קֶת
Root word cast, pour, poured, out, molten, …
Dictionary form: יָצַק · yaw-TSAHK
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar R/Vqc
Verb — Qal, Infinitive Construct, construct state simple action — "he did" try "to ___" or "___ing"
בְּ Speech Preposition
צֶקֶת Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Infinitive Construct State Construct
In English
In the KJV here: groweth
and pour ×5 and he cast ×4 and he poured ×3 and poured ×3 cast ×3 a molten ×2 and thou shalt cast ×2 i will pour ×2
More options
pour — Best for liquid contexts; most common everyday usage.
cast — Use for molten metal shaped in a mold.
mold — Emphasizes shaping; good for metalworking passages.
flow — Highlights continuous or uncontrolled outpouring.
solidify — Captures the 'firm/hard' sense; use for hardening passages.
set firm — For contexts stressing rigidity or being fixed in place.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB3671 H3332

BDB3670 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3672

יָצַק verb pour, cast, flow (Talmud id.) —

Qal Perfect יְצַק Lev 8:15+ 2 t.; וְיָצַק consecutive Lev 2:1; Lev 14:15 suffix יְצָקָם 1Kgs 7:46; 2Chr 4:17, etc.; Imperfect יִצֹּק Lev 14:26; Num 5:15 וַיִּצֹּק Gen 28:18 + 8 t.; וַּ֫יִּצֶק 1Kgs 22:35 (intransitive sense); 3 feminine singular וַתִּצֹּק 2Sam 13:9 אֶצֹק Isa 44:3אֶצָּקֿ vIsa 44:3 וַיִּ˜צְקוּ 2Kgs 4:40 Imperative יְצֹק Ezek 24:3 צַק 2Kgs 4:41 יִצְקוּ 1Kgs 18:34 Infinitive צֶ֫קֶת Exod 38:27; Job 38:38 Participle Pass. יָצוּק Job 28:2 + 5 t.; plural יְצוּקִים 2Chr 4:3 יְצֻקִים 1Kgs 7:24 יְצֻקוֺת v1Kgs 7:30 —
1. pour, pour out, oil, in anointing, followed by accusative (שׁמן) + על Gen 28:18 (E), Gen 35:14 (J); followed by מִשֶּׁמֶן + לְ Lev 8:12 (P); followed by על (שׁמן implied from context) Exod 29:7 (P), 1Sam 10:1; 2Kgs 9:3 followed by שֶׁמֶן + אֶלֿ v2Kgs 9:6 figurative, with רוּחִי + על Isa 44:3 oil in sacrifice, + על Lev 2:1; Lev 2:6; Num 5:15 in cleansing, + על Lev 14:15; Lev 14:26 (upon his plam; all P); oil into (על) vessels 2Kgs 4:4 water, for washing, + על 2Kgs 3:11 for drenching, + על 1Kgs 18:34 for boiling (into (בְּ) the caldron), symbolic, Ezek 24:3; Ezek 24:3 for satisfying thirst (figurative) + על Isa 44:3 blood (of sacrifice) + אֶליְֿסוֺד Lev 8:15; Lev 9:9 (P); pottage, for eating, 2Kgs 4:40; 2Kgs 4:41 cakes (לְבִבוֺת) 2Sam 13:9 figurative of disease יָצוּק בּוֺ Ps 41:9 infused into him (al. less probably as 3 molten, i.e. fixed upon).
2. cast (objects of metal) Exod 25:12; Exod 26:37; Exod 36:36; Exod 37:3; Exod 37:13; Exod 38:5; Exod 38:27 (all P), 1Kgs 7:46 = 2Chr 4:17; 1Kgs 7:24; 1Kgs 7:30; 2Chr 4:3.
3. Passive participle as adjective figurative cast, hard, of crocodile's scales Job 41:15 of crocodile's heart v.Job 41:16 v.Job 41:16 (as stone).
4. intransitive flow, pour, only וַיִּ֫צֶק 1Kgs 22:35 (of blood), Job 38:38 בְּצֶקֶת עָפָר לַמּוּצָק Hiph`il Imperfect וַיַּצִּ֫קוּ 2Sam 15:24 וַיַּצִּקֻם Josh 7:23 Participle f. מֹי֯צָ֑קֶת 2Kgs 4:5 — pour (oil) 2Kgs 4:5, figurative of shekels of silver, etc., pour out Josh 7:23 of the ark, 2Sam 15:24 set down (?); but read וַיַצִּיגוּ (Dr Gr). Hoph`al Perfect הוּצַק Ps 45:3Imperfect יוּצַק Lev 21:10; Job 22:16 Participle מוּצָ֑ק 1Kgs 7:23; 1Kgs 7:33; 2Chr 4:2; Job 37:18 מֻצָק Job 11:15 construct מֻצַּק 1Kgs 7:16 —
1. be poured, subject שֶׁמֶן followed by לְ (in anointing), Lev 21:10 (H); figurative of foundation of wicked Job 22:16, see Di; of grace חֵן on lips, Ps 45:3 (followed by ב), see Che.
2. Participle = cast, molten ׳הים המ 1Kgs 7:23 = 2Chr 4:2 as predicate 1Kgs 7:33 construct as substantive מֻצַּק נְחשֶׁת 1Kgs 7:16.
3. Participle, figurative firmly established, predicate of person, ׳וְהָיִיתָ מ Job 11:15 and thou shalt be established (|| לֹא תִירָא).

Strong's Definition H3332
cast, pour, poured, out, molten, …
yāṣaq
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
  • to pour, flow, cast, pour out
    • (Qal)
      • to pour, pour out
        • "to cast"to flow
      (Hiphil) to pour, pour out"(Hophal)
      • to be poured
        • "cast, molten (participle)"being firmly established (participle)
Variations 32 forms of this word
Translations 36 English renderings
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Word Parts
עָ֭פָר
עָ֭פָר
Root word dust, earth, powder, rubbish, morter, …
Dictionary form: עָפָר · aw-PAWR
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar Ncmsa
Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state
עָפָר Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute
In English
In the KJV here: when the dust
the dust ×23 dust ×13 in the dust ×6 out of the dust ×5 as the dust ×4 and dust ×3 of the dust ×3 and the dust ×2
More options
dust — Modernized KJV core rendering; most universally applicable.
dirt — Earthy, tangible feel; suits lowliness or humble origins.
soil — Prefer when ground/earth sense is primary.
earth — Cosmic or poetic contexts, e.g. 'from earth to earth'.
powder — Best for fine, crushed, or scattered material.
rubble — Suits contexts of ruin, debris, or destruction.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB6257 H6083

BDB6256 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6258

עָפָר noun masculineLev 14:42 dry earth, dust; — absolute ׳ע Gen 2:7 +, construct עֲפַר Gen 13:16 +; suffix עֲפָרֵךְ Ezek 26:12, עֲפָרוֺ Deut 9:21, etc.; plural construct עַפְרֹת Job 28:6; Prov 8:26 —

1. literally:
  a. dry, loose earth, thrown (in malice) 2Sam 16:13 (|| אֲבָנִים); עַלרֿאֹשׁ ׳וַיַעֲלוּ ע Josh 7:6 (J E; sign of grief), so Ezek 27:30; Lam 2:10, and (with זָרַק) Job 2:12 loose earth (on surface of ground) 1Kgs 18:38; Amos 2:7; Mic 1:10; Isa 34:7; Isa 34:9; Lev 17:13 (H) Ezek 24:7 (in figurative), Num 5:17; Job 14:19; Job 38:38; Job 39:14; Gen 26:15 (R), made into siege works Hab 1:10 of sand-storm Deut 28:24 (+ אָבָק); as serpent's food, token of punishment and humiliation, Gen 3:14 (J) Isa 65:25 (compare Mic 7:17 2 e below); ׳זֹחֲלֵי ע Deut 32:24 (poem; compare 2 e).
  b. specifically as material of human body Gen 2:7; Gen 3:19 (J), Eccl 3:20, compare Job 4:19; Job 8:19; Ps 103:14, to which it returns (שׁוּב אֶלֿ) Gen 3:19; Job 10:9; Ps 104:29; Eccl 3:20 so (with עַל) Job 34:15; Eccl 12:7.
  c. = surface of ground Exod 8:12; Exod 8:13 (twice in verse); (P; הָאָרַץ ׳ע), Job 19:25; Isa 25:12; Isa 26:5 (both || אֶרֶץ), surface of (whole) earth Job 41:25, ׳מְחִלוֺת ע Isa 2:19 (for hiding), so ׳ע alone vIsa 2:10, compare ׳חֹרֵי ע Job 30:6 = soil, Job 5:6; Job 14:8.
  d. powder of anything pulverized Deut 9:21 (twice in verse) (compare דָּ֑ק || Exod 32:20), 2Kgs 23:6 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 23:12; 2Kgs 23:15, so in simile 2Sam 22:43 = Ps 18:43, hence = ashes vPs 18:4; Num 19:17.
  e. debris, of ruined city 1Kgs 20:10; Ezek 26:4; Ezek 26:12; Neh 3:34; Neh 4:4; Ps 102:15. The following are late: feminine earth of the grave: אֶשְׁכַּב ׳לֶע Job 7:21, so (with עַל) Job 20:11; Job 21:26, compare Job 17:16 ׳יוֺרְדֵי ע Ps 22:30, ׳שֹׁכְנֵי ע Isa 26:19, ׳יְשֵׁנֵי אַדְמַתעֿ Dan 12:2 עֲפַרמָֿוֶת Ps 22:16 ׳ע in figure Ps 30:10.
  g. mortar (i.e. dried mud) for plastering houses Lev 14:41; Lev 14:42; Lev 14:45 (P).
  h. (iron-) ore Job 28:2 עַפְרֹת זָהָב vJob 28:6 gold-dust (but see סַפִּיר).
  i. material of earth Isa 40:12, compare ראֹשׁ עַפְרֹת תֵּבֵל Prov 8:26 the first of the earth particles of the world.
2. figurative:
  a. of abundance Gen 13:16 (twice in verse); Gen 28:14 (all J) 2Chr 1:9; Job 27:16; Ps 78:27 (|| חוֺל יַמִּים), compare עֲפַר יַעֲקֹב Num 23:10 (JE); with added idea of commonness, worthlessness Zeph 1:7; Zech 9:3.
  b. of worthlessness (alone) Job 22:24.
  c. simile of the scattered, dispersed 2Kgs 13:7 ׳כֶּע Isa 41:2 (so van d. H. Ginsb; Baer ׳כֵּע; on meaning see Du Che, reading תְּשִׂימֵם for יִתֵּן).
  d. of self-abasement Gen 18:27 (+ אֵפַר), ׳וְנִחַמְתִּי עַלעֿ וָאֵפֶר Job 42:6, פִּיהוּ ׳יִתֵּן בֶּע Lam 3:29.
  e. of humiliation (sitting or lying in dust) Isa 47:1 compare Isa 29:4 (twice in verse), Job 16:15; Job 40:13; Ps 7:6; Ps 44:26; Ps 119:25, simile Job 30:19 licking dust Ps 72:9; Isa 49:23; Mic 7:17, compare Tel Amarna tikalu ipra (of enemies, see WklAltor. Forsch. iii. 291; also of serpent 1 a above); of ׳י raising from the dust 1Sam 2:8 = Ps 113:7, 1Kgs 16:2 of lifting oneself Isa 52:2.

Strong's Definition H6083
dust, earth, powder, rubbish, morter, …
ʿāpār
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
  • dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish
    • dry or loose earth
      • "debris"mortar"ore
Variations 35 forms of this word
Translations 54 English renderings
Dust
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Word Parts
לַ מּוּצָ֑ק
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
מּוּצָ֑ק
Root word casting, hardness
Dictionary form: מוּצָק · moo-TSAWK
Vowels & Accents
לַ
Hidden "the" לַ = the preposition + the article הַ squeezed together: the "a" vowel under the prefix is the swallowed "the". Translate "to the ___".
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar Rd/Ncmsa
Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state
לַ Speech Preposition Type Definite Article
מּוּצָק Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute
In English
In the KJV here: into hardness
casting ×1 into hardness ×1
More options
casting — Prefer when referring to molten metal being poured/formed.
molded work — Emphasizes the finished cast object or artifact.
hardness — Use when context stresses rigidity or solidity.
solid mass — Highlights the dense, unyielding physical quality.
poured metal — Concrete rendering; suits metallurgical or craft contexts.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB3673 H4165

BDB3672 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3674

I. מוּצָק noun masculine a casting; אֶחָד ׳מ 1Kgs 7:37 (of metal); of dust compactged into clod בְּצֶקֶת עָפָר לַמּוּצָק Job 38:38. — II. מוצק see below צוק

BDB7004 H4164 H4165

BDB7003 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7005

II. מוּצָק, מוּצָק noun [masculine] constraint, distress; — absolute מוּצָק Isa 8:23 distress; absolute also מוּצָק Job 36:16, of distress as constraint (opposed to רַחַב); רֹחַב מַיִם בְּמוּצָ֑ק Job 37:10, literally in constraint (i.e. frozen). — 1. מוּצָק see יצק.

Strong's Definition H4165
casting, hardness
mûṣāq
properly, fusion, i.e., literally, a casting (of metal); figuratively, a mass (of clay)
  • a casting
Variations 2 forms of this word
Translations 2 English renderings
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Word Parts
וּ רְגָבִ֥ים
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
רְגָבִ֥ים
Root word clods
Dictionary form: רֶגֶב · reh-ɡEB
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar C/Ncmpa
Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"
וּ Speech Conjunction
רְגָבִים Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Plural State Absolute
In English
In the KJV here: and the clods
and the clods ×1 the clods ×1
More options
clod — Modernized KJV form; most recognized equivalent.
lump of earth — Clear and descriptive for general audiences.
dirt clump — Casual register; suits informal or accessible translations.
soil clod — Precise agricultural context; good for farming imagery.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB7735 H7263

BDB7734 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7736

[רֶ֫גֶב] noun masculine clod of earth; — plural רְגָכִים יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ Job 38:38 clods are joined together; construct רְגְבֵי נָחַ֑ל Job 21:33 clods of (the) wady.

Strong's Definition H7263
clods
regeb
a lump of clay
  • clod (of earth)
Variations 2 forms of this word
Translations 2 English renderings
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Word Parts
יְדֻבָּֽקוּ
יְדֻבָּֽקוּ
Root word cleave, cleaveth, clave, hard, overtook, …
Dictionary form: דָּבַק · daw-BAHK
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar VPi3mp
Verb — Pual, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine plural intensive passive — "it was thoroughly done" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "they"
יְדֻבָּֽקוּ Speech Verb Stem Pual Type Imperfect (Yiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Plural
In English
In the KJV here: cleave fast together
cleave ×6 cleaveth ×6 clave ×3 and to cleave ×2 followed hard ×2 shall keep ×2 abide ×1 and clave ×1
More options
cling — Best general choice; implies loyal, persistent attachment.
hold fast — Emphasizes firmness; good for covenantal or determined contexts.
stick — Vivid, physical closeness; suits literal adhesion contexts.
follow closely — Prefer when subject is pursuing or keeping up with another.
be joined — Relational or permanent union; suits marriage or alliance contexts.
stay close — Informal, spatial nearness; good for narrative prose.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB1812 H1692

BDB1811 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1813

דָּבַק, דָּבֵק verb cling, cleave, keep close (Late Hebrew id., Arabic Aramaic דְּבֵק, דְּבַק , ) —

Qal Perfect דָּבַק 1Kgs 11:2 + 2 t.; וְדָבַק consecutive Gen 2:24 דָּבֵ֑ק 2Kgs 3:3 3 feminine singular דָּֽבְקָה Ruth 1:14 + 5 t.; דָּבֵ֑קָה Job 29:10 1 singular דָּבַקְתִּי Ps 119:31 3 plural דָּֽבְקוּ 2Sam 20:2 וְדָֽבְקוּ consecutive Deut 28:60 דָּבֵ֑קוּ Job 41:15 וּדְבַקְתֶּם consecutive Josh 23:12 Imperfect יִדְבַּק Deut 13:18 + 3 t.; 3 feminine singular תִּדְבַּק 2Kgs 5:27; Ps 137:6 וַתִּדְבַּק Gen 34:3 + 2 t.; suffix תִּדְבָּקַנִי Gen 19:19 2 masculine singular תִּדְבָּ֑ק Deut 10:20; Ezek 29:4 (strike out B Co); 2 feminine singular תִּדְבָּקִין Ruth 2:8; Ruth 2:21 3 plural יִדְבְּקוּ Num 36:7; Num 36:9 2 masculine plural תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ Josh 23:8 תִּדְבָּקוּ֑ן Deut 13:5 Infinitive construct וּלְדָבְקָהבּֿוֺ Deut 11:22 + 2 t.; — in Hexateuch only J D, except Num 36:7; Num 36:9 (P); —
1. cling, cleave to,
  a. literally followed by בְּ Job 19:20 (bone to skin), so followed by לְ Ps 102:6 followed by אֶל 2Sam 23:10 (hand to sword; accidentally omitted with other words 1Chr 11:13 compare Dr 2Sam 23:11), Jer 13:11 (girdle to loins), Lam 4:4 (tongue to roof of mouth, in thirst), so followed by לְ Job 29:10; Ps 137:6 (as a judgment); so also in metaphor Ps 44:26 דָּֽבְקָה לָאָרֶץ בִּטְנֵנוּ our belly cleaveth to the earth (|| שָׁחָה לֶעָפָר נַפְשֵׁנוּ), Ps 119:25 דָּֽבְקָה לֶעָפָר נַפְשִׁי; fish to scales of crocodile (figurative of Pharaoh), followed by בְּ Ezek 29:4 (but compare above); absolute (reciprocal) of folds of crocodile's belly Job 41:15 further of the חֵרֶם remaining in (sticking to) the hand followed by בְּ Deut 13:18 so of spot, stain Job 31:7
  b. so also of abiding on the land of one's tribe Num 36:7; Num 36:9 (followed by בְּ).
  c. = remain with, close to followed by עִם Ruth 2:8; Ruth 2:21 followed by בְּ vRuth 2:23.
2. cling, cleave to,
  a. figurative of loyalty, affection etc., sometimes with idea of physical proximity retained, followed by בְּ Gen 2:24 (J; man to wife) compare Gen 34:3 (J) 1Kgs 11:2; Josh 23:12 (D); further Ruth 1:14 (Ruth to Naomi); 2Sam 20:2 (people to king); especially (followed by בְּ) of cleaving to ׳י Deut 11:22 (|| אָהֵב, הָלַךְ בְּכָלדְּֿרָכָיו) Deut 30:20 (|| אָהֵב, שָׁמַע בְּקֹלוֺ), Josh 22:5 (|| אָהֵב, ׳הָלַךְ וגו, שָׁמַר מִצְוֺתָיו); compare further Deut 10:20; Deut 13:5; Josh 23:8 (all D), 2Kgs 18:6; Ps 63:9 (followed by אַחֲרֵי) & Ps 119:31 דָּבַקְתּי בְֵ˜עדְוֺתֶ֑יךָ; so
  b. of the opposite בְּחַטּאֹות יָָֽרָבְעָם ֗֗֗ דָּבֵ֑ק 2Kgs 3:37,
  c. subject disease, calamity, followed by בְּ person Deut 28:60; 2Kgs 5:27 followed by אַחֲרֵי Jer 42:16 followed by accusative Gen 19:19 (J); subject sin Ps 101:3 (followed by בְּ person) Pu`al Imperfect 3 masculine plural יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ passive of Hiph`il 1 followed by בְּ, of crocodile's scales, they are joined together Job 41:9 (|| יִתְלַכְּדוּ); absolute of earth-clods Job 38:38. Hiph`il Perfect 3 feminine singular suffix הִדְבִּיקָ֑תְהוּ Judg 20:42 3 plural suffix הִדְבִּיקֻהוּ 2Sam 1:6 1 singular הִדְבַּקְתִּי Jer 13:11 וְהִדְבַּקְתִּ֫י Ezek 29:4 Imperfect jussive יַדְבֵּק Deut 28:21 וַיַּדְבֵּק Gen 31:23 אַדְבִּיק Ezek 3:26 וַיַּדְבִּיקוּ Judg 18:22; Judg 20:45 וַיַּדְבְּקוּ 1Sam 14:22 + 2 t. (compare Ges«GKC:53»§ 53 R 4 Köi. 210).
1. cause to cling or cleave to, followed by accusative + אֶל, literally וּלְשׁוֺנְךָ אַדְבִּיק אֶלחִֿכֶּ֑ךָ Ezek 3:26 see also Ezek 29:4 (followed by accusative + בְּ; literal, but in metaphor); figurative of causing to cleave to ׳י Jer 13:11 (followed by accusative + אֶל); compare further Deut 28:21 (subject ׳י, followed by accusative of disease + בְּ).
2. pursue closely, followed by אַחֲרֵי Judg 20:45; 1Sam 14:22; 1Chr 10:2 = 1Sam 31:2 (followed by accusative); so also 2Sam 1:6 (followed by accusative)
3. overtake, followed by accusative Gen 31:23 (E), Judg 18:22 compare Judg 20:42 (subject הַמִּלְחָמַה). Hoph`al Participle וּלְשׁוֺנִי מֻדְבָּק מַלְקוֺחָ֑י Ps 22:16 and my tongue is made to cleave (to) my gums; compare below
Qal 1.

BDB9427 H1692 H1693

BDB9426 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9428

[דְּבֵק] verb cling (Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Participle plural דָּֽבְקִין דְּנָה עִםדְּֿנָה Dan 2:43.

Strong's Definition H1692
cleave, cleaveth, clave, hard, overtook, …
dābaq
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
  • to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch
    • (Qal)
      • to cling, cleave to
        • "to stay with
      (Pual) to be joined together"(Hiphil)
      • to cause to cleave to
        • "to pursue closely"to overtake
      (Hophal) to be made to cleave
Variations 38 forms of this word
Translations 39 English renderings
Job 38:37
Read Job 38
Job 38:39