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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 11:8 They are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol--what can you know?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/11-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/18_Job_11_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 11:8 - Zophar Rebukes Job" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol--what can you know?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/11-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/11-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/11-7.htm" title="Job 11:7">◄</a> Job 11:8 <a href="/job/11-9.htm" title="Job 11:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld— what do you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>They are</i> higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“<i>They are as</i> high <i>as</i> the heavens; what can you do? Deeper than Sheol; what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“<i>They are</i> high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>They are</i> high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“<i>His wisdom</i> is as high as the heights of heaven. What can you do? It is deeper than Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead). What can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They are higher than the heavens and deeper than the grave. So what can you do when you know so little, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[God's wisdom is] higher than heaven. What can you do? It is deeper than [the depths] of hell. What can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The sky is no limit for God, but it lies beyond your reach. God knows the world of the dead, but you do not know it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />These things are higher than the heavens, so what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol, so what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are higher than the heavens?what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol?what can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is higher than the heavens--what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol--what can you know? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Heights of the heavens—what [can] you do? Deeper than Sheol—what [can] you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Heights of the heavens! -- what dost thou? Deeper than Sheol! -- what knowest thou?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heavens being high, what wilt thou do? Hades being deep, what wilt thou know?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He is higher than heaven, and what wilt thou do ? he is deeper than hell, and how wilt thou know? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He is higher than heaven, and what will you do? He is deeper than hell, but how will you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It is higher than the heavens; what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol; what can you know? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is higher than heaven —what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do you know the height of the heaven? Or the depth of Sheol? How can you know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do you know the high place of Heaven or the depth of Sheol? From where do you know?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than the nether-world; what canst thou know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Heaven <i>is</i> high; and what wilt thou do? and there are deeper things than those in hell; what dost thou know?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/11-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1682" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/11.htm">Zophar Rebukes Job</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1363.htm" title="1363: gā·ḇə·hê (N-mpc) -- Height. From gabahh; elation, grandeur, arrogance.">They are higher</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">than the heavens—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6466.htm" title="6466: tip̄·‘āl (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- Do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, especially to practise.">can you do?</a> <a href="/hebrew/6013.htm" title="6013: ‘ă·muq·qāh (Adj-fs) -- From amaq; deep.">They are deeper</a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: miš·šə·’ō·wl (Prep-m:: N-cs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">than Sheol—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: tê·ḏā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">can you know?</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-9.htm">Isaiah 55:9</a></span><br />“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6</a></span><br />Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-3.htm">Psalm 145:3</a></span><br />Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10-11</a></span><br />But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a></span><br />Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-5.htm">Psalm 147:5</a></span><br />Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Ephesians 3:18-19</a></span><br />will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth / of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:11</a></span><br />He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-24.htm">Jeremiah 23:24</a></span><br />“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Proverbs 25:3</a></span><br />As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-29.htm">Deuteronomy 29:29</a></span><br />The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Psalm 36:6</a></span><br />Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a></span><br />He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13-14</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It is as high as heaven; what can you do? deeper than hell; what can you know?</p><p class="hdg">It is as high as heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-12.htm">Job 22:12</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/35-5.htm">Job 35:5</a></b></br> Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds <i>which</i> are higher than thou.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/6-18.htm">2 Chronicles 6:18</a></b></br> But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!</p><p class="hdg">deeper</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/26-6.htm">Job 26:6</a></b></br> Hell <i>is</i> naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6-8</a></b></br> <i>Such</i> knowledge <i>is</i> too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot <i>attain</i> unto it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Amos 9:2</a></b></br> Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/14-37.htm">Deeper</a> <a href="/job/11-7.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/job/10-19.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/job/9-8.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/job/9-8.htm">Heights</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-6.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">High</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-22.htm">Nether-World</a> <a href="/job/5-9.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/job/7-9.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/job/7-9.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/job/10-14.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Deeper</a> <a href="/job/36-30.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/job/14-13.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/job/13-12.htm">Heights</a> <a href="/job/26-6.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/job/13-12.htm">High</a> <a href="/job/35-5.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/job/14-13.htm">Nether-World</a> <a href="/job/26-14.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/job/14-13.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/job/14-13.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/job/13-25.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Job 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/11-1.htm">Zophar reproves Job for justifying himself</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/11-5.htm">God's wisdom is unsearchable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/11-13.htm">The assured blessing of repentance</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They are higher than the heavens—what can you do?</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God's wisdom and knowledge. The heavens, often seen as the dwelling place of God, symbolize the ultimate height and majesty. In biblical context, the heavens are frequently used to describe God's omnipotence and omnipresence (<a href="/psalms/113-4.htm">Psalm 113:4-6</a>). The rhetorical question "what can you do?" underscores human limitations in understanding divine matters. This reflects the theme of God's sovereignty found throughout the Book of Job, where human beings are reminded of their finite nature compared to God's infinite wisdom. The imagery of the heavens also connects to other scriptures that speak of God's ways being higher than human ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-9.htm">Isaiah 55:9</a>).<p><b>They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?</b><br>Sheol, in ancient Hebrew thought, is the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and mystery. The depth of Sheol signifies the profound and unfathomable nature of God's wisdom. The rhetorical question "what can you know?" highlights the limitations of human understanding in grasping the full scope of divine knowledge. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that acknowledges the mystery of God's plans and purposes (<a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-34</a>). The contrast between the heights of the heavens and the depths of Sheol serves to illustrate the vastness of God's wisdom, which surpasses human comprehension. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where the depth of God's love and wisdom is celebrated (<a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Ephesians 3:18-19</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/zophar_the_naamathite.htm">Zophar the Naamathite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Zophar is speaking, offering his perspective on Job's situation and God's wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens.htm">Heavens</a></b><br>In this context, the heavens represent the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's wisdom and knowledge.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a></b><br>The Hebrew term for the realm of the dead, often used to describe the depths or the grave. It signifies the unknown and the limits of human understanding.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_job.htm">The Book of Job</a></b><br>A poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, divine justice, and the limits of human understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incomprehensibility_of_god.htm">The Incomprehensibility of God</a></b><br>God's wisdom and knowledge are beyond human understanding. We must approach Him with humility, acknowledging our limitations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_wisdom.htm">Trust in Divine Wisdom</a></b><br>Even when we cannot understand our circumstances, we can trust that God's wisdom is perfect and His plans are for our ultimate good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limits_of_human_understanding.htm">The Limits of Human Understanding</a></b><br>Recognize that there are mysteries of life and faith that we may never fully grasp. This should lead us to a deeper reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_uncertainty.htm">The Role of Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Faith is essential when facing the unknown. It allows us to rest in God's character and promises, even when we lack answers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_suffering.htm">Encouragement in Suffering</a></b><br>In times of suffering, remember that God's wisdom encompasses all things, and He is working in ways we cannot see.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_sheol_literally_underground_why_no_proof.htm">In Job 11:8, is Sheol literally beneath the earth, and if so, why is there no archaeological evidence of it? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_heaven_exist.htm">Does Heaven exist?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_is_the_location_of_hell.htm">Where is the location of hell?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_can't_science_verify_god's_existence.htm">Why is God’s existence not scientifically verifiable?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">It is as high as heaven.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">The heights of heaven; what canst thou do? it is deeper than the grave; what canst thou know?</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do?</span> literally, <span class="accented">heights</span> <span class="accented">of the heavens</span>; <span class="accented">what canst thou do?</span> But the meaning is probably that expressed in the Authorized Version. God's perfectness is unattainable by man's thought, as the heights of the heavens are by his feet. <span class="cmt_word">Deeper than hell</span>; literally, <span class="accented">than Sheol</span>, or the receptacle of the dead (see the comment on Job 10:21). St. Paul speaks of the "deep things," or rather, "the depths" (<span class="greek">τὰ βάθη</span>) of God (see <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">What canst thou know?</span> How small a part of the Divine nature can any man thoroughly comprehend and know! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/11-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They are higher</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּבְהֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(gā·ḇə·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1363.htm">Strong's 1363: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elation, grandeur, arrogance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than the heavens—</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֭מַיִם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can you do?</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּפְעָ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(tip̄·‘āl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6466.htm">Strong's 6466: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make, to practise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They are deeper</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמֻקָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·muq·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6013.htm">Strong's 6013: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deep</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than Sheol—</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֝שְּׁא֗וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šə·’ō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> </span><span class="str2">Underworld (place to which people descend at death)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can you know?</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּדָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ḏā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/11-8.htm">Job 11:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/11-8.htm">OT Poetry: Job 11:8 They are high as heaven (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/11-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 11:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 11:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/11-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 11:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 11:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>