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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>Proverbs 8:27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_08_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 8:27 - The Excellence of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep," /><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'; 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when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When he prepared the heavens, I <i>was</i> there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When He prepared the heavens, I <i>was</i> there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When He established the heavens, I was there; When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“When He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When He established the heavens, I was there, When He marked out a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; When He drew a circle upon the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was there when he established the heavens, when he laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was there when He established the heavens, when He laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I was there when the LORD put the heavens in place and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there: when he set a circle upon the face of the deep:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"When he set up the heavens, I was there. When he traced the horizon on the surface of the ocean,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I was there when he set the sky in place, when he stretched the horizon across the ocean, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />when he crafted the heavens, I was there— when he marked out a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there; when he marked out the horizon over the face of the deep, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In His preparing the heavens I [am] there, "" In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In His preparing the heavens I am there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In his preparing the heavens I was there: in his inscribing a circle upon the face of the deep:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass he enclosed the depths: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I was already present: when he prepared the heavens; when, with a certain law and a circuit, he fortified the abyss;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, there was I, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle upon the face of the deep;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />When the Heavens were established, I was with him, and when he made a circle over the face of the depths.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When He established the heavens, I was there; When He set a circle upon the face of the deep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When he prepared the heaven, I was present with him; and when he prepared his throne upon the winds:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/8-27.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/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1463" 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/proverbs/8.htm">The Excellence of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth. <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">was there</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: ba·hă·ḵî·nōw (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">when He established</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.">the heavens,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2710.htm" title="2710: bə·ḥū·qōw (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To cut in, inscribe, decree. A primitive root; properly, to hack, i.e. Engrave; by implication, to enact or Prescribe.">when He inscribed</a> <a href="/hebrew/2329.htm" title="2329: ḥūḡ (N-ms) -- Vault, horizon. From chuwg; a circle.">a circle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the face</a> <a href="/hebrew/8415.htm" title="8415: ṯə·hō·wm (N-cs) -- Deep, sea, abyss. Or thom; from huwm; an abyss, especially the deep.">of the deep,</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,…<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="/job/26-10.htm">Job 26:10</a></span><br />He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-4.htm">Job 38:4-11</a></span><br />Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? / On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-2.htm">Psalm 104:2-3</a></span><br />He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, / laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Isaiah 40:22</a></span><br />He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Isaiah 42:5</a></span><br />This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-12.htm">Isaiah 45:12</a></span><br />It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-12.htm">Jeremiah 10:12</a></span><br />The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-15.htm">Jeremiah 51:15</a></span><br />The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1-2</a></span><br />In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. / Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-6.htm">Genesis 1:6-8</a></span><br />And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.” / So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so. / God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2</a></span><br />But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3</a></span><br />By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-11.htm">Revelation 4:11</a></span><br />“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass on the face of the depth:</p><p class="hdg">he prepared</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/33-6.htm">Psalm 33:6</a></b></br> By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Psalm 103:19</a></b></br> The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/136-5.htm">Psalm 136:5</a></b></br> To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever.</p><p class="hdg">compass or encircle</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11,22</a></b></br> He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry <i>them</i> in his bosom, <i>and</i> shall gently lead those that are with young… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/104-3.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/psalms/88-17.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Decreeing</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-24.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/psalms/68-22.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/psalms/107-18.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-15.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/job/26-10.htm">Horizon</a> <a href="/job/26-10.htm">Inscribed</a> <a href="/psalms/105-15.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/psalms/139-16.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/psalms/147-8.htm">Preparing</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/job/41-13.htm">Surface</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-29.htm">Decreeing</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-5.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-6.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Horizon</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-16.htm">Inscribed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-29.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-2.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Preparing</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-2.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Surface</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">the fame</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">and evidence of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">The excellence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">the nature</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">the power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">the riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">and the eternity of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings</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'; 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In biblical context, "Wisdom" is often personified and is seen as a divine attribute. This aligns with <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1-3</a>, where the Word (Logos) is present at creation, suggesting a connection to Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>. The establishment of the heavens refers to the creation of the universe, emphasizing God's sovereignty and order. The heavens are often seen as a testament to God's glory and craftsmanship, as reflected in <a href="/psalms/19.htm">Psalm 19:1</a>.<p><b>when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep</b><br>The imagery of inscribing a circle suggests the act of setting boundaries and order in creation. The "deep" refers to the primordial waters, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern creation narratives, symbolizing chaos. God's act of inscribing a circle indicates His authority over chaos, bringing structure and stability. This can be connected to <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters, preparing for creation. The circle may also symbolize the earth's horizon or the dome of the sky, reflecting the ancient understanding of the world. This act of creation underscores God's wisdom and power, themes central to the book of Proverbs.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>Personified in <a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a>, Wisdom speaks as a witness to God's creation, emphasizing its eternal presence and divine origin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Creator who established the heavens and inscribed the circle on the face of the deep, demonstrating His sovereignty and power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens.htm">Heavens</a></b><br>The expanse created by God, representing the order and majesty of His creation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_deep.htm">The Deep</a></b><br>Refers to the primordial waters, symbolizing chaos before God's creative order was established.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>The event of God bringing the universe into existence, highlighting His wisdom and authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_nature_of_wisdom.htm">The Eternal Nature of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not a human invention but an eternal attribute of God, present before and during creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Creation</a></b><br>The imagery of God inscribing a circle on the deep signifies His control and order over chaos, reminding us of His ultimate authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_divine_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Seeking Divine Wisdom</a></b><br>As Wisdom was present at creation, seeking God's wisdom is crucial for understanding His purposes and living a life aligned with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_interconnectedness_of_scripture.htm">The Interconnectedness of Scripture</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27</a> connects with various parts of the Bible, showing the consistency of God's message and the centrality of wisdom throughout Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_order_in_our_lives.htm">Reflecting God's Order in Our Lives</a></b><br>Just as God brought order to creation, we are called to reflect His order and wisdom in our personal lives and communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_8_27_align_with_cosmology.htm">Proverbs 8:27: When it says wisdom was there at the making of the heavens, how does this compare with modern cosmology’s timing of the universe’s formation? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_structuralism.htm">What defines structuralism in philosophical and cultural contexts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_sophia_the_embodiment_of_wisdom.htm">Is Sophia the embodiment of wisdom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jesus_interact_with_women.htm">Is God a deity of order?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) <span class= "bld">When he set a compass upon the face of the depth</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>when He stretched the vault of heaven over it: the same expression is used in <a href="/job/22-14.htm" title="Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he sees not; and he walks in the circuit of heaven.">Job 22:14</a>. It is also interpreted of the circle of the horizon.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - After asserting the pre-existence of Wisdom, the writer tells her part in the work of creation. <span class="cmt_word">When he prepared the heavens, I was there.</span> When God made the firmament, and divided the waters above it and below (<a href="/genesis/1-7.htm">Genesis 1:7</a>), Wisdom cooperated. <span class="cmt_word">When he set a compass upon the face of the depth.</span> <span class="hebrew">חוּג</span> (<span class="accented">chug</span>), "circle," or "circuit" (as <a href="/job/22-14.htm">Job 22:14</a>), means the vault of heaven, conceived of as resting on the ocean which surrounds the earth, in partial accordance with the notion in Homer, who speaks of the streams of ocean flowing back into itself (<span class="greek">ἀψόῥῤοος</span>), 'Iliad,' 18:399; 'Odyssey,' 10:508, etc. That the reference is not to the marking out a limit for the waters is plain from the consideration that this interpretation would make the verse identical with ver. 29. Thus in <a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Isaiah 40:22</a> we have, "It is he that sitteth above the circle (<span class="accented">chug</span>) of the earth;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the vault of heaven that encircles the earth. Septuagint, "When he marked out (<span class="greek">ἀφώριζε</span>) his throne upon the winds." The translators have referred <span class="accented">tchom</span>, "depth," to the waters above. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/8-27.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">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was there</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when He established</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּהֲכִינ֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ba·hă·ḵî·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">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">when He inscribed</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּח֥וּקוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥū·qōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2710.htm">Strong's 2710: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the horizon</span><br /><span class="heb">ח֝֗וּג</span> <span class="translit">(ḥūḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2329.htm">Strong's 2329: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vault, horizon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the face</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the deep,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְהֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·hō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8415.htm">Strong's 8415: </a> </span><span class="str2">An abyss, the deep</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/8-27.htm">Proverbs 8:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/8-27.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:27 When he established the heavens I was (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/8-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 8:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 8:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 8:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 8:28" /></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>