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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.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/proverbs/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />By His knowledge the ocean depths were burst open, And the clouds drip with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, And the skies drip with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By His knowledge the deeps were split up And the skies drip with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the clouds drip with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />By His knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />By his knowledge the deep waters were divided, and the skies dropped dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths broke open, and the clouds drip with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open, and the clouds drip down dew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By His knowledge depths have been broken, "" And clouds drop dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By His knowledge depths have been rent, And clouds do drop dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths were rent, and the clouds will drop dew.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By his wisdom the depths have broken out, and the clouds grow thick with dew <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />By his wisdom, the abyss erupted and the clouds increased with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths are split, and the clouds drop down dew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />By his knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And in his knowledge the depths were broken up and the clouds sprinkle dew.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />By understanding were the depths broken up, and the clouds dropped water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-20.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=475" 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/3.htm">The Blessings of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: bə·ḏa‘·tōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">By His knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/8415.htm" title="8415: tə·hō·w·mō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Deep, sea, abyss. Or thom; from huwm; an abyss, especially the deep.">the watery depths</a> <a href="/hebrew/1234.htm" title="1234: niḇ·qā·‘ū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To cleave, break open or through. A primitive root; to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open.">were broken open,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7834.htm" title="7834: ū·šə·ḥā·qîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Dust, cloud. From shachaq; a powder: by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament.">and the clouds</a> <a href="/hebrew/7491.htm" title="7491: yir·‘ă·p̄ū- (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To trickle, drip. A primitive root; to drip.">dripped</a> <a href="/hebrew/2919.htm" title="2919: ṭāl (N-ms) -- Night mist, dew. From talal; dew.">with dew.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.…<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="/genesis/1-6.htm">Genesis 1:6-10</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="/job/38-8.htm">Job 38:8-11</a></span><br />Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, / when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, / when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-6.htm">Psalm 104:6-9</a></span><br />You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. / At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away— / the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-22.htm">Jeremiah 5:22</a></span><br />Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Isaiah 40:12</a></span><br />Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/psalms/33-7.htm">Psalm 33:7</a></span><br />He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-15.htm">Isaiah 51:15</a></span><br />For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/9-6.htm">Amos 9:6</a></span><br />He builds His upper rooms in the heavens and founds His vault upon the earth. He summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth. The LORD is His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-25.htm">Job 38:25-30</a></span><br />Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt, / to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives, / to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/136-6.htm">Psalm 136:6</a></span><br />He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/148-4.htm">Psalm 148:4-6</a></span><br />Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies. / Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created. / He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-24.htm">Isaiah 44:24</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,<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/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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.</p><p class="hdg">the depths</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/1-9.htm">Genesis 1:9</a></b></br> And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry <i>land</i> appear: and it was so.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/7-11.htm">Genesis 7:11</a></b></br> In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/38-8.htm">Job 38:8-11</a></b></br> Or <i>who</i> shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, <i>as if</i> it had issued out of the womb? … </p><p class="hdg">the clouds</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-28.htm">Genesis 27:28,37-39</a></b></br> Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-28.htm">Deuteronomy 33:28</a></b></br> Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob <i>shall be</i> upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/36-27.htm">Job 36:27,28</a></b></br> For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/107-14.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/psalms/148-6.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/148-8.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/148-7.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/psalms/148-7.htm">Deeps</a> <a href="/psalms/148-7.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/psalms/133-3.htm">Dew</a> <a href="/psalms/136-13.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/psalms/65-12.htm">Drip</a> <a href="/psalms/75-8.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/psalms/65-11.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/74-13.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/psalms/60-2.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/psalms/148-4.htm">Skies</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/7-17.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-15.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-11.htm">Deeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-24.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Dew</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-23.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Drip</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm">Skies</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">various exhortations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">The gain of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Exhortation to goodness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">the different state of the wicked and upright</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/proverbs/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>By His knowledge</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine wisdom and understanding of God in creation. It reflects the biblical theme that God's knowledge is foundational to the order and function of the universe. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is often personified and is seen as an attribute of God that was present at creation (<a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22-31</a>). This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God's wisdom is beyond human comprehension (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>) and is evident in the natural world (<a href="/psalms/19.htm">Psalm 19:1-4</a>).<p><b>the watery depths were broken open</b><br>This imagery recalls the creation account in Genesis, where God separated the waters to form the sky and the seas (<a href="/genesis/1-6.htm">Genesis 1:6-7</a>). It also echoes the flood narrative, where the "fountains of the great deep" were broken up (<a href="/genesis/7-11.htm">Genesis 7:11</a>), demonstrating God's control over the chaotic waters. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, water often symbolized chaos, and God's ability to control and order the waters signifies His sovereignty over creation. This phrase underscores God's power and authority in establishing the natural order.<p><b>and the clouds dripped with dew</b><br>In the ancient Near East, dew was a crucial source of moisture, especially in arid regions where rain was scarce. Dew is often seen as a blessing from God, providing sustenance and life (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-28.htm">Deuteronomy 33:28</a>, <a href="/hosea/14-5.htm">Hosea 14:5</a>). This phrase highlights God's provision and care for His creation, ensuring that the earth is nourished. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the regularity of His provision, as seen in the cycles of nature (<a href="/job/38-28.htm">Job 38:28</a>). The imagery of dew can also symbolize spiritual refreshment and renewal, pointing to the sustaining presence of God in the lives of believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The verse attributes the creation and maintenance of the natural world to God's wisdom and knowledge.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/watery_depths.htm">Watery Depths</a></b><br>This refers to the subterranean waters or the deep seas, symbolizing the chaotic elements of creation that God ordered.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/clouds.htm">Clouds</a></b><br>Representing the sky and the heavens, they are part of the natural order that God sustains.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/dew.htm">Dew</a></b><br>A symbol of God's provision and blessing, often seen as a gentle and life-giving force in the Bible.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Creation</a></b><br>Recognize that God, in His infinite wisdom, has established and maintains the natural order. This should lead us to trust in His control over our lives and the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_knowledge.htm">The Role of Divine Knowledge</a></b><br>Understand that God's knowledge is not just intellectual but practical, as it actively shapes and sustains creation. We should seek His wisdom in our daily decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/provision_and_sustenance.htm">Provision and Sustenance</a></b><br>Just as God provides dew to nourish the earth, He provides for our needs. We should rely on His provision and be grateful for His blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/order_from_chaos.htm">Order from Chaos</a></b><br>God brings order from chaos, as seen in the breaking open of the watery depths. In our lives, we can trust God to bring order and purpose from our chaotic situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_beauty_of_creation_as_a_reflection_of_god's_wisdom.htm">The Beauty of Creation as a Reflection of God’s Wisdom</a></b><br>Appreciate the beauty and complexity of creation as a reflection of God's wisdom. This should inspire worship and a deeper appreciation for the Creator.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_young_christians_live.htm">Is God's love considered reckless?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_disasters_affect_all_people.htm">Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?</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/is_proverbs_25_3_a_valid_comparison.htm">Proverbs 25:3 - Is it historically or scientifically valid to compare a king's heart to the unfathomable heights of the heavens?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Are broken up.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">burst forth: </span>the word used in <a href="/genesis/7-11.htm" title="In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.">Genesis 7:11</a> of the breaking forth of the waters from the interior of the earth at the flood. (Comp. <a href="/job/38-8.htm" title="Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?">Job 38:8</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Drop down the dew.</span>--Of great importance in countries where for months together there is no rain<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">By his knowledge the depths are broken up.</span> This is usually taken to refer to that primary act in creation, the separation of the waters from the earth, when "the waters were gathered together unto their own place," as recorded in <a href="/genesis/1-9.htm">Genesis 1:9</a>. So Munster, Zockler, Wardlaw. But it seems better to understand it (as Mercerus, Lapide, Delitzsch, and Authorized Version) of the fertilization of the earth by rivers, streams, etc., which burst forth from the interior of the earth. In this sense the correspondence is preserved with the second hemistich. where the atmospheric influence is referred to as conducing to the same end. The teacher passes from the creation to the wonderful means which Jehovah employs through Wisdom to sustain his work. <span class="accented">The depths</span> (<span class="accented">t'homoth</span>); Vulgate, <span class="accented">abyssi</span>; LXX., <span class="greek">ἄβυσσοι</span>, are here "the internal water stores of the earth" (Delitzsch), and not the depths of the ocean, as in <a href="/proverbs/8-24.htm">Proverbs 8:24, 27, 28</a>, and in <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>. <span class="accented">Are broken up</span> (<span class="accented">niv'kau</span>); properly, <span class="accented">were broken up</span>, niph. perfect of <span class="accented">baka</span>, <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> to cleave asunder, <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> to break forth, as water, in <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Isaiah 35:6</a>. <p>The perfect describes a past act, but one that is still continuing in effect. Cf. Vulgate <span class="accented">eruperunt</span>, "they burst forth;" LXX., <span class="greek">ἐῥῤάγησαν</span>, aorist 2 passive of <span class="greek">ῤήγνυμι</span>, "to burst forth," Targum, <span class="accented">rupti sunt</span>; and Syriac, <span class="accented">ruptae sunt.</span> The idea of division or separation is present, but it is not the predominant idea. There seems to be no allusion here either to the Deluge (Beds), nor to the cleaving of the waters of the Red Sea (Gejerus), though both of these historical events were undoubtedly well known to the teacher. And the clouds drop down the dew. <span class="accented">The clouds</span> (<span class="accented">sh'khakim</span>) are properly the <span class="accented">ether</span>, the higher and colder regions of the atmosphere, and then "the clouds," as in <a href="/psalms/77-15.htm">Psalm 77:15</a>, which are formed by the condensation of vapours drawn by solar influence from the surface of the earth - seas, rivers, etc. The singular <span class="accented">shakhak</span> signifies "dust," and. secondly "a cloud," evidently from the minute particles of moisture of which a cloud is composed. <span class="accented">Drop down</span> (<span class="accented">yir'aphu</span>, kal future of <span class="accented">raaph</span>, used as a present or imperfect); LXX., <span class="greek">ἐῥῤύησαν</span>, "let flow." The clouds discharge their contents in showers, or distil at evening in refreshing dew. Modern science agrees with the meteorological fact here alluded to, of the reciprocal action of the heavens and the earth. The moisture drawn from the earth returns again "to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud, to give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater" (<a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10</a>). <span class="accented">Dew</span>; <span class="accented">tal</span>, here used not only of dew, but of rain in gentle and fructifying showers. The Arabic word signifies "light rain;" LXX., <span class="greek">δρόσους</span>, "dew." Moses, in describing the blessing of Israel, says, "His heavens shall drop down dew" in the same sense (Deuteronomy 38:28; cf. <a href="/job/36-28.htm">Job 36:28</a>). The fertilization of the earth is ordered by the Divine Wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-20.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">By His knowledge</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭דַעְתּוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏa‘·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the watery depths</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּהוֹמ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(tə·hō·w·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural<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 /><br /><span class="word">were broken open,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְקָ֑עוּ</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·qā·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1234.htm">Strong's 1234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cleave, to rend, break, rip, open</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the clouds</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝שְׁחָקִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·ḥā·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7834.htm">Strong's 7834: </a> </span><span class="str2">A powder, a thin vapor, the firmament</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dripped</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְעֲפוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(yir·‘ă·p̄ū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7491.htm">Strong's 7491: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trickle, drip</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with dew.</span><br /><span class="heb">טָֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṭāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> </span><span class="str2">Night mist, dew</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-20.htm">Proverbs 3:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:20 By his knowledge the depths were broken (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:21" /></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>