Paragraph 3:19–20

3:19

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

19a
The LORD founded the earth by wisdom

19b
and established the heavens by understanding.

These two lines figuratively describe how the LORD created the earth and the heavens. He did it by means of his wisdom and understanding.

3:19a–b

The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding: The words wisdom and understanding were also used in 3:13a–b. In the context of creating the earth and the sky, they refer here to the LORD’s ability, skill, or expertise to create everything and set it in place.

3:19a

The LORD founded the earth: According to the ancient Hebrew view of the world, the earth was a flat disc that the LORD founded or set firmly upon supporting pillars. These pillars reached down to sockets under the ocean. Some ways to translate this line are:

• Use an expression that follows the Hebrew view of how the LORD created the earth. For example:

The LORD used wisdom to set the earth firmly in its place.
-or-
By means of his wisdom the LORD erected the earth on its supporting pillars.

• Use a more general expression. For example:

The Lord made the earth, using his wisdom. (New Century Version)

3:19b

established the heavens: According to the Hebrew view, the LORD also set the heavens in place upon supporting pillars. Some ways to translate this line are:

• Use an expression that follows the Hebrew view of how the LORD created the sky. For example:

The LORD used his skill to set the sky in position upon its posts.

• Use a more general expression. For example:

The LORD made the sky/heavens, using his expertise.

heavens: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as heavens is the same word that was used in Genesis 1:1. It refers to the sky, including the heavenly bodies. It does not refer to heaven, the place where the LORD lives. Here is another way to translate this:

sky (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 3:19a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. For example:

By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. (Contemporary English Version)

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