31 "Can you bind the chains[1] of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion's belt? 32 Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons[2]or lead out the Bear[3] with its cubs? 33 Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God's[4] dominion over the earth?

Other Translations of Job 38:31-33

King James Version

31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, Pleiades: or, the seven stars: Heb. Cimah or loose the bands of Orion? 32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth Mazzaroth: or, the twelve signs in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

English Standard Version

31 "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? 32 Can you lead forth the MazzarothProbably the name of a constellation in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children? 33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?

The Message

31 "Can you catch the eye of the beautiful Pleiades sisters, or distract Orion from his hunt? 32 Can you get Venus to look your way, or get the Great Bear and her cubs to come out and play? 33 Do you know the first thing about the sky's constellations and how they affect things on Earth?

New King James Version

31 "Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, Or loose the belt of Orion? 32 Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season? Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs? 33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?

New Living Translation

31 "Can you direct the movement of the stars- binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? 32 Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? 33 Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 38:31-33

Commentary on Job 38:25-41

(Read Job 38:25-41)

Hitherto God had put questions to Job to show him his ignorance; now God shows his weakness. As it is but little that he knows, he ought not to arraign the Divine counsels; it is but little he can do, therefore he ought not to oppose the ways of Providence. See the all-sufficiency of the Divine Providence; it has wherewithal to satisfy the desire of every living thing. And he that takes care of the young ravens, certainly will not be wanting to his people. This being but one instance of the Divine compassion out of many, gives us occasion to think how much good our God does, every day, beyond what we are aware of. Every view we take of his infinite perfections, should remind us of his right to our love, the evil of sinning against him, and our need of his mercy and salvation.