Old Testament
Job 12:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Behold, he withholds the waters, and they dry up; also he sends them out, and they overturn the earth.
Compare translations
Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.
What Job 12:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job emphasizes God's absolute control over nature, particularly water, which is essential for life. When God chooses to withhold water, it leads to drought and desolation, demonstrating His power over creation. Conversely, when He releases water, it can cause floods that disrupt the earth. This duality illustrates that God is sovereign and can bring both life and destruction through natural elements. Job is highlighting that human beings are powerless against such divine authority, reminding us of the importance of recognizing God's role in the natural world. This acknowledgment can lead to a deeper understanding of our dependence on Him for sustenance and stability in life.
How to apply Job 12:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize God's authority over our lives and the world around us. In times of drought or abundance, we should remember that both are under His control. Trusting in God's plan can help us navigate life's uncertainties with faith and resilience.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 12:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 12:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 12:15 mean?
Job 12:15 highlights God's control over water, symbolizing His authority over nature. It shows that when God withholds water, it leads to drought, while sending it out can cause floods, illustrating His power to bring both life and destruction.
What is the meaning of 'he withholds the waters' in Job 12:15?
The phrase 'he withholds the waters' signifies God's ability to control essential resources like water. It emphasizes that when God chooses not to provide water, it results in drought and desolation, showcasing His sovereignty over creation.
How does Job 12:15 relate to human dependence on God?
Job 12:15 reminds us of our dependence on God for essential resources like water. It emphasizes that humans are powerless against His divine authority, highlighting the need to recognize and trust in God's control over our lives and the environment.
What themes are present in Job 12:15?
The themes in Job 12:15 include God's sovereignty, the power of nature, divine control, and human dependence on God. It illustrates the duality of life and destruction that can arise from natural elements under God's authority.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.