Original Word: מֵמַד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: memad
Pronunciation: meh-MAHD
Phonetic Spelling: (may-mad')
KJV: measure
NASB: measurements
Word Origin: [from H4058 (מָדַד - measured)]

1. a measure

measure

From madad; a measure -- measure.

see HEBREW madad

Word Origin
from madad
Definition
measurement
NASB Translation
measurements (1).

[מֵמַד] noun [masculine] measurement; — מְמַדֶּיהָ מִי שָׂם Job 38:5, i.e. of the earth ("" מִינָֿטָה עָלָיהָ קָ֑ו).

Scriptural Setting

Job 38:5 records the only canonical occurrence of מֵמַד. In the climactic divine speeches, the LORD confronts Job: “Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it?” (Job 38:5). The term sits within a barrage of rhetorical questions that display God’s unfathomable wisdom and sovereignty in creation. By invoking the concept of exact measurement, the verse underscores that even the dimensions of the cosmos lie beyond human competence and reside solely in the mind of the Creator.

Theological Themes of Measure and Order

1. Divine Sovereignty. Measurement evokes precision, intentionality, and limit. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that God alone “counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4). מֵמַד in Job 38:5 points to a universe not governed by chance but by purposeful design.
2. Boundaries and Moral Order. Throughout Scripture, physical boundaries parallel moral ones (Jeremiah 5:22; Acts 17:26). The One who determines cosmic dimensions also prescribes ethical borders for humanity.
3. Creation as Temple. Ancient Near Eastern literature often depicts creation as a deity’s temple. Biblical writers employ similar motifs: the world’s “measurements” mirror the careful measurements of the tabernacle (Exodus 25–31) and Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6). God, as master architect, dwells among His people in a finely ordered universe.

Ancient Near Eastern Background

Architects in Job’s era used knotted cords and reed rods to lay foundations precisely. The LORD’s reference to a “measuring line” (קו) presupposes such tools, placing earthly craftsmanship in stark contrast to His incomparable skill. By alluding to the common building practices known to Job, the text drives home the inadequacy of human wisdom to scrutinize divine acts.

Related Biblical Imagery and Cross-References

• Proverbs 8:27–29 pictures Wisdom beside God “when He set a boundary for the sea,” echoing the measuring of Creation.
• Ezekiel 40–48 details extensive temple measurements, foreshadowing messianic restoration.
• Zechariah 2:1–2 introduces a man with a measuring line preparing for Jerusalem’s future glory.
• Revelation 11:1–2; 21:15–17 shows an angel measuring the temple and the New Jerusalem, symbolizing God’s protection and perfection.

Together these passages frame measurement as a recurring symbol of divine oversight, covenant order, and eschatological hope.

Christological and Redemptive Trajectory

The precision hinted at by מֵמַד anticipates the incarnate Word through whom “all things were created” and “in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16–17). Jesus Christ personifies the perfect alignment between God’s design and its fulfillment. His atoning work secures the ordered new creation where righteousness “dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Humility before Mystery: Job’s confrontation warns against presuming to critique God’s governance.
• Assurance of Stability: Believers draw confidence from a universe governed by measured wisdom rather than random forces.
• Ethical Boundaries: Just as God sets cosmic limits, He establishes moral ones for His people’s good (Psalm 19:7–11).
• Hope for Restoration: The meticulous measurements of future sanctuaries symbolize the certainty of redeemed community and perfect fellowship with God.

Principles for Teaching and Preaching

1. Use Job 38:5 to highlight God’s transcendence while stressing His immanence in sustaining creation.
2. Connect measurement imagery to the biblical storyline—from Eden’s ordered garden to the measured city of Revelation—showing coherence across both Testaments.
3. Apply the concept of divine measurement to cultivate awe, trust, and obedience in congregational life.

מְ֭מַדֶּיהָ ממדיה mə·mad·de·hā məmaddehā MemaddeihaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts