46 This word is found here and in 1 Sam 15:32. Dhorme suggests, with others, that there has been a metathesis (a reversal of consonants), and it is the same word found in Job 31:36 (“bind”). G. R. Driver takes it as “cluster” without changing the text (“Two astronomical passages in the Old Testament,” 7 [1956]:3).
47 The word מַזָּרוֹת (mazzarot) is taken by some to refer to the constellations (see 2 Kgs 23:5), and by others as connected to the word for “crown,” and so “corona.”

Cross references

In other versions

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades

or loose the cords of Orion?

Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,

or can you guide the Bear with its children?

Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?

Can you establish their rule on the earth?

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades?

Can you loosen Orion’s belt?

Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons

or lead out the Bear with its cubs?

Do you know the laws of the heavens?

Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?

Can you fasten the chains of the Pleiades

or loosen the belt of Orion?

Can you bring out the constellations in their season

and lead the Bear and her cubs?

Do you know the laws of heaven?

Can you impose its authority on earth?

“Can you direct the movement of the stars—

binding the cluster of the Pleiades

or loosening the cords of Orion?

Can you direct the constellations through the seasons

or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?

Do you know the laws of the universe?

Can you use them to regulate the earth?

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades,

or can you loosen the cords of Orion?

Can you lead forth the southern constellations at their appointed time,

or can you lead the Bear with its children?

Do you know heaven’s statutes,

or can you establish their rule on the earth?

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades,

Or loose the bands of Orion?

Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?

Or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?

Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?

Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

Public Domain