The preexistence of Wisdom is still more expressly set forth. When there were no depths (Proverbs 8:27, Proverbs 8:28). The waste of waters which covered the face of the earth is meant—that great deep on which primeval darkness brooded (Genesis 1:2).
Before even this, man's earliest conception of the beginning of the world, uncreated Wisdom was. Septuagint, "before he made the abysses" (see on Proverbs 3:20). I was brought forth; Vulgate, et ego jam concepta eram; Septuagint, at the end of Proverbs 8:25, γεννᾷ με, "he begetteth me."
The verb here is חוּל (chul), which is used of the travailing of women, and is rightly translated, "brought forth by generation." It indicates in this place the energizing of Wisdom, her conception in the Divine mind, and her putting tbrth in operation.
When there were no fountains abounding with water; i.e. springs in the interior of the earth (Genesis 7:11; comp. Job 22:1-30; Job 26:1-14; Job 38:1-41.). Septuagint,"Before the springs of the waters came forward ( προελθεῖν)."