Job 36:33

KJV

The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

KJV (with Strong's)

The noise {H7452} thereof sheweth {H5046} concerning it, the cattle {H4735} also concerning the vapour {H5927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its crashing announces its presence and apprises the cattle of what is coming.

Berean Standard Bible

The thunder declares His presence; even the cattle regard the rising storm.

American Standard Version

The noise thereof telleth concerning him, The cattle also concerningthe stormthat cometh up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:33, concluding Elihu's profound discourse, eloquently asserts God's pervasive sovereignty over the natural world. It posits that both the majestic, audible declaration of thunder and the subtle, instinctual responses of animals to atmospheric changes serve as undeniable testimonies to the Creator's immense power, infinite wisdom, and meticulous design, all orchestrated by divine command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful capstone to Elihu’s most extensive speech, spanning [Job chapters 32-37](/job/32 "Job 32-37 - Elihu's Speeches"). Throughout this section, Elihu aims to offer a more comprehensive theological framework for understanding God's justice and wisdom, particularly in the face of human suffering, contrasting with the limited perspectives of Job and his three friends. His argument frequently pivots to God's incomparable greatness as revealed through the awesome forces of nature—rain, clouds, lightning, and thunder. Elihu presents these phenomena not as random occurrences but as carefully controlled instruments of divine purpose, instruction, and even judgment. Verse 33 acts as a powerful summary statement, concluding his vivid description of an impending storm and emphasizing that the entire created order, from the loudest roar to the quietest stirrings, bears witness to its intelligent Designer and powerful Sustainer. Elihu's preceding verses, such as [Job 36:26-32](/job/36-26-32 "Job 36:26-32 - God's Mighty Works in Nature"), meticulously detail God's control over meteorological phenomena, making verse 33 a natural and climactic extension of this theme.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, powerful weather phenomena, especially storms, were universally attributed to divine activity. Unlike the polytheistic cultures that associated storms with various competing deities, the Israelite worldview, as reflected in the Book of Job, firmly rooted all natural power in the singular, sovereign God. The land of Uz, likely a semi-arid region, would have viewed rain as a precious, life-giving commodity, while severe storms could be both awe-inspiring and destructive. Observations of animal behavior preceding weather changes were common and practical knowledge for pastoral societies, whose livelihoods depended on their livestock. The mention of "cattle" (livestock) highlights the intimate connection between human survival and natural cycles, making the animals' instinctive knowledge a valuable, divinely imparted insight. This context underscores a world where the immediate environment was a primary source of revelation about the divine, reinforcing the idea that God's power was not abstract but tangibly manifested in the world around them.
* **Key Themes:** Job 36:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and Elihu’s speeches. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty in Nature**. The "noise thereof" (thunder) is presented as a direct, undeniable manifestation of God's immense power, a sonic declaration of His absolute control over the elements. This underscores that natural forces are not chaotic but divinely commanded, echoing themes found in [Psalm 29](/psalm/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Nature as a Witness to God's Wisdom and Design**. Elihu argues that creation itself, in its grandest displays and subtlest signs, bears witness to its Creator. The observable signs of weather, from the loudest thunder to the quietest atmospheric shifts, reveal the presence, activity, and intelligent design of God, echoing the broader biblical truth that creation declares God's glory, as seen in [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalm/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Subtle Wisdom Embedded in Creation**. The mention of "the cattle also concerning the vapour" points to the instinctive ability of animals to sense changes in the atmosphere, often before humans do. This natural wisdom, enabling creatures to anticipate storms or changes in weather, is presented as another testament to God's intricate and thoughtful design embedded within the natural world, demonstrating God's meticulous care even in seemingly minor details.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noise (Hebrew, _rêaʻ'_):** From the root רוּעַ, this word signifies a "crash," "noise," or "shout." In the context of weather phenomena, particularly when associated with God's power, it frequently refers to **thunder**. Unlike the more common Hebrew word for "voice" or "sound" (_qôl_), _rêaʻ_ emphasizes the crashing, resounding, and often terrifying aspect of thunder, portraying it as a powerful, almost violent declaration. Here, the "noise thereof" explicitly points to the thunder of an approaching storm, presented as a direct, impactful declaration from God.
* **Sheweth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce." The Hiphil stem, used here, implies causing something to be known or declared. Thus, the thunder is not merely an auditory event but an active agent that ** declares**, **proclaims**, or **makes known** information about the storm's arrival and, more profoundly, about the divine power orchestrating it. It signifies an active, undeniable revelation.
* **Vapour (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to ascend," "to go up," or "to mount." While the KJV translates it as "vapour," reflecting an interpretive effort to connect it to atmospheric moisture or exhalations, the primary meaning is broader. In this context, "the cattle also concerning the vapour" could refer to the subtle atmospheric conditions that "ascend" or "rise"—such as rising mist, ground exhalations, or even the subtle atmospheric pressure changes that precede a storm. It highlights the acute sensitivity of animals to these environmental cues, which are themselves part of God's intricate design for creation, providing a silent yet clear testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The noise thereof sheweth concerning it,"**: This clause focuses on the grand, audible manifestation of God's power in nature—thunder. The "noise thereof" refers to the thunder of the storm that Elihu has been describing. The thunder is not just a sound; it "sheweth" or declares something. It proclaims the storm's arrival and, more profoundly, testifies to the divine power that orchestrates it. This emphasizes that even the most dramatic natural phenomena are purposeful declarations of God's sovereignty and active presence.
* **"the cattle also concerning the vapour."**: This second clause shifts from the grand and audible to the subtle and instinctual. "The cattle" (livestock) are presented as possessing an innate awareness of impending weather changes. Their sensitivity to "the vapour" (or more accurately, the subtle atmospheric shifts or rising phenomena that precede a storm, as suggested by the Hebrew _ʻâlâh_) serves as another, more understated, form of testimony. This highlights God's wisdom embedded not only in the grand forces of nature but also in the intricate design of His creatures, enabling them to perceive and react to His providential ordering of the world.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's discourse in Job 36:33 employs several powerful literary devices to convey his theological message. **Personification** is evident in "The noise thereof sheweth concerning it," where thunder (the "noise") is given the human capacity to "show" or "declare." This imbues a natural phenomenon with agency, suggesting it actively communicates divine truth. There is a clear **Contrast** and **Parallelism** between the two clauses: the first speaks of the loud, dramatic manifestation (thunder) and the second of the quiet, instinctual response (cattle sensing subtle changes). Both, however, serve the same purpose: to testify to God's power and wisdom. This creates a sense of comprehensive revelation, from the macrocosm to the microcosm. **Metonymy** is present in "the noise thereof" standing in for thunder, and in "the vapour" for the broader atmospheric conditions or subtle signs of an approaching storm. Elihu also relies on **Empirical Observation**, appealing to common knowledge about weather patterns and animal behavior to make his theological point, grounding divine truth in observable reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:33 profoundly contributes to the biblical doctrine of general revelation, asserting that God's power, wisdom, and divine nature are clearly discernible through the created order. Elihu's argument is that creation itself is a testament to its Creator, speaking volumes about His attributes without uttering a single word. The thunder's roar and the animals' subtle instincts are not merely natural occurrences but are orchestrated by God to declare His glory and sovereignty. This passage reminds humanity to observe the world with reverence, recognizing God's active hand in every aspect of creation, from the grandest storm to the most minute instinct, thereby leaving humanity without excuse for not acknowledging Him.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalm/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation")
* [Psalm 29:3](/psalm/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord is Over the Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:33 calls us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and attentiveness to the world around us, recognizing that every aspect of creation, from the majestic to the mundane, serves as a pointer to the Creator. In an age often characterized by the desacralization of nature, this verse invites us to re-engage with the natural world not merely as a resource or a scientific object, but as a living sermon on God's power, wisdom, and meticulous care. It challenges us to humble ourselves before His incomprehensible greatness, trusting in His sovereignty over all things, whether we fully understand His ways or not. Just as the cattle instinctively respond to subtle atmospheric shifts, we are called to develop a spiritual sensitivity to God's presence and work in our lives and in the world, learning to discern His hand even in the quiet whispers and seemingly insignificant details. This fosters a posture of worship and dependence, reminding us that true wisdom begins with reverent acknowledgment of God's absolute control and perfect design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing natural phenomena (like storms or animal behavior) deepen your understanding of God's power and wisdom?**
* **In what ways might we, like the "cattle," become more attuned to the subtle, everyday signs of God's presence and activity in our lives?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the humility required to truly acknowledge God's sovereignty over all creation?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the noise thereof" in Job 36:33?**

Answer: "The noise thereof" refers to thunder, which in biblical literature is often associated with the very "voice" of God. Its significance lies in its role as a powerful, audible declaration of God's immense power and majesty. It's not just a natural sound but a divine proclamation, demonstrating God's absolute control over the elements and His ability to communicate His presence and purposes through creation. It is a testament to His active involvement in the world, echoing passages like [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalm/29-3-9 "Psalm 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord in Thunder") which describe the powerful "voice of the Lord" in thunder.

**Why does the KJV translate _ʻâlâh_ as "vapour" when its primary meaning is "to ascend"?**

Answer: The KJV's translation of _ʻâlâh_ as "vapour" in Job 36:33 is an interpretive choice, likely made to fit the context of impending weather and animal sensitivity. While _ʻâlâh_ literally means "to ascend" or "to go up," the translators probably understood it to refer to subtle atmospheric conditions that *rise* or *come up*—such as rising mist, ground exhalations, or even the subtle changes in air pressure or humidity that precede a storm. It highlights the ancient understanding that even the ground and its creatures provide silent yet clear signs of impending weather, revealing God's intricate design in the smallest details. Regardless of the specific atmospheric phenomenon, the core message is that animals possess a divinely-imparted instinct to sense changes in the natural environment, which are themselves indicators of God's providential ordering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 36:33 speaks of God's power in creation, primarily through the Old Testament understanding of general revelation, its deepest fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The very power that orchestrates thunder and imbues animals with instinctual wisdom is fully embodied in the Son of God. [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ") declares that "all things were created through Him and for Him," establishing Christ as the active agent in creation. The "noise thereof" (thunder) and the subtle signs of nature that "sheweth concerning it" find their ultimate declaration in the Incarnate Word, who is the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). Jesus demonstrated this divine sovereignty over nature when He commanded the wind and waves, and they obeyed Him ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), revealing that the Creator's authority was present in Him. Furthermore, just as the cattle instinctively respond to the "vapour," believers are called to respond to the ultimate revelation of God in Christ, who is the wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) and by whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")). Thus, the natural world's testimony to God's power in Job 36:33 points forward to the supreme and personal revelation of that power and wisdom in Jesus Christ, the one through whom we truly know the Creator.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 37:2

Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound [that] goeth out of his mouth.

2 Samuel 22:14

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

Joel 1:18

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

Joel 2:22

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

Jeremiah 14:4

Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

Jeremiah 14:6

And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because [there was] no grass.

Job 36:29

Also can [any] understand the spreadings of the clouds, [or] the noise of his tabernacle?