Job 37:11

KJV

Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

KJV (with Strong's)

Also by watering {H7377} he wearieth {H2959} the thick cloud {H5645}: he scattereth {H6327} his bright {H216} cloud {H6051}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He weighs the clouds down with moisture, and they flash forth his lightning.

Berean Standard Bible

He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them.

American Standard Version

Yea, he ladeth the thick cloud with moisture; He spreadeth abroad the cloud of his lightning:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:11 stands as a profound declaration within Elihu's final discourse, serving as a powerful testament to God's absolute and intricate sovereignty over the natural world. Focusing specifically on the hydrological cycle, this verse portrays God as the active agent who burdens the clouds with water and then disperses them, illustrating His meticulous control over phenomena essential for life. It underscores the incomprehensibility of divine power and wisdom, calling humanity to humility and awe before the Creator's majestic works, which operate far beyond human understanding or manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 37:11 is situated within Elihu's fourth and final speech, spanning [Job 32-37](/job/32 "Job 32-37 - Elihu's Speeches"), which immediately precedes God's direct address to Job from the whirlwind. Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, positions himself as a mediator, offering a perspective distinct from the three friends, yet still ultimately flawed in his understanding of Job's suffering. In [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Discourse on God's Majesty"), Elihu reaches the climax of his argument, employing a series of vivid meteorological descriptions—thunder, lightning, snow, and rain—to magnify God's power and wisdom. His aim is to humble Job by demonstrating God's unchallengeable might and mysterious ways in creation, suggesting that suffering might be a means of divine discipline or a revelation of God's glory, rather than solely punishment for sin. This verse, with its focus on clouds and rain, serves as a specific, tangible example of God's comprehensive control over the elements, setting the stage for the divine revelation that follows in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Challenges Job from the Whirlwind").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in the semi-arid regions where Job likely lived, rain was not merely a weather phenomenon but a direct, tangible sign of divine favor and provision. Agricultural societies were utterly dependent on timely and sufficient rainfall for survival and prosperity. Drought meant famine, disease, and death, while abundant rain brought life and blessing. As such, control over rain was often attributed to various deities in pagan cultures (e.g., Baal, the storm god). However, the book of Job, firmly rooted in a monotheistic worldview, attributes this absolute control solely to Yahweh. Elihu's description of God's command over clouds and rain would have resonated deeply with an audience whose daily existence was so intimately tied to the weather, emphasizing God's unique and unchallenged authority as the sustainer of life, in stark contrast to any human or pagan claims of control. This context highlights the radical nature of the biblical assertion of God's singular sovereignty over creation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Nature**, asserting God's direct and personal governance of the cosmos, from the grandest storms to the precise moment of rainfall. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 104:13](/psalms/104-13 "Psalm 104:13 - God Waters the Mountains"), where God waters the mountains from His chambers, and in [Psalm 135:7](/psalms/135-7 "Psalm 135:7 - God Brings Clouds from the Ends of the Earth"), which speaks of God bringing up the vapors from the ends of the earth. Secondly, it implicitly points to **God's Provision** for all creation. Rain is essential for sustaining life, and by orchestrating its delivery, God demonstrates His faithful care for His world, a concept seen in [Job 5:10](/job/5-10 "Job 5:10 - God Sends Rain on the Earth") and [Psalm 65:9-10](/psalms/65-9 "Psalm 65:9-10 - God Waters the Earth with Rain"). Lastly, and perhaps most significantly for Elihu's argument, the intricate and unfathomable processes of the hydrological cycle serve as a prime example of the **Incomprehensibility of God's Ways**. Elihu's consistent message is that God's wisdom and power are far beyond human comprehension, demanding awe and reverence rather than questioning or demanding answers, a point further elaborated upon by God Himself in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Challenge to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **watering (Hebrew, _rîy'_):** From H7377, this noun means "irrigation" or "a shower." In the context of the verse, it refers to the means by which God causes the clouds to become heavy, implying the process of moisture accumulation or the very act of causing the clouds to be full of water, ready for precipitation. It emphasizes God's active role in the initial phase of the rain cycle.
* **wearieth (Hebrew, _ṭârach'_):** From H2959, this verb means "to overburden" or "to weary." In this Hiphil stem, it signifies "to cause to be burdened" or "to make heavy." The KJV's "wearieth" beautifully captures the poetic imagery: God so thoroughly fills the thick cloud with water that it becomes heavy, "wearied" by its immense burden, ready to release its contents as rain. This highlights God's active and complete control over the process of cloud saturation.
* **thick cloud (Hebrew, _ʻâb'_):** From H5645, this noun refers to a dense, heavy cloud, often associated with rain or storms. It evokes a sense of mass and impending precipitation. By specifying the "thick cloud," the text emphasizes the substantial nature of the water God is gathering and preparing to release, underscoring the magnitude of His power and the abundance of His provision.
* **scattereth (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** From H6327, this verb means "to dash in pieces" or "to disperse." It describes the act of distributing something widely. Here, it refers to God's action of dispersing the "bright cloud" either as rain (scattering the water) or by clearing the skies after the rain, revealing the light. This demonstrates God's control not only in bringing the rain but also in managing the aftermath and the clearing of the atmosphere.
* **bright (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** From H216, this noun means "illumination" or "light." When used with "cloud," it describes a cloud that is either illuminated by the sun (perhaps after a storm) or a cloud that is less dense, allowing light to pass through or be reflected. This contrasts with the "thick cloud" and suggests the completion of the rain cycle, leading to clearer skies or the manifestation of God's glory through the light.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud:"** This clause vividly portrays God's active involvement in the initial phase of the hydrological cycle. The phrase "by watering" (or "by moisture") indicates the means by which God accomplishes this. He is the one who fills the dense, heavy clouds to their capacity, causing them to become "wearied" or burdened with the immense volume of water they contain. This is a powerful image of divine preparation and the gathering of resources for His purposes, demonstrating His meticulous attention to the processes that sustain life.
* **"he scattereth his bright cloud:"** This second clause describes the subsequent action, completing the cycle or demonstrating another aspect of God's control. The "bright cloud" could refer to the cloud after it has released its rain, becoming less dense and allowing light to shine through, or it could refer to the clearing of the skies, where the clouds are dispersed to reveal the sun's brilliance. The verb "scattereth" emphasizes God's deliberate act of dispersal, whether of the rain itself or of the clouds post-precipitation. The possessive "his bright cloud" reinforces God's ownership and absolute authority over these natural phenomena, highlighting that even the clearing of the sky is under His sovereign command.

#### Literary Devices
Job 37:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine sovereignty. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "he wearieth the thick cloud," attributing human-like fatigue or burden to an inanimate cloud. This vivid imagery makes God's action of filling it with water more dynamic and impactful, helping the audience visualize the cloud becoming heavy and ready to burst. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of complementary parallelism, where the two clauses describe related yet distinct actions of God concerning clouds, reinforcing the theme of His comprehensive control. "By watering he wearieth the thick cloud" and "he scattereth his bright cloud" both speak to God's mastery over atmospheric conditions, showing His control over both the gathering and the dispersal of moisture. Furthermore, the passage is rich in **Imagery**, painting a clear picture of the sky, the gathering of rain, and its eventual release or the clearing of the atmosphere. The contrast between the "thick cloud" and "bright cloud" provides sensory details that help the reader grasp the physical manifestations of God's power and the completeness of His work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:11 profoundly illustrates God's active and meticulous involvement in the natural world, moving beyond a deistic view of a distant creator to one who is intimately engaged in sustaining His creation. This verse underscores the biblical truth that all natural processes are not merely random occurrences but are orchestrated by divine will and power. The provision of rain, essential for life, becomes a tangible sign of God's faithful providence, demonstrating His consistent and benevolent care for all living things. It challenges human arrogance and self-sufficiency, reminding us that even the most fundamental elements of our existence are entirely dependent on God's sovereign hand. This deep theological truth should cultivate a spirit of humility, trust, and worship in the face of such magnificent and incomprehensible power, fostering a profound sense of awe before the Creator.

* [Job 5:10](/job/5-10 "Job 5:10 - God Sends Rain on the Earth")
* [Psalm 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God Covers the Heavens with Clouds")
* [Jeremiah 14:22](/jeremiah/14-22 "Jeremiah 14:22 - Is there any among the idols of the nations that can cause rain?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:11 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our perspective on God's power and our place in His creation. In an age where humanity often seeks to control and manipulate nature, this verse serves as a humbling reminder that ultimate authority over the elements belongs solely to God. It invites us to cultivate a spirit of awe and wonder, recognizing that the intricate dance of the hydrological cycle, from the burdening of thick clouds to their dispersal, is a testament to an intelligence and power far beyond our own. This recognition should foster deeper trust in God's providence, knowing that if He meticulously governs the vast systems of the earth, He is certainly capable of caring for the details of our lives. It encourages us to respond with worship and reverence, not just when faced with dramatic displays of power, but in the quiet, consistent faithfulness of His sustaining hand in creation that provides for our daily needs and reveals His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's control over natural phenomena like rain impact your understanding of His sovereignty in your personal life, especially in circumstances beyond your control?**
* **In what ways might we, like Job, tend to question God's methods or wisdom when we face suffering or situations we don't understand, rather than trusting His sovereign plan?**
* **What specific natural occurrences around you can serve as daily reminders of God's meticulous care, immense power, and faithful provision, prompting you to worship?**

### FAQ
**Does Elihu's understanding of God's control over nature align with the rest of the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, Elihu's assertion of God's absolute control over natural phenomena, as seen in [Job 37:11](/job/37-11 "Job 37:11 - God's Control Over Clouds and Rain"), is entirely consistent with the broader biblical witness. From the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") where God speaks the cosmos into existence, to the Psalms which declare God's command over the seas and storms (e.g., [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea")), to the prophets who speak of God sending or withholding rain as a sign of blessing or judgment (e.g., [Amos 4:7](/amos/4-7 "Amos 4:7 - God Withholds Rain")), the Bible consistently portrays God as the sovereign ruler of all creation. Elihu's contribution is particularly strong in its emphasis on God's power as a reason for humility and awe, setting the stage for God's own discourse in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Challenge to Job") where He similarly uses natural wonders to highlight His unsearchable wisdom and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 37:11 speaks of God the Father's sovereign control over creation, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus not merely as a prophet or teacher, but as the divine Son through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained (e.g., [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). The very power Elihu describes, of burdening and scattering clouds, is visibly demonstrated by Christ's authority over nature, such as when He calmed the raging storm with a mere word, commanding the wind and waves, "Peace! Be still!" ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Just as God provides physical rain, Christ is the ultimate provider of spiritual "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water"), [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")), the Holy Spirit, who brings spiritual refreshment, renewal, and eternal life to those who believe. Thus, Job 37:11 not only magnifies the Creator's power but foreshadows the incarnate Creator, Jesus, who holds all creation in His hands and offers the ultimate provision for the soul, fulfilling the physical provision of rain with spiritual abundance.

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

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Job 36:27

For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:

Job 36:30

Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.

Job 36:32

With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it [not to shine] by [the cloud] that cometh betwixt.

Isaiah 18:4

For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, [and] like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.