Job 37:16

KJV

Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?

KJV (with Strong's)

Dost thou know {H3045} the balancings {H4657} of the clouds {H5645}, the wondrous works {H4652} of him which is perfect {H8549} in knowledge {H1843}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Do you know how he balances the clouds? These are marvels of him who knows everything!

Berean Standard Bible

Do you understand how the clouds float, those wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge?

American Standard Version

Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:16 presents Elihu's profound rhetorical challenge to Job, inviting him to consider the intricate and seemingly effortless suspension of clouds—a marvel of nature that points directly to the incomprehensible wisdom and perfect knowledge of God. This verse serves as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty over creation, underscoring the vast chasm between finite human understanding and the infinite, flawless intellect of the Almighty, thereby preparing Job for a deeper encounter with God's majesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Elihu's final and most expansive discourse (Job 32-37), which immediately precedes God's direct intervention in the narrative. Elihu, a younger and previously silent observer, steps forward to correct what he perceives as theological missteps by both Job and his three friends. Unlike the friends, Elihu does not accuse Job of specific sin but rather challenges Job's understanding of God's justice and wisdom, particularly in the context of suffering. Chapter 37 specifically focuses on God's power as revealed through meteorological phenomena—snow, rain, wind, and especially clouds—culminating in an awe-inspiring depiction of divine majesty that builds anticipation for God's grand revelation from the whirlwind in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). Elihu's aim is to humble Job, not through accusation, but through an overwhelming display of God's unsearchable greatness in creation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, weather phenomena were often attributed to the direct activity of deities. Unlike the polytheistic views of surrounding cultures, the biblical worldview, as expressed in Job, firmly establishes Yahweh as the sole and sovereign controller of all natural forces. Clouds, in particular, were seen as mysterious and powerful, holding life-giving rain or destructive storms. The "balancings of the clouds" would have evoked a sense of wonder at the precise, almost magical, suspension of vast amounts of water in the sky, defying human explanation or control. This understanding of divine control over nature was central to their cosmology and theology, reinforcing God's omnipotence and unique status as Creator and Sustainer, a theme echoed in [Psalm 147:8](/psalm/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God Covers the Heavens with Clouds"). The wisdom tradition, to which Job belongs, often drew lessons about God's character and human humility from observations of the natural world.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's Omniscience and Omnipotence**, positing that God possesses perfect, complete knowledge and unlimited power, demonstrably evident in His intricate management of the cosmos, from the macro (celestial bodies) to the micro (atmospheric pressure). The "balancings of the clouds" serves as a precise example of this sophisticated divine engineering. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Incomprehensibility of God**, as the rhetorical question "Dost thou know...?" implies a resounding "No," underscoring the vast, unbridgeable gap between finite human intellect and infinite divine wisdom. This theme is crucial for humbling Job and all humanity before the Creator, as seen in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher"). Thirdly, the verse affirms **Divine Sovereignty over Creation**, asserting God's absolute and meticulous control over all natural processes. He is not merely a distant creator but an active sustainer, meticulously governing even the most seemingly mundane elements of nature, a truth beautifully declared in [Psalm 19:1](/psalm/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare the Glory of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balancings (Hebrew, _miphlesei'_):** This rare Hebrew word, derived from a root meaning "to weigh," "to make level," or "to poise," conveys the idea of precise equilibrium, suspension, or the exact distribution of weight. In the context of clouds, it evokes the astonishing phenomenon of massive quantities of water vapor being held aloft in the atmosphere without collapsing, seemingly defying gravity. It speaks to the intricate atmospheric dynamics—pressure, temperature, condensation, and air currents—all perfectly orchestrated by divine design, highlighting God's meticulous control and sophisticated engineering of natural laws.
* **Clouds (Hebrew, _'ab'_):** In biblical thought, clouds are frequently associated with God's presence, power, and mystery. They can signify judgment (e.g., storm clouds) or blessing (e.g., rain clouds). Here, 'ab refers to the dense, dark clouds that bring rain or storms. The mystery of their formation, movement, and suspension, especially before modern meteorology, would have been a profound enigma, serving as a perfect illustration of God's unsearchable works.
* **Perfect in knowledge (Hebrew, _tĕmîm dê'îm'_):** This phrase describes God as possessing complete, absolute, and flawless understanding. "Perfect" (_tāmîm_) implies wholeness, integrity, and faultlessness. "Knowledge" (_dê'îm_) refers to comprehensive understanding, not merely information but insight into the essence and working of all things. This attribute of God is foundational to Elihu's argument: because God's knowledge is perfect, His works, even those that seem inexplicable or harsh to humans, are ultimately wise and just.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds,"**: This is a direct rhetorical question posed by Elihu to Job, designed to highlight human intellectual limitations. The implied answer is a resounding "No." It challenges Job (and the reader) to consider the intricate, precise, and seemingly miraculous way in which clouds, massive reservoirs of water, are suspended in the atmosphere without falling. This phenomenon, which even modern science marvels at, is presented as a testament to a divine order beyond human comprehension or control. The question serves to humble the human intellect before the Creator's wisdom.
* **"the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?"**: This clause directly attributes the "balancings of the clouds" and all other natural wonders to God. The phrase "wondrous works" (_niphla'ot_) refers to acts that are astonishing, miraculous, or beyond human explanation, inspiring awe and reverence. The description of God as "him which is perfect in knowledge" is crucial, as it provides the theological basis for His ability to perform such intricate and seemingly impossible feats. It emphasizes that God's power is not arbitrary but flows from an absolute, comprehensive, and flawless understanding of all things, past, present, and future, ensuring that His control over creation is absolute and purposeful.

#### Literary Devices
Job 37:16 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing a **Rhetorical Question** ("Dost thou know...?"), which serves to challenge the listener's presumed wisdom and underscore the vast gap between human understanding and divine knowledge. The question is not meant to be answered but to provoke introspection and humility, implying a resounding "No" to human comprehension of God's intricate works. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery** by focusing on "the balancings of the clouds," creating a mental picture of immense natural forces held in delicate, inexplicable equilibrium. This imagery functions as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (the clouds) represents the whole of God's incomprehensible and majestic control over all creation. Furthermore, the phrase "wondrous works" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary, awe-inspiring nature of God's actions, which transcend ordinary human experience and capability. Finally, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the finite, limited knowledge of humanity with the infinite, "perfect knowledge" of God, thereby highlighting divine transcendence and sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:16 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty and infinite wisdom, particularly as revealed in His meticulous governance of the natural world. It asserts that the same God who orchestrates the complex atmospheric processes to suspend immense clouds is the God whose knowledge is utterly flawless and comprehensive. This divine attribute, _omniscience_, ensures that God's actions, even those that seem perplexing or unjust from a human perspective, are rooted in perfect understanding and wise purpose. The verse thus calls for a posture of humility and trust in the face of divine mystery, reminding us that our limited perception cannot grasp the full scope of God's design. It encourages us to find awe and worship in creation, recognizing it as a continuous testament to the Creator's unsearchable wisdom and power.

* [Psalm 104:1-5](/psalm/104-1 "Psalm 104:1-5 - God's Majesty in Creation") - Describes God's majestic power as displayed in the creation and sustenance of the earth and heavens, echoing the idea of His intricate control over natural elements.
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation") - States that God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, are clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, leaving humanity without excuse.
* [Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - The Lord by Wisdom Founded the Earth") - Affirms that "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens," directly linking creation to God's profound wisdom.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:16 serves as a powerful antidote to human arrogance and a profound invitation to worship. In an age where scientific advancements often lead to a sense of human mastery over nature, this verse reorients our perspective, reminding us that the most fundamental and awe-inspiring processes of the natural world remain ultimately beyond our full comprehension or control. The "balancings of the clouds" is a daily, visible miracle that points to an intelligent, powerful, and perfectly knowledgeable Creator who sustains all things. This should cultivate profound humility within us, prompting us to acknowledge our limitations and to stand in awe of the God who orchestrates such intricate designs. When we face circumstances in our own lives that seem chaotic, inexplicable, or unjust, this verse calls us to trust in the perfect knowledge of the God who manages the cosmos with flawless precision. It encourages us to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that the One who perfectly balances the clouds also holds our lives, our future, and our deepest mysteries within His wise and capable hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What natural phenomenon, like the "balancings of the clouds," causes you to marvel at God's intricate design and power?**
* **How does acknowledging God's "perfect knowledge" impact your perspective on unexplained suffering or difficult circumstances in your life?**
* **In what ways might our modern scientific understanding, rather than diminishing, actually enhance our awe for the "wondrous works" of God?**
* **How can reflecting on God's sovereignty over creation deepen your trust in His control over your personal life?**

### FAQ
**What does "balancings of the clouds" specifically mean in a scientific sense?**

Answer: While the ancient understanding was based on observation and awe, modern meteorology helps us appreciate the complexity implied by "balancings." It refers to the intricate interplay of atmospheric pressure, temperature gradients, condensation, evaporation, and air currents that allow billions of tons of water to be suspended as clouds. This "balancing" involves a delicate equilibrium where the upward forces of warm air currents and the tiny size of water droplets (or ice crystals) overcome gravity, allowing clouds to form, move, and hold their moisture until conditions are right for precipitation. Elihu's question, though ancient, points to a profound scientific reality that requires immense, precise control.

**Why does Elihu focus so much on natural phenomena in his speeches to Job?**

Answer: Elihu uses natural phenomena as a primary means to demonstrate God's unassailable power, wisdom, and sovereignty. For Elihu, the visible, tangible wonders of creation—like storms, snow, and clouds—are irrefutable evidence of God's greatness, which transcends human understanding and challenge. By pointing to these majestic works, Elihu aims to humble Job and silence his complaints against God's justice. He argues that if humanity cannot even comprehend the workings of the natural world, how much less can they grasp the complexities of God's moral governance and His purposes in human suffering? This approach is a common theme in wisdom literature, where creation serves as a classroom for divine attributes, as seen in [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalm/19-1 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 37:16, with its declaration of God's perfect knowledge and wondrous works in creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the divine agent through whom all things were created and are sustained. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Were Made Through Him") declares, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," echoing the creative power attributed to God in Job. Similarly, [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ is the Creator and Sustainer") explicitly states that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This means that the "balancings of the clouds" and all other intricate natural processes are not just the works of an abstract God, but are actively sustained by the very Word who became flesh. The wisdom of God, which Elihu extols as "perfect in knowledge," is personified in Christ, who is described as "the wisdom of God" in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). Thus, when we gaze upon the wonders of creation, we are not merely seeing the works of a distant deity, but the ongoing, sustaining power and perfect wisdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom God has spoken and revealed Himself most fully, as highlighted in [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "God Has Spoken by His Son").

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 36:4

For truly my words [shall] not [be] false: he that is perfect in knowledge [is] with thee.

Jeremiah 10:12

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Jeremiah 10:13

When he uttereth his voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Proverbs 3:19

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

Proverbs 3:20

By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Job 36:29

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

Psalms 104:2

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: