Job 37:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} attentively {H8085} the noise {H7267} of his voice {H6963}, and the sound {H1899} that goeth out {H3318} of his mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just listen to the rumbling of his voice, to the thunder that comes from his mouth!

Berean Standard Bible

Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth.

American Standard Version

Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, And the sound that goeth out of his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:2 presents Elihu's profound call for humanity to attentively perceive God's majestic power, particularly as manifested through the awe-inspiring phenomena of nature, such as thunder. He interprets this thunderous roar as the very "voice" emanating directly from the Almighty, encapsulating his emphasis on reverent listening to God's self-revelation in creation. This verse sets a tone of deep awe and wonder in the face of divine incomprehensibility and sovereignty, serving as a crucial prelude to God's direct address to Job from the whirlwind.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 37:2 is situated within Elihu's final and most extensive monologue (Job 32-37), immediately preceding God's climactic appearance in the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech"). Elihu, the youngest of Job's four interlocutors, distinguishes his argument from the simplistic retribution theology of Job's three friends. He champions God's justice, sovereignty, and the didactic purpose of suffering, often illustrating divine power through vivid descriptions of natural phenomena. In chapters 36 and 37, Elihu specifically focuses on God's dominion over weather—rain, snow, ice, and especially storms and thunder—as undeniable proof of His omnipotence and wisdom. This verse functions as a direct invitation to Job and the other listeners to pay close attention to this divine display, framing the thunder not merely as a meteorological event but as a direct communication from God's "mouth," thereby foreshadowing the very manner in which God will soon speak to Job.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely located east of ancient Israel, reflecting a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic cultural milieu. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, powerful natural phenomena, particularly severe storms, were commonly attributed to divine activity. Thunder, in particular, was frequently associated with the voice of a deity, symbolizing immense power, judgment, and divine presence. While other cultures might have attributed such power to multiple gods (e.g., Baal as a storm god), within the monotheistic framework of Job, this power is exclusively ascribed to Yahweh, the one true God. The imperative to "hear attentively" would have resonated deeply in a culture where oral tradition and direct divine communication were central. The imagery of God speaking from a whirlwind or storm is a recurring motif in biblical literature, signifying an overwhelming, majestic, and often terrifying encounter with the divine, demanding absolute attention and reverence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Majesty and Omnipotence**, portraying God as the ultimate controller of creation, whose very "voice" commands the elements. Elihu's description of the storm as God's voice highlights an immense, uncontainable power that transcends human comprehension, a theme echoed in [God's speeches from the whirlwind](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Revelation Through Nature**, suggesting that the natural world is a primary medium through which God communicates His attributes to humanity. This concept is foundational to natural theology, where God's eternal power and divine nature are "clearly perceived, being understood through what has been made" ([Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Revelation in Creation")). Lastly, the imperative to "Hear attentively" highlights the theme of **Attentive Listening and Reverence**. It's not enough to merely hear the sound; one must listen with spiritual discernment, recognizing the divine communication within the natural spectacle. This call to deep spiritual perception is a recurring biblical motif, urging humanity to respond with awe and submission to God's self-disclosure, whether through creation or direct word, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear attentively (Hebrew, _šāmaʿ šāmaʿ'_):** This phrase employs an intensified imperative, literally "Hear, hear!" or "Listen, listen!" The repetition of the verb (a common Hebrew idiom known as an infinitive absolute) serves to emphasize the urgency, importance, and depth of the listening required. It is not a casual or passive hearing but a call to profound, focused attention, implying a readiness to perceive, understand, and respond to the divine message. It suggests an active, intentional engagement of the mind and spirit, not merely the physical ears.
* **Noise / Sound (Hebrew, _qôl'_):** This versatile Hebrew word can refer to a "voice," "sound," "thunder," "rumble," or "noise." In the context of Job 37, surrounded by detailed descriptions of storms and meteorological phenomena, _qôl_ most powerfully evokes the thunderous roar. Elihu deliberately uses this term to elevate the natural sound of thunder to the status of God's literal "voice," thereby sacralizing the natural world and portraying it as a direct medium of divine communication. It implies a sound of immense power and authority, demanding attention and inspiring awe.
* **Mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** While anthropomorphic, attributing a "mouth" to God, this term is crucial for Elihu's argument. It personalizes the source of the thunder, making it a direct, intentional utterance from God Himself. It suggests that the thunder is not a random natural event but a deliberate articulation of divine will and power, flowing directly from the very essence of God's being. This strengthens the idea that creation is an active expression of God's ongoing presence and control, a direct emanation of His sovereign will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear attentively the noise of his voice":** This opening clause is a powerful imperative, urging the listener to engage deeply with what is about to be described. The repetition in "hear attentively" (a Hebrew intensifier) underscores the critical importance of this command. The "noise of his voice" refers to the thunder, which Elihu presents not merely as a natural phenomenon but as the literal, audible manifestation of God's presence and power. It is a call to perceive the divine in the natural world, to recognize the Creator's active involvement and communication through the grandeur of a storm.
* **"and the sound [that] goeth out of his mouth":** This second clause parallels and amplifies the first, reinforcing the anthropomorphic description of God. The "sound" (again, _qôl_) is explicitly stated to emanate from God's "mouth," further emphasizing that the thunder is a deliberate, intentional utterance from the Almighty. This is not just a loud noise; it is a divine pronouncement, a direct communication from the sovereign Creator. The imagery evokes a sense of overwhelming power and authority, demanding reverence and submission from all who hear it.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's words in Job 37:2 are rich with **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (a "voice," a "mouth") to God to make His actions and presence more relatable and impactful to a human audience. This device powerfully conveys the idea that God is not a distant, impersonal force, but an active, speaking being whose power is directly manifested in creation. The phrase "Hear attentively" employs **Repetition** (an infinitive absolute in Hebrew) for emphasis, creating an urgent and forceful imperative that demands profound attention from the listener. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where the "noise" and "sound" (thunder) stand in for the direct, powerful communication and presence of God. The natural phenomenon becomes a symbol of divine majesty and an audible sign of God's active sovereignty over the cosmos, transforming a meteorological event into a theological statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:2 serves as a profound theological statement on God's self-revelation through creation, particularly through the awe-inspiring power of natural phenomena. Elihu invites humanity to move beyond mere sensory perception to a spiritual discernment, recognizing the thunder as the very "voice" of God. This concept aligns with the broader biblical truth that God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, are clearly seen and understood through what has been made, leaving humanity without excuse. It underscores the idea that creation is not a silent, autonomous entity but an active medium through which the Creator continuously declares His glory and communicates His might, demanding a response of reverence and attentive listening from His creatures.

* [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Revelation in Creation")
* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:2 challenges us to cultivate a profound attentiveness to God's multifaceted communication in our lives. In an age often characterized by noise and distraction, Elihu's ancient call to "hear attentively" resonates with fresh urgency. It encourages us to pause, look beyond the surface, and discern the divine hand at work not only in the grandeur of nature—the power of a storm, the intricate beauty of a flower, the vastness of the cosmos—but also in the ordinary and extraordinary circumstances of our daily existence. God continues to speak through His creation, through the inspired words of Scripture, through the gentle promptings of His Spirit, and even through the trials and triumphs of life. Our spiritual growth is deeply tied to our willingness to listen with reverence, humility, and an open heart, allowing His voice to shape our understanding, inspire our worship, and guide our steps. This attentive listening fosters a deeper sense of awe, recognizing God's sovereignty over all things and cultivating a spirit of wonder that transforms our perspective on life and our relationship with the Almighty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently "hear" God's voice in creation, and how can I cultivate a more attentive spirit to His communication through the natural world?**
* **Beyond nature, where else do I perceive God speaking in my life (e.g., Scripture, circumstances, community), and how diligently do I listen?**
* **What distractions or preconceived notions might prevent me from hearing God's voice "attentively," and how can I overcome them?**

### FAQ
**Why does Elihu emphasize God's voice in thunder so much?**

Answer: Elihu emphasizes God's voice in thunder to underscore the overwhelming majesty, power, and incomprehensibility of God, particularly as a prelude to God's direct appearance in the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Speaks from the Whirlwind"). For Elihu, thunder is not just a natural phenomenon but a direct, audible manifestation of God's active presence and control over creation. It serves to humble Job and the other listeners, reminding them that God's ways are beyond human understanding and that His power is absolute. This emphasis also counters the friends' simplistic theology by demonstrating that God reveals Himself in ways that evoke awe, not just in ways that align with human notions of justice or retribution. It's a call to profound reverence and attentive listening to the divine communication embedded in the natural world.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of suffering in the book of Job?**

Answer: While not directly addressing suffering, Job 37:2 contributes to the broader theme of divine sovereignty and human limitation, which is central to understanding suffering in Job. Elihu's portrayal of God's overwhelming power in nature (His "voice" in thunder) serves to humble Job and the other characters, reminding them that God operates on a scale far beyond human comprehension. The implication is that just as humans cannot fully grasp or control the forces of nature, they also cannot fully grasp or control God's purposes, including His allowance of suffering. This prepares Job for God's own speeches, which will similarly emphasize God's unchallengeable wisdom and power in creation, ultimately leading Job to a place of humble submission and trust, even without a full explanation for his suffering. It shifts the focus from *why* Job suffers to *who* God is, fostering a trust in divine wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 37:2 speaks of God's voice in the thunder, revealing His power and majesty through creation, its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression of God's voice are found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's powerful, often terrifying, revelation of God's voice in nature foreshadows the Incarnation, where the very Word of God became flesh. In Christ, God's voice is no longer primarily a distant, thunderous roar but a personal, intimate, and redemptive utterance. The "sound that goeth out of his mouth" in Job finds its perfect echo in the teachings and life of Jesus, who is the [Logos, the Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is God's final and most complete revelation, the one through whom God has "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Just as Elihu urged attentive listening to the thunder, the New Testament calls for attentive listening to Christ, who declares, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The awe inspired by God's voice in creation is transformed into worship and devotion for the One who perfectly embodies God's power, wisdom, and love, inviting us not just to hear a sound, but to enter into a saving relationship with the living Word.

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 37:5

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

Job 36:33

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

Job 36:29

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

Psalms 104:7

At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

Psalms 29:3

The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

Psalms 29:9

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

Exodus 19:16

¶ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.