Job 37:22

KJV

Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God [is] terrible majesty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fair weather {H2091} cometh {H857} out of the north {H6828}: with God {H433} is terrible {H3372} majesty {H1935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Out of the north comes a golden glow, fearsome majesty surrounding God.

Berean Standard Bible

Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him.

American Standard Version

Out of the north cometh golden splendor: God hath upon him terrible majesty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:22 serves as Elihu's culminating declaration, masterfully encapsulating his extended discourse on God's absolute sovereignty and awe-inspiring power, particularly as manifested through the natural world. This verse presents a striking contrast: the familiar, predictable phenomenon of clear weather emerging from the north wind, followed immediately by a profound theological statement affirming the overwhelming, reverential majesty that inherently belongs to God. It functions as a powerful summation, urging Job and his companions—and indeed all humanity—to acknowledge the Creator's incomprehensible grandeur and unchallengeable authority over all things, both seen and unseen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 37:22 stands as the grand finale to Elihu's extensive and passionate speeches, which span from [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's First Speech") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Final Exhortation"). Unlike Job's three friends, Elihu does not accuse Job of specific sins but critiques his self-righteousness and his questioning of God's justice and wisdom. Chapters 36 and 37 are particularly dedicated to Elihu's detailed exposition of God's power revealed in creation—from the intricacies of rain and clouds to the terrifying force of lightning and thunder. Elihu's aim is to humble Job, demonstrating that God's ways are inscrutable and His power absolute, far beyond human comprehension or challenge. This verse, therefore, acts as a powerful capstone, transitioning from specific examples of meteorological phenomena to a universal declaration of divine majesty, setting the stage for God's own direct address from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, weather patterns were not merely scientific phenomena but direct manifestations of divine power, often attributed to the actions of various deities. The "north" (צָפוֹן, _tsaphon_) was commonly associated with the source of clear, cold, and often dry winds that would sweep away storm clouds, bringing clarity and fair weather, a common observation for the inhabitants of the Levant. Elihu leverages this familiar natural occurrence to illustrate a profound theological truth: just as God orchestrates the clearing of the skies, so too does He govern all of creation with an unchallengeable hand. The concept of a deity's "majesty" (הוֹד, _hod_) was also prevalent, often associated with kingship and divine authority, but Elihu elevates this to an unparalleled degree when describing the God of Israel, whose majesty is not merely grand but "terrible" (נוֹרָא, _nora'_)—awe-inspiring and evoking reverential dread.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty over Nature**, highlighting God's meticulous and absolute control over all aspects of creation, from the smallest raindrop to the most fearsome storm, as seen throughout [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - God's Power in Nature"). Elihu's argument is that if God can orchestrate such complex natural processes, His governance of human affairs is equally perfect, though often beyond human understanding. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Awe-Inspiring Majesty**. The phrase "terrible majesty" conveys a sense of overwhelming grandeur, power, and holiness that demands profound reverence and awe, rather than mere fear in a negative sense. This majesty is so immense that it transcends human capacity to fully grasp, echoing themes found in [Psalms 104](/psalms/104 "Psalms 104 - God's Glory in Creation"). Lastly, the verse reinforces the **Incomprehensibility of God**. Elihu consistently points to the limits of human understanding when it comes to God's ways, using the unpredictable yet ordered nature of weather as a metaphor for divine wisdom that is both mysterious and perfectly ordered, a concept also explored in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fair weather (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this word primarily means "gold." Figuratively, it refers to something gold-colored, like a clear sky, hence "fair weather." In this context, it denotes the clear, bright conditions that follow a storm, often brought by the north wind.
* **North (Hebrew, _tsâphôwn'_):** From a root meaning "hidden" or "dark," this term refers to the north as a quarter, often associated with gloomy and unknown regions. However, in the context of weather patterns in the Levant, winds from the north were known to bring clear, cool air, sweeping away clouds and storms, thus leading to "fair weather."
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fear" or "to revere," and causatively "to frighten." In this context, it signifies something "awe-inspiring," "dreadful" in a reverential sense, or "magnificent." It speaks to the overwhelming, majestic quality of God that evokes profound reverence, holy fear, and wonder, rather than mere negative dread.
* **Majesty (Hebrew, _hôwd'_):** From an unused root, this word signifies "grandeur," "imposing form and appearance," "beauty," "excellency," "glory," or "honor." When coupled with _yârêʼ_, it describes a glory so immense and powerful that it naturally inspires awe and reverence, highlighting God's supreme authority and magnificent presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fair weather cometh out of the north":** This opening clause grounds the verse in a common meteorological observation familiar to Elihu's audience. The north wind, known for clearing the skies and bringing forth clear, bright weather after storms, serves as a tangible example of natural order. It implies a transition from chaos (storm) to clarity (fair weather), signaling a divine orchestration of creation's elements. This natural phenomenon is not random but part of a divinely established pattern.
* **"with God [is] terrible majesty":** This second clause abruptly shifts from the observable natural world to a profound theological declaration. The "fair weather" is not merely a natural event but a demonstration of the power and wisdom of the One who brings it forth. The phrase "terrible majesty" (or "awe-inspiring splendor") is the culmination of Elihu's argument. It asserts that God's very being is characterized by an overwhelming, magnificent glory that compels profound reverence and holy fear. This majesty is not something God acquires but is inherent to His nature, transcending all created things and human comprehension, demanding a posture of humility and worship.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 37:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, where the familiar, observable natural phenomenon of "fair weather coming out of the north" is immediately followed by the profound, transcendent declaration of God's "terrible majesty." This stark contrast highlights the divine hand behind the natural order and elevates the discussion from the physical to the spiritual, demonstrating that the mundane is infused with the divine. The phrase "fair weather cometh out of the north" also functions as a **Metaphor** for divine control and the restoration of order, implying that just as God brings clarity to the skies, He also brings clarity and resolution (or at least, His sovereign will) to complex situations like Job's suffering. The term "terrible majesty" itself can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** in its original Hebrew sense, emphasizing the extreme, overwhelming nature of God's splendor beyond ordinary human experience or description. Finally, the verse is deeply **Didactic**, serving as a concluding teaching point in Elihu's discourse, designed to instruct Job and the reader about the proper posture of humility and awe before an incomprehensibly powerful God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:22 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical understanding of God's transcendence and immanence, particularly His sovereign control over creation and His inherent, awe-inspiring nature. It echoes the consistent biblical theme that the natural world serves as a profound witness to the Creator's power, wisdom, and glory, inviting humanity to a posture of worship and humility. This verse challenges any anthropocentric view that places human understanding or experience at the center, instead directing all focus to the unchallengeable and majestic God who orchestrates both the grand cosmic events and the subtle shifts in weather patterns. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God's unapproachable light and His overwhelming presence, which is both glorious and terrifying in its holiness, demanding our reverent awe.

* [Psalms 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3-9 "Psalms 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord in Creation")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Holy, Holy, Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:22 calls us to a profound posture of humility, reverence, and worship before God. In an age often characterized by scientific reductionism and human self-sufficiency, this verse serves as a vital reminder that there is a transcendent Power at work, whose majesty is not only beyond our full grasp but also inherently awe-inspiring. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate and the observable, to perceive the divine hand behind all phenomena, from the clearing of a stormy sky to the intricate workings of the universe. This perspective cultivates a deep sense of wonder and prompts us to acknowledge our finite nature in the face of infinite glory. It invites us to trust in the sovereign God who governs all things, finding comfort and peace in His perfect control, even when His ways seem mysterious or His providence brings hardship. Ultimately, it fosters a worshipful heart that delights in the incomprehensible greatness of our Creator, recognizing that His power is always intertwined with His perfect wisdom and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elihu's description of God's "terrible majesty" challenge your understanding of God's power and presence in the natural world?**
* **In what ways might we, like Job, tend to overemphasize our own understanding or control, and how can this verse help us cultivate greater humility?**
* **What specific natural phenomena in your own experience evoke a sense of God's "terrible majesty," and how can you intentionally use these moments to deepen your worship?**
* **How does acknowledging God's incomprehensibility, as highlighted in this verse, lead to deeper trust rather than frustration or doubt in His character and plans?**

### FAQ

**What does "terrible majesty" mean in Job 37:22?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "terrible majesty" can be misleading to modern readers, as "terrible" today often implies something bad or dreadful. However, in its original context, and reflecting the Hebrew word נוֹרָא (_nora'_), it signifies something "awe-inspiring," "fear-inducing" in a reverential sense, or "magnificent." It describes a majesty so overwhelming and grand that it naturally evokes profound reverence, holy fear, and wonder. It's the kind of awe that makes one fall on their face, not out of terror of harm, but out of recognition of supreme, unapproachable glory and power. This concept is similar to how God's presence is described as "awesome" in other biblical passages, such as [Psalms 68:35](/psalms/68-35 "Psalms 68:35 - God is Awesome in His Sanctuary") and [Nahum 1:3-6](/nahum/1-3-6 "Nahum 1:3-6 - The Lord's Vengeance and Power").

**Why does Elihu focus so much on nature in his arguments to Job?**

Answer: Elihu's extensive focus on nature, particularly in [Job 36](/job/36 "Job 36 - Elihu Continues to Speak") and [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Final Exhortation"), serves several key purposes in his discourse. Firstly, it's a common and accessible way to demonstrate God's power and sovereignty. Everyone experiences weather, and its unpredictable yet ordered nature provides clear evidence of a divine orchestrator. Secondly, Elihu uses nature to highlight God's wisdom and justice, arguing that if God perfectly controls the complex systems of the natural world, He certainly governs human affairs with perfect wisdom, even if humans cannot discern it. Thirdly, by emphasizing the overwhelming power of natural phenomena (storms, lightning, clouds), Elihu aims to humble Job and his friends, showing them that humanity is insignificant compared to the Creator. This prepares them for God's own direct address from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job"), where God also extensively uses creation to challenge Job's limited understanding and invite him to a posture of trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 37:22 speaks of God's "terrible majesty" revealed in creation, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in Jesus Christ. The God whose power orchestrates the north wind and clears the skies is the same God who, in the person of Jesus, entered His own creation. The awe-inspiring majesty that Elihu proclaims is not merely a distant, unapproachable power, but one that became intimately accessible in the Incarnation. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), demonstrates this divine majesty not only through His miraculous power, such as [calming a storm with a word](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm") or [walking on water](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water"), but supremely through His humble obedience and sacrificial love. The "terrible majesty" of God, which demands reverence and holy fear, is fully displayed and perfectly reconciled with divine love at the cross, where the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") takes away the sin of the world. Through Christ, we are invited not just to stand in awe of a distant Creator, but to enter into a relationship with Him, experiencing His majesty as both glorious and gracious. The One who will one day return with power and [great glory](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man Coming in Glory") is the same One who first came in humility, making the unapproachable God approachable, and revealing the full spectrum of His awe-inspiring, yet loving, majesty.

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

Psalms 104:1

¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Job 40:10

Deck thyself now [with] majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.

Proverbs 25:23

¶ The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;