Job 37:4

After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.

After {H310} it a voice {H6963} roareth {H7580}: he thundereth {H7481} with the voice {H6963} of his excellency {H1347}; and he will not stay {H6117} them when his voice {H6963} is heard {H8085}.

There follows a sound, a roar -he is thundering with his majestic voice, and he keeps releasing [the lightning] even while his voice is being heard.

Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds.

After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of his majesty; And he restraineth not the lightnings when his voice is heard.

Commentary

Context of Job 37:4

This verse is part of Elihu's final discourse in the Book of Job, specifically within a lengthy poetic description of God's power and majesty as revealed through natural phenomena, particularly storms, thunder, and lightning. Elihu, the youngest of Job's counselors, attempts to explain God's ways, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and wisdom, often using the grandeur of creation as evidence of divine power. This speech builds anticipation for God's direct intervention, which immediately follows in Job 38:1, where the Lord speaks to Job out of the whirlwind. Elihu's aim is to instill awe and reverence for God's unsearchable greatness, contrasting it with human limitations and Job's perceived understanding of divine justice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Irresistible Power: The roaring thunder is depicted not merely as a natural sound but as a direct expression of God's might. The phrase "he will not stay them when his voice is heard" underscores the idea that once God's power is unleashed or His will declared, it cannot be restrained or stopped by anyone or anything.
  • Divine Majesty and Excellence: The "voice of his excellency" highlights God's inherent greatness, sublimity, and supreme authority. Thunder, a powerful and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, serves as a testament to the Creator's overwhelming majesty, far beyond human comprehension or control. This theme is echoed in passages like Psalm 29:3-9, which describes the powerful "voice of the Lord" over creation.
  • Nature as a Witness to God: Elihu uses the forces of nature, particularly the storm, as a powerful metaphor for God's active presence and control over the world. The thunder, following the lightning (mentioned in the preceding verses), is presented as God's voice, demonstrating His active governance and the futility of questioning His ways.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "a voice roareth" translates the Hebrew word sha'ag (ืฉึธืืึทื’), which often describes the roar of a lion, symbolizing immense power, authority, and intimidating presence. This vivid imagery emphasizes the terrifying and majestic nature of God's voice. "Excellency" comes from the Hebrew ga'on (ื’ึธึผืื•ึนืŸ), meaning majesty, sublimity, or pride, referring to God's inherent glory and elevated status. The concluding phrase "he will not stay them" uses the Hebrew ya'aqeb (ื™ึทืขึฒืงึนื‘), meaning to hold back, restrain, or hinder, reinforcing the idea that God's actions and decrees are unstoppable once set in motion.

Practical Application

Job 37:4 calls believers to a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God. It reminds us that His power is absolute and His will is irresistible. In moments of uncertainty or when facing overwhelming circumstances, this verse encourages us to trust in a God whose "voice" commands the very elements and whose purposes cannot be thwarted. It invites us to recognize God's active hand in creation and in the events of our lives, prompting a response of humility and worship. Understanding God's magnificent power, as displayed even in a thunderstorm, can lead to greater faith and surrender to His sovereign plan, knowing that He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, as Job experienced.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 68:33

    To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice.

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 33:26

    ยถ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

  • Job 36:27

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

  • Job 36:33

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

  • Exodus 15:7

    And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, [which] consumed them as stubble.
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