Job 37:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H410} thundereth {H7481} marvellously {H6381} with his voice {H6963}; great things {H1419} doeth {H6213} he, which we cannot comprehend {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"God thunders wonderfully with his voice, he does great things beyond our understanding.

Berean Standard Bible

God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:5, a powerful declaration from Elihu, articulates the profound majesty and active sovereignty of God, particularly as revealed through the awe-inspiring phenomenon of thunder. The verse emphasizes that God's works are not only immense and extraordinary but also fundamentally transcend the limits of human understanding, thereby calling all humanity to a posture of profound reverence, humility, and unwavering trust before the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the culminating section of Elihu's extensive theological discourse, spanning [Job 32-37](/job/32-37 "Job 32-37 - Elihu's Speeches on God's Justice and Power"). Elihu, the youngest and most articulate of Job's interlocutors, has systematically presented a refined perspective on suffering, suggesting it can serve as a divine discipline intended for instruction and purification, rather than solely as punishment for sin. In [Job 36-37](/job/36-37 "Job 36-37 - Elihu's Discourse on God's Power and Wisdom"), he meticulously details God's omnipotence and wisdom as manifested in the natural world—from rain and snow to clouds, lightning, and especially thunder. Elihu's argument builds towards the irrefutable evidence of God's absolute control over creation, culminating in a profound statement about divine incomprehensibility that directly precedes God's dramatic intervention from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). Thus, Job 37:5 serves as a climactic summary, preparing Job and the reader for the direct encounter with the Almighty by highlighting the unsearchable depths of God's operations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, natural phenomena such as storms and thunder were widely perceived as manifestations of divine power, often associated with various storm deities. However, the biblical worldview, as articulated by Elihu, firmly attributes these majestic displays to Yahweh, the one true God, thereby asserting His singular and unrivaled sovereignty over all creation. Thunder, in particular, was frequently understood as the very voice of God, symbolizing His terrifying power, majestic presence, and even His judgment, as vividly depicted in the theophany at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Thunder at Sinai")) or in the poetic grandeur of [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord"). The book of Job itself reflects a period of intense theological grappling with the problem of unmerited suffering, challenging the simplistic retribution theology prevalent in some wisdom traditions. Elihu's contribution, while still rooted in the wisdom framework, attempts to elevate the discourse beyond a direct correlation between sin and suffering by emphasizing God's inscrutable wisdom and His use of creation as a testament to His overwhelming power and ultimate justice.

* **Key Themes:** Job 37:5 masterfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Power and Majesty** of God, portraying Him as the supreme orchestrator of the cosmos, whose "voice" (thunder) commands the elements with absolute authority. This highlights God's unassailable control over nature, a crucial theme as Job wrestles with a world that seems chaotic and unjust. Secondly, the verse profoundly emphasizes the **Incomprehensibility of God's Ways**, asserting that His "great things" are inherently beyond human understanding. This theme is pivotal to Job's spiritual journey, as he struggles to reconcile his suffering with God's justice, ultimately leading to the humble realization that divine wisdom transcends finite human reason, as confessed in [Job 42:3](/job/42-3 "Job 42:3 - Job's Confession of Ignorance"). Lastly, it points to God's **Sovereignty Over Creation**, presenting natural phenomena not as arbitrary occurrences but as deliberate, purposeful expressions of God's will and power. This concept resonates deeply with the creation narratives in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and the numerous poetic descriptions of God's dominion over the earth found in the Psalms, such as [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - God's Glory in Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thundereth (Hebrew, _râʻam'_):** Derived from a primitive root signifying violent agitation or crashing, this verb specifically denotes the sound of thunder. In biblical contexts, _râʻam_ is often associated with the direct manifestation of God's presence, His judgment, and His overwhelming power (e.g., [1 Samuel 7:10](/1_samuel/7-10 "1 Samuel 7:10 - God Thunders Against the Philistines")). Its use here vividly portrays God's active, audible, and awe-inspiring engagement with the natural world, depicting Him not as a distant, passive deity but as one who speaks and acts with immense, uncontainable force.
* **Marvellously (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** From a root meaning "to separate" or "distinguish," this term implies something extraordinary, difficult, or wonderful. When applied to God's actions, _pâlâʼ_ describes deeds that are unique, incomprehensible, and awe-inspiring, transcending ordinary human experience or explanation. It suggests that God's thunder is not merely a meteorological event but a supernatural display of His power, evoking profound wonder and reverence, signaling His singular ability to perform things beyond human capacity.
* **Comprehend (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to know" (especially by seeing or experience), _yâdaʻ_ encompasses a wide range of understanding, from simple recognition to deep, intimate knowledge. In the context of "which we cannot comprehend," the negative construction (_lo' yâdaʻ_) underscores the inherent limitation of human knowledge and intellect when confronted with the vastness, complexity, and mystery of God's works and purposes. It is a profound statement of epistemic humility, acknowledging that God's "great things" operate on a scale and according to a wisdom far beyond human grasp, a theme powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God thundereth marvellously with his voice":** This opening clause establishes God as the supreme, active agent in creation, whose very "voice" is the thunder. The use of "marvellously" elevates this natural phenomenon into a supernatural, astonishing, and awe-inspiring display of God's unique power. It personifies the thunder as a direct, potent expression of divine will and presence, setting a tone of majestic, unapproachable might that commands reverence and wonder.
* **"great things doeth he":** This phrase expands the scope beyond the specific act of thundering to encompass the entirety of God's mighty deeds. "Great things" refers to His vast, profound, and impactful works in creation, providence, and the governance of the world. It signifies God's continuous, active engagement in the cosmos, performing acts that are grand in scale and significant in their impact, far exceeding human capabilities, imagination, or even observation.
* **"which we cannot comprehend":** This concluding clause introduces a crucial theological limitation: humanity's inherent inability to fully grasp or understand the totality of God's works, purposes, and wisdom. It highlights the vast chasm between finite human intellect and infinite divine wisdom. This is not merely a statement about the complexity of God's actions but about their inherent mystery and transcendence, inviting a posture of humility, faith, and trust rather than exhaustive intellectual mastery or rationalization.

#### Literary Devices
Job 37:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently featured in the phrase "God thundereth... with his voice," which attributes a human characteristic (a voice) to God. This device makes God's immense power more relatable and immediate, even as it describes a natural phenomenon, allowing the listener to perceive divine activity in a tangible way. The descriptors "marvellously" and "great things" utilize **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to underscore the extraordinary scale, uniqueness, and incomprehensibility of God's works. This evokes a powerful sense of the **Sublime**—a feeling of awe mixed with a respectful apprehension in the face of overwhelming, transcendent power. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** or **Antithesis** established between the infinite power and knowledge of God and the finite, limited understanding of humanity, explicitly stated in "which we cannot comprehend." This stark contrast serves to humble the human observer, emphasizing the vast chasm between creature and Creator, and elevating the divine to its rightful place of unsearchable majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:5 stands as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty and incomprehensible majesty of God, particularly as revealed through His dynamic control over the natural world. It asserts that God's works are not only mighty and extraordinary but also fundamentally transcend the full grasp of human intellect, demanding a posture of profound humility and awe. This verse contributes significantly to the broader biblical theme of general revelation, where God's invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature are clearly perceived through what has been made, yet simultaneously underscores the limits of human reason to fully fathom His infinite wisdom and purposes. It serves as a theological anchor, reminding us that while God graciously reveals Himself, much of His being and His ways remain a profound mystery, inviting a faith that trusts in His character even when exhaustive understanding eludes us.

* [Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord on the Waters")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Unsearchable Riches of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:5 calls believers to embrace a profound posture of humility, awe, and trust in the face of God's overwhelming power and inscrutable wisdom. In a contemporary world that often seeks to rationalize, control, and explain every phenomenon through human reason alone, this verse serves as a vital reminder that there are dimensions of God's being and His operations that will forever remain beyond our finite comprehension. It encourages us to cultivate a deep sense of wonder and reverence when observing creation, recognizing it not as a random collection of natural occurrences but as the deliberate, powerful, and "marvellous" work of an active, sovereign God. Our inherent inability to fully comprehend His "great things" should not lead to doubt, anxiety, or despair, but rather to a deeper, more robust trust in His sovereign purposes, even when circumstances are perplexing, painful, or seemingly illogical from our limited perspective. This trust acknowledges that God is always at work, doing things far grander and more intricate than we can ever imagine, for reasons that may only be fully revealed in eternity, inviting us to rest in His perfect wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating God's immense power as revealed in nature (such as thunder or other natural forces) impact your personal sense of awe and worship?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or understanding do you struggle to trust God because His ways or purposes seem incomprehensible or contrary to your expectations?**
* **How can intentionally embracing the "incomprehensibility" of God lead to greater humility, deeper faith, and a more profound sense of peace, rather than intellectual frustration?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a greater sense of wonder and reverence for God's "great things" in your daily life and surroundings?**

### FAQ
**Does "which we cannot comprehend" mean God is unknowable or that we cannot understand anything about Him?**

Answer: No, "which we cannot comprehend" does not mean God is entirely unknowable or that we cannot understand anything about Him. Rather, it signifies that His "great things"—His works, His wisdom, and His ways—are beyond our *full* or *exhaustive* comprehension. The Bible consistently teaches that God graciously reveals Himself clearly through His creation, making His eternal power and divine nature evident ([Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen")), and supremely through His inspired Word and through the person of Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). However, it also consistently affirms His transcendence and infinite wisdom, which far exceed finite human understanding. This phrase in Job 37:5 emphasizes that while we can know God truly and intimately, we can never know Him exhaustively. There will always be a dimension of mystery that calls for faith, humility, and ongoing discovery, acknowledging that His thoughts are indeed higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Elihu's words in Job 37:5 powerfully articulate God's majestic power and incomprehensible wisdom as revealed in creation, they find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "voice" of God that "thundereth marvellously" is perfectly embodied in the Son, who is the very Word of God, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The "great things" God does, which transcend human comprehension, are most gloriously and mysteriously demonstrated in the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ—unfathomable acts of salvation that defy human reason yet are revealed by divine grace. Jesus, through His miraculous power, demonstrated complete sovereignty over nature, silencing raging storms with a mere word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and walking upon the tumultuous sea ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), thereby revealing the very power and authority Elihu describes. Furthermore, Christ is presented as the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), through whom the incomprehensible depths of God's wisdom, knowledge, and mystery are made accessible and knowable to humanity ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Thus, the God whose works are beyond our full comprehension is the same God who, in Christ, has drawn near, making Himself knowable and inviting us into a relationship built on faith in His revealed truth, even as we stand in eternal awe of His infinite 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

Job 5:9

Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Isaiah 40:28

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

¶ He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Job 26:14

Lo, these [are] parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

2 Samuel 22:14

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

2 Samuel 22:15

And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.