Job 37:21
Job 37:21 in Multiple Translations
Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean.
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
And now men see not the light which is bright in the skies; But the wind passeth, and cleareth them.
And now the light is not seen, for it is dark because of the clouds; but a wind comes, clearing them away.
After all, we can't look at the sun when it blazes brightly in the sky, after the wind has cleared away the clouds.
And nowe men see not the light, which shineth in the cloudes, but the winde passeth and clenseth them.
And now, they have not seen the light, Bright it [is] in the clouds, And the wind hath passed by and cleanseth them.
Now men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
But now they see not the light: the air on a sudden shall be thickened into clouds, and the wind shall pass and drive them away.
Now, people cannot look directly at the sun when it shines brightly in the sky after the wind has blown the clouds away; so, we certainly cannot look at the brightness of God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 37:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 37:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֤ה
לֹ֘א
רָ֤אוּ
א֗וֹר
בָּהִ֣יר
ה֭וּא
בַּ/שְּׁחָקִ֑ים
וְ/ר֥וּחַ
עָ֝בְרָ֗ה
וַֽ/תְּטַהֲרֵֽ/ם
וְ/עַתָּ֤ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לֹ֘א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
רָ֤אוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
א֗וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
בָּהִ֣יר
bâhîyr
H925
bright
Adj
ה֭וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בַּ/שְּׁחָקִ֑ים
shachaq
H7834
cloud
Prep | N-mp
וְ/ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Conj | N-cs
עָ֝בְרָ֗ה
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וַֽ/תְּטַהֲרֵֽ/ם
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 37:21
וְ/עַתָּ֤ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
לֹ֘א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָ֤אוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
א֗וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
בָּהִ֣יר
bâhîyr
H925
"bright"
Adj
This Hebrew word means shining or bright, often used to describe light. It appears in descriptions of God's glory and heavenly scenes. In the Bible, it's used to convey a sense of brilliance and radiance.
Definition: bright, brilliant (of light)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bright. See also: Job 37:21.
ה֭וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בַּ/שְּׁחָקִ֑ים
shachaq
H7834
"cloud"
Prep | N-mp
This noun refers to a cloud or a thin vapor in the sky, as in Psalm 36:5 where God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It can also mean the firmament or heaven, like in Genesis 1:20 where birds fly across the sky. The word appears about 20 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) dust, cloud 1a) fine dust 1b) (thin) cloud
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 18:12.
וְ/ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Conj | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
עָ֝בְרָ֗ה
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וַֽ/תְּטַהֲרֵֽ/ם
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
Study Notes — Job 37:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 37:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 37:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 37:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 37:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:21
- Sermons on Job 37:21
Context — Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
19Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.
20Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up ?
21Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean.
22Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. 23The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 36:32 | He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. |
| 2 | Job 26:9 | He covers the face of the full moon, spreading over it His cloud. |
| 3 | Job 38:25 | Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt, |
Job 37:21 Summary
[This verse, Job 37:21, is saying that when the sun is shining brightly in a clear sky, it's hard to look directly at it because it's so intense, and in the same way, God's glory and presence can be overwhelming to us (as seen in Exodus 33:20). The sun in this verse represents God's power and majesty, reminding us that He is beyond our full understanding, as stated in Job 37:23, and that we should approach Him with reverence and humility (as seen in Psalm 95:6). Just as we need to shield our eyes from the sun's brightness, we need to be mindful of our limitations when trying to comprehend God's nature, and instead, focus on worshiping and honoring Him (as seen in Revelation 4:10-11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sun in this verse?
The sun represents the glory and majesty of God, as seen in Job 37:21, and is often used as a symbol of God's power and presence in the Bible, such as in Psalm 84:11 and Isaiah 60:19-20.
Why can't we gaze at the sun when it is bright?
The brightness of the sun is a reminder of God's overwhelming presence, as seen in Exodus 33:20, where it says no one can see God and live, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of God's glory.
How does this verse relate to our understanding of God's nature?
This verse helps us understand that God is beyond human comprehension, as stated in Job 37:23, and that His power and majesty are so great that they can be overwhelming to us, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5.
What is the role of the wind in this verse?
The wind in Job 37:21 represents the clearing or cleansing action of God, preparing the skies for the display of His glory, much like the role of the wind in Exodus 14:21, where it parts the Red Sea to reveal God's power.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I am faced with the overwhelming presence of God, like the brightness of the sun?
- What are some ways that God's glory and majesty are revealed in my life, and how can I be more aware of them?
- How can I balance the desire to know and understand God with the reality of His overwhelming power and presence?
- In what ways can I prepare my heart and mind to encounter God's glory, just as the wind clears the skies in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 37:21
And now men see not the bright light which [is] in the clouds,.... Here Elihu returns to his subject, it may be, occasioned by black clouds gathering in the heavens, as a preparation for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:21
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Cleanseth - i:e., cleareth the air of clouds.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:21
And; or, for, as this particle is oft rendered; the following words containing a reason of those which go before. Now: this particle is either, 1. A note of time, and so it intimates a sudden change which then was in the weather, which having been very dark, began now to clear up; or rather, 2. A note of inference to usher in the argument. Men see not; either, 1. Do not observe (as seeing is oft used) nor consider these glorious works of God; or, 2. Cannot behold, or at least not gaze upon it. In the clouds; or, in the skies; for the Hebrew word signifies both clouds and skies. This is to be understood, either, 1. Of bright and lightsome clouds; or rather, 2.
Of the sun, which is oft and emphatically called light, as was noted before, and here the bright light; which men ofttimes cannot behold, either when it is covered with a black and thick cloud; or when, as it follows, the sky is very clear, and consequently the sunshine is very bright. And therefore it is not strange if we cannot see God, who dwelleth in darkness, , nor discern his counsels and ways, which are covered with great obscurity; and if we dare not approach to him, with whom is, as it here follows, terrible majesty; and if we presume to do so, we must needs be swallowed up, as was said, . But the wind passeth; or rather, when (as this particle is used) the wind passeth. Cleanseth them; earlier the clouds, i.e. cleanseth the air from them; or the skies, by driving away those clouds which darkened it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:21
Job 37:21 And now [men] see not the bright light which [is] in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.Ver. 21. And now men see not the bright light that is in the clouds] It seemeth, saith an expositor, that at that very instant the cloudy weather did begin to clear up, and that thereupon Elihu took occasion to speak these words: q.d. Thou art not able to look into the body of the shining sun, quia nimium sensibile laedit sensum; how much less canst thou behold God in his glory, in comparison to whom the sun in his strength is but as a clod of clay! The sun is called light by an excellency; the Egyptians call him Orus, from the Hebrew, Or. Hereafter we shall see God as he is, see him face to face, 1 John 3:1-2; see as we are seen, &c.; but here we can see his back parts only and live, Exodus 33:20-23 Surely out of what Elihu had hitherto said Job should have reasoned thus with himself, I cannot bear the force of a flash of lightning, of a clap of thunder, of a violent shower, of an overturning whirlwind, of an extreme frost of the outshining sun, &c., how much less of God in his majesty!
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:21
(21) And now men see not the bright light—i.e., the sun. “But he is bright behind the clouds, and when the wind has passed over them and cleared them away, even the north wind, he will come forth like gold; but upon God there is terrible majesty. Though the sun is hidden, we shall see him again, but who shall ever find out God?” It is manifest that this rendering adds great sublimity, and points to the opening of the next chapter.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:21
Verse 21. And now men see not the bright light] Mr. Good gives the sense clearer: - "Even now we cannot look at the light When it is resplendent in the heavens. And a wind from the north hath passed along and cleared them." Elihu seems to refer to the insufferable brightness of the sun. Can any man look at the sun shining in his strength, when a clear and strong wind has purged the sky from clouds and vapours? Much less can any gaze on the majesty of God. Every creature must sink before him. What execrably dangerous folly in man to attempt to arraign His conduct!
Cambridge Bible on Job 37:21
21. The natural meaning of this verse is, And now men cannot look upon the light, When it is bright in the skies, And the wind hath passed and cleansed them. The “light,” here the sunlight, is too great to look upon, it dazzles the beholder, when the wind has passed over and cleared the heavens. Others render, as A.V. in the main, and now men see not the light, though it is bright in the clouds (i. e. behind the clouds); but the wind passeth over and cleareth them. It is difficult to reconcile this translation of the third clause with grammar. The idea supposed to be suggested by this rendering is, that just as behind the clouds there is light, which will by and by appear, so the darkness around God’s face and ways will speedily clear away. But such a thought remains altogether unexpressed; and besides, the whole passage refers to the unsearchableness of God and the terrible majesty that surrounds Him and makes Him unapproachable (Job 37:22-23). The verse is evidently incomplete in sense, expressing but half the idea; the other half is given in Job 37:22.
Barnes' Notes on Job 37:21
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds - Either the lightning that plays on the clouds in an approaching tempest, or a glorious light spread over the sky on the approach of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:21
b. The changing phenomena in the sky lead Elihu to remark that the bright light may for a time be veiled by clouds and darkness, but these shall be chased away.
Sermons on Job 37:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Job #3: The 4th Friend by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit when studying the Bible. He then introduces the character of Elihu in the book of Job |
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Above the Clouds by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the beauty and significance of clouds in our lives, drawing parallels between the clouds in the sky and the challenges we face. He emphasizes that |
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God's Wind by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God's contrary winds and sufferings in life can actually lift us to higher levels and bring us closer to God's heavens, just like birds facing |
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Men See Not the Bright Light Which by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beauty and significance of clouds in both nature and human life, illustrating how they can obscure but also reflect the bright light of God's presence. He |
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The Sun Still Shines - Job 37:21 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell preaches about finding hope and comfort in the midst of life's storms by focusing on the bright light in the clouds, symbolizing the presence of God's light and righte |