Job 37:4
Job 37:4 in Multiple Translations
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 excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of his majesty; And he restraineth not the lightnings when his voice is heard.
After it a voice is sounding, thundering out the word of his power; he does not keep back his thunder-flames; from his mouth his voice is sounding.
Then comes the roar of thunder, his majestic voice holding nothing back when he speaks.
After it a noyse soundeth: hee thundereth with the voyce of his maiestie, and hee will not stay them when his voyce is heard.
After it roar doth a voice — He thundereth with the voice of His excellency, And He doth not hold them back, When His voice is heard.
After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn’t hold back anything when his voice is heard.
After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellence; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
After it a noise shall roar, he shall thunder with the voice of his majesty, and shall not be found out, when his voice shall be heard.
After the lightning flashes, we hear the thunder which is like [MET] God’s majestic voice; he does not restrain the lightning when he speaks.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 37:4
BAB
Word Study
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Job 37:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַחֲרָ֤י/ו
יִשְׁאַג
ק֗וֹל
יַ֭רְעֵם
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
גְּאוֹנ֑/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יְ֝עַקְּבֵ֗/ם
כִּֽי
יִשָּׁמַ֥ע
קוֹלֽ/וֹ
אַחֲרָ֤י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
יִשְׁאַג
shâʼag
H7580
to roar
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ק֗וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
יַ֭רְעֵם
râʻam
H7481
to thunder
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
גְּאוֹנ֑/וֹ
gâʼôwn
H1347
pride
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְ֝עַקְּבֵ֗/ם
ʻâqab
H6117
to assail
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִשָּׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
קוֹלֽ/וֹ
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 37:4
אַחֲרָ֤י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
יִשְׁאַג
shâʼag
H7580
"to roar"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to roar, like a lion or a conqueror, and is also used to describe God's powerful voice. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of intense power or distress. In Psalm 104:21, it describes the roar of a lion.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to roar 1a) of lion, conqueror, Jehovah, cry of distress
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] mightily, roar. See also: Judges 14:5; Jeremiah 25:30; Psalms 22:14.
ק֗וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
יַ֭רְעֵם
râʻam
H7481
"to thunder"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to make a loud, rumbling sound like thunder, and can also describe being violently angry or agitated, as seen in Psalm 104:7. It can be translated as thunder, roar, or trouble. In the Bible, it often describes God's powerful voice.
Definition: 1) to thunder 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to make the sound of thunder, thunder 1a2) to rage 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to thunder, cause thunder 1b2) to tremble, cause to tremble (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: make to fret, roar, thunder, trouble. See also: 1 Samuel 1:6; Job 37:5; Psalms 18:14.
בְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
גְּאוֹנ֑/וֹ
gâʼôwn
H1347
"pride"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means pride or majesty, describing something excellent or arrogant, like nations or God's power, as seen in the KJV translations of Isaiah and Psalms.
Definition: 1) exaltation, majesty, pride 1a) majesty, exaltation, excellence 1a1) of nations 1a2) of God 1a3) of the Jordan 1b) pride, arrogance (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. See also: Exodus 15:7; Jeremiah 13:9; Psalms 47:5.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יְ֝עַקְּבֵ֗/ם
ʻâqab
H6117
"to assail"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to attack or trip someone up from behind, often used to describe underhanded tactics. It appears in Genesis 27:36, where Jacob is said to have supplanted Esau. The word is also used in Hosea 12:3-4 to describe Jacob's actions.
Definition: 1) to supplant, circumvent, take by the heel, follow at the heel, assail insidiously, overreach 1a) (Qal) to supplant, overreach, attack at the heel 1b) (Piel) to hold back
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: take by the heel, stay, supplant, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 27:36; Jeremiah 9:3; Hosea 12:4.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִשָּׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
קוֹלֽ/וֹ
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
Study Notes — Job 37:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 37:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 37:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 37:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 37:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:4
- Sermons on Job 37:4
Context — Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
2Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth.
3He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth.
4Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds.
5God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend. 6For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 29:3–9 | The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD strikes with flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, “Glory!” |
| 2 | Psalms 68:33 | to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds. |
| 3 | Exodus 15:7–8 | You overthrew Your adversaries by Your great majesty. You unleashed Your burning wrath; it consumed them like stubble. At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. |
| 4 | Job 36:27–33 | For He draws up drops of water which distill the rain from the mist, which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind. Furthermore, who can understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion? See how He scatters His lightning around Him and covers the depths of the sea. For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance. He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. The thunder declares His presence; even the cattle regard the rising storm. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 33:26 | “There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, and the clouds in His majesty. |
Job 37:4 Summary
[This verse, Job 37:4, describes the amazing power of God's voice, which is like a mighty thunderstorm that commands our attention and inspires awe. As it says in Psalm 29:3-5, God's voice is powerful and full of majesty, and we should respond with reverence and worship. The fact that God does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds shows us that He is in complete control of creation, and we can trust in His wisdom and power, just as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6. By remembering God's mighty voice and power, we can find comfort and strength in our daily lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'roaring sound' mean in Job 37:4?
The phrase 'roaring sound' in Job 37:4 refers to the powerful and awe-inspiring sound of God's thunder, emphasizing His mighty power and presence, as seen in Psalm 29:3-5 where it describes the voice of the Lord as powerful and full of majesty.
Why does the verse say God does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds?
This phrase highlights God's complete control over creation, including the forces of nature, as stated in Jeremiah 10:13, where it says He controls the lightning, and in Job 38:35, where it says He can command the lightning to strike.
What is the significance of God's 'majestic voice' in this verse?
God's 'majestic voice' in Job 37:4 signifies His greatness and authority, much like in Isaiah 30:30, where the Lord roars with His voice, and in Ezekiel 43:2, where the voice of the Lord is like the sound of mighty waters, emphasizing His divine power and glory.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us of God's omnipotence and sovereignty, encouraging us to trust in His power and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of God thundering with His majestic voice evoke in my heart, and how should I respond to this revelation of His power?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of God's control over creation to my own life, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
- How does the description of God's voice as 'majestic' challenge my perception of Him, and what are the implications of this for my worship and obedience?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's power, as described in this verse, in my daily life and prayer?
Gill's Exposition on Job 37:4
After it a voice roareth,.... After the lightning comes a violent crack or clap of thunder, which is like the roaring of a lion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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 it - after the lightning the voice roareth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:4
After it a voice, i.e. after the lightning. For though the thunder be in order of nature before the lightning, yet the lightning is seen before the thunder is heard. With the voice of his excellency, or, with his excellent, or high, or lofted voice, both loud and full of majesty and awfulness. He will not stay; or, delay. Heb. take them by the heel, as Jacob did Esau in the womb, to delay or stop him from entering into the world before him. Them; either, 1. The lightnings spoken of in the beginning of the verse. But these do not stay till his voice be heard, but come before it. Or rather, 2. The rains and storms, of which he spoke before, and will speak again, .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:4
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.Ver. 4. After it a voice roareth] After it, that is, after the lightning, it thundereth; indeed, before, or at least together with it; but the lightning is seen before the thunder is heard, because the sense of hearing is slower than the sense of seeing, thus fire is first seen in a gun ere the report is heard; the axe of the wood cutter is up for a second blow ere we hear the first, if any way distant, Segnius irritant animos demissa per aures (Horat.). And besides, as R. Levi well observeth here, that the sight of the lightning may come from heaven to us, there needeth no time; because our eyes reach up thither in an instant; but that a sound may come there hence to us (in regard to the distance, and because the air must be beaten and many times impressed as into so many circles) there must be some space of time; neither can it be done so suddenly. He thundereth with the voice of his excellency] Or, of his height, or of his pride. Proud persons think themselves high, and use to speak big swollen words of vanity, bubbles of words, as St Peter calls them. If they be crossed never so little, verbis bacchantur, et cum quodam vocis impetu loquuntur, oh the tragedies, the blusters, the terrible thunderous cracks of fierce and furious language that follow thereupon. Some have been threatened to death, as Cornelius Gallus was by Augustus Caesar; and Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor, by Queen Elizabeth. How much more should men quake and even expire before the thunder of the Most High, or wriggle as worms do into their holes, the corners of the earth! And he will not stay them when his voice is heard] Them, that is, new flashes of lightning; or rain and hail, which usually break out either while it thundereth, or presently after, in a most vehement and impetuous manner.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:4
(4) After it a voice roareth—i.e., the thunderclap which follows the lightning-flash.And he stayeth them not (or will not stay them) when his voice is heard.—What does this mean? We understand it, “Yet none can track them (i.e., the thunder and the lightning) when His voice is heard. They travel in paths which none can explore. Vivid as the lightning is, who shall pursue its course?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:4
Verse 4. After it a voice roareth] After the flash has been seen, the peal is heard; and this will be more or fewer seconds after the peal, in proportion to the distance of the thunder cloud from the ear. Lightning traverses any space without any perceivable succession of time; nothing seems to be any obstacle to its progress. A multitude of persons taking hands, the first and the last connected with the electric machine, all feel the shock in the same instant; and were there a chain as conductor to go round the globe, the last would feel the shock in the same moment as the first. But as sound depends on the undulations of the air for its propagation, and is known to travel at the rate of only 1142 feet in a second; consequently, if the flash were only 1142 feet from the spectator, it would be seen in one second, or one swing of the pendulum, before the sound could reach the ear, though the clap and the flash take place in the same instant, and if twice this distance, two seconds, and so on. It is of some consequence to know that lightning, at a considerable distance, suppose six or eight seconds of time, is never known to burn, kill or do injury. When the flash and the clap immediately succeed each other, then there is strong ground for apprehension, as the thunder cloud is near. If the thunder cloud be a mile and a half distant, it is, I believe, never known to kill man or beast, or to do any damage to buildings, either by throwing them down or burning them. Now its distance may be easily known by means of a pendulum clock, or watch that has seconds. When the flash is seen, count the seconds till the clap is heard.
Then compute: If only one second is counted, then the thunder cloud is within 1142 feet, or about 380 yards; if two seconds, then its distance Isaiah 2284 feet, or 761 yards; if three seconds, then 3426 feet, or 1142 yards; if four seconds, then the cloud is distant 4568 feet, or 1522 yards; if five seconds, then the distance Isaiah 5710 feet, or 1903 yards; if six seconds, then the distance Isaiah 6852 feet, or 2284 yards, one mile and nearly one-third; if seven seconds, then the distance of the cloud Isaiah 7994 feet, or 2665 yards, or one mile and a half, and 25 yards. Beyond this distance lightning has not been known to do any damage, the fluid being too much diffused, and partially absorbed, in its passage over electric bodies, i.e., those which are not fully impregnated by the electric matter, and which receive their full charge when they come within the electric attraction of the lightning. For more on the rain produced by thunder storms, see on Job 38:25.
Cambridge Bible on Job 37:4
4. with the voice of his excellency] Rather, with his voice of majesty. he will not stay them] Rather, he stayeth them not; He restrains not His lightnings. The words describe the play of the lightning, rapidly succeeding the thunder. When God’s presence is announced by His terrible voice, there also are His awful ministers, the lightnings, swift to do His commandments against His adversaries (ch. Job 36:32).
Barnes' Notes on Job 37:4
After it a voice roareth - After the lightning; that is, the flash is seen before the thunder is heard. This is apparent to all, the interval between the lightning and the hearing of the thunder depending on the distance.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:4
4. After it a voice roareth — The words of Lucretius furnish a good comment: —The flash first strikes the eye, and then we hear The clap, which does more slowly reach the ear.— 6:164, 165.Compare
Sermons on Job 37:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Taking Back Your Song in the Night by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude and praise to Jesus. They emphasize the importance of thanking and praising God. The speaker then shares a personal story |
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(Pdf Book) How to Find God's Will by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of understanding and following God's will, asserting that it is a believer's privilege and responsibility. He shares his personal journey of |
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Only One Voice Matters in Your Storm by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to the voice of God in the midst of life's storms. It draws parallels to the story of Paul in Acts 27, highlighting the need to p |
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Psalm 29 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the mighty voice of Jehovah, which is heard in the storms of nature, the outgoings of grace, and the terrors of the dissolving world, calling for our ears |
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The Voice of God by John Follette | John Follette delves into Genesis 3:8, exploring the profound encounter of Adam and Eve hearing the 'voice of the Lord God walking' in the garden. He emphasizes the spiritual signi |
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Exposition on Psalm 69 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of humility, poverty, and praise in the Christian life. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge our own sinfulness and need for God's merc |
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Studies in Job-01 Job-1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and the suffering that Job endures. He highlights the remarkable precision of the heavenly bodies and how they serve as a rem |