Job 38:35
Job 38:35 in Multiple Translations
Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?
Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go, And say unto thee, Here we are?
Do you send out the thunder-flames, so that they may go, and say to you, Here we are?
Can you send out bolts of lightning and direct them, so that they can answer you saying, ‘Here we are’?
Canst thou sende the lightenings that they may walke, and say vnto thee, Loe, heere we are?
Dost thou send out lightnings, and they go And say unto thee, 'Behold us?'
Can you send out lightnings, that they may go? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say to thee, Here we are ?
Canst thou send lightnings, and will they go, and will they return and say to thee: Here we are?
Can you cause flashes of lightning to come down and strike where you want it to strike? Do those flashes say to you, ‘Where do you want us to strike next?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:35
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 38:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ/תְשַׁלַּ֣ח
בְּרָקִ֣ים
וְ/יֵלֵ֑כוּ
וְ/יֹאמְר֖וּ
לְ/ךָ֣
הִנֵּֽ/נוּ
הַֽ/תְשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Part | V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
בְּרָקִ֣ים
bârâq
H1300
to use lightning
N-mp
וְ/יֵלֵ֑כוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יֹאמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּֽ/נוּ
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:35
הַֽ/תְשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Part | V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בְּרָקִ֣ים
bârâq
H1300
"to use lightning"
N-mp
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Definition: to flash (with lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.
וְ/יֵלֵ֑כוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/יֹאמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּֽ/נוּ
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
Study Notes — Job 38:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:35
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:35
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:35
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:35
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:35
- Sermons on Job 38:35
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
33Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?
34Can you command the clouds so that a flood of water covers you?
35Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?
36Who has put wisdom in the heart or given understanding to the mind? 37Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of the heavensCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 36:32 | He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. |
| 2 | Job 37:3 | He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. |
| 3 | Isaiah 65:1 | “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ |
| 4 | Revelation 11:5–6 | If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 22:12 | “Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 1:14 | Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 1:10 | Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. |
| 8 | Exodus 9:29 | Moses said to him, “When I have left the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. |
| 9 | Numbers 16:35 | And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. |
| 10 | Numbers 11:1 | Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. |
Job 38:35 Summary
Job 38:35 is a verse where God asks Job if he can send lightning bolts on their way, which is a powerful reminder of God's control over nature. This verse helps us understand that God is the one who is in charge of the weather and all creation, as seen in Psalm 135:7. It's a call to humility and trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He is the one who sends the lightning bolts on their way, and not us (as seen in Jeremiah 10:13). By acknowledging God's power and control, we can learn to trust Him more and surrender our need for control to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Job 38:35?
The main point of Job 38:35 is to highlight God's sovereignty and control over nature, specifically the weather, as seen in His ability to send lightning bolts, which is also echoed in Psalm 135:7, where it says God 'sends the lightning bolts on their way'.
Is Job 38:35 asking a rhetorical question?
Yes, Job 38:35 is a rhetorical question, asking if Job can send lightning bolts on their way, and if they report to him, which emphasizes God's power and Job's limitations, as also seen in Isaiah 40:15, where it says the nations are like a drop in a bucket to God.
What does 'report to you' mean in this context?
In Job 38:35, 'report to you' means to respond to or obey Job's commands, which is clearly not possible for Job, as he is not the one in control of the weather, as stated in Jeremiah 10:13, where it says God 'sends the lightning bolts on their way'.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Job 38:35 is part of a series of questions God asks Job, highlighting God's power and wisdom, as seen in verses 33-37, where God asks Job about the laws of the heavens, commanding the clouds, and putting wisdom in the heart, which emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, including the weather, as seen in Job 37:2-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I try to control things that are ultimately God's domain, and how can I surrender those to Him?
- How does the idea of God sending lightning bolts on their way impact my understanding of His power and majesty, and how can I apply that to my daily life?
- What are some ways I can acknowledge and respect God's sovereignty in my life, especially in areas where I feel like I'm in control?
- How can I balance my desire for control with the reality of God's sovereignty, as seen in Job 38:35 and other scriptures like Psalm 103:19?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:35
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we [are]?] Thy humble servants; we have been where thou didst send us, and have executed what we were bid to do, and are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:35
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? Here we are - at thy disposal (Isaiah 6:8).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:35
Canst thou send at thy pleasure, and upon thy errand? Here we are; an expression of servants, declaring their readiness to obey their masters’ commands; of which See Poole "" See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:35
Job 38:35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we [are]?Ver. 35. Canst thou send lightnings?] Nunquid emittes. Canst thou send forth lightnings and thunder bolts, as hurtful creatures, out of the cave wherein they are kept? or as so many soldiers or servants, to do as thou commandest them? The poets feign that Mercury had once a mind to steal Jupiter’ s thunder bolts, but durst not, lest they should burn his fingers. Histories tell us of a king of Egypt, and of Caligula, the Roman emperor, that they attempted to thunder and lighten, but with very ill success. Job is here told that that is too hard a work for any creature to do, Admirari duntaxat potest, efficere non potest (Brent.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:35
Verse 35. Canst thou send lightnings] We have already seen that the lightning is supposed to be immediately in the hand and under the management of God. The great god of the heathen, Jupiter Brontes, is represented with the forked lightnings and thunderbolt in his hand. He seems so to grasp the bickering flame that, though it struggles for liberty, it cannot escape from his hold. Lightnings - How much like the sound of thunder is the original word: ברכים Berakim! Here are both sense and sound. Here we are?] Will the winged lightnings be thy messengers, as they are mine?
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:35
4–38. A survey of the inanimate creation, the wonders of earth and sky—the earth, Job 38:4-18; the heavens, Job 38:18-38
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:35
Canst thou send lightnings? - That is, lightning is wholly under the control of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:35
35. Canst thou send lightnings — Electric forces man may wield, but the lightnings, who can send and who control?
Sermons on Job 38:35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Prayer That Prepares the Way by Wesley Duewel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance and comfort of revival for God's people, the Church, and the community. He prays for the spread of revival news through minis |
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10 Reasons for Unanswered Prayer by George Verwer | In this sermon, a young preacher asks for advice after delivering his first sermon. An old man approaches him and gives him three pieces of advice. The first advice is to read ever |
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The Life and Times of Isaiah by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Isaiah and its structure. The book is divided into several sections, each with a different focus. The first section denounces Juda |
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Psalms 33 - Christianity Personal Corporate by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a nation being under God's blessing by acknowledging Him as Lord. It challenges individuals to consider personal and corporate repentance, |
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It Could Not Be Wider, Simpler, Mightier, Diviner or Truer by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of clearly explaining the simple truth of the Gospel to the hearers. He advises young preachers to not assume that their audi |
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Exposition on Psalm 133 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the beauty and importance of brethren dwelling together in unity, as highlighted in Psalms 132:1. He emphasizes how this unity led to the formation of Mon |
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Jesus Answered and Said Unto Her, if Thou Knewest the Gift of God by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches on Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting Christ's grace and compassion in offering living water to someone who did not deserve |