King James Version

What Does Job 36:33 Mean?

Job 36:33 in the King James Version says “The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour. the vapour: Heb. that which goeth up — study this verse from Job chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour. the vapour: Heb. that which goeth up

Job 36:33 · KJV


Context

31

For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.

32

With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.

33

The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour. the vapour: Heb. that which goeth up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The noise thereof sheweth concerning it (יַגִּיד עָלָיו רֵעוֹ, yaggid alav re'o)—The verse is textually difficult. The noun rea (רֵעַ) can mean "friend, companion, thunder." Some translations: "its crashing declares His presence" (ESV). The phrase the cattle also concerning the vapour (מִקְנֶה אַף עַל־עוֹלֶה, miqneh aph al-oleh) is obscure. Possibly: even cattle sense approaching storms. Ancient observation noted animals' sensitivity to weather changes. Elihu's point: all creation responds to God's meteorological works—thunder proclaims His presence, animals sense atmospheric shifts.

Creation testifies to Creator (Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God"). Romans 1:20 argues God's invisible attributes are "clearly seen... by the things that are made." Thunder's voice symbolizes divine speech (Psalm 29:3-9, Revelation 4:5, 8:5). Jesus compared His return to lightning (Matthew 24:27). The gospel reveals God spoke ultimately through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), not merely thunder and natural phenomena. Yet creation's testimony continues, pointing toward Creator, sustaining general revelation until Christ's return brings perfect knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples interpreted natural phenomena as divine communication. Thunder was considered gods' voices across cultures. Israel's theology agreed—thunder is God's voice (Exodus 19:16, Job 37:2-5, Psalm 29)—but demythologized it: not capricious divine anger but covenant Lord's majestic presence. Animal behavior forecasting weather was common ancient observation (still valid: animals detect barometric pressure changes, earthquakes). Elihu's nature theology grounds in observation, interpreted theologically: creation reveals Creator's attributes and activity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does creation's testimony through natural phenomena point toward God's attributes?
  2. What is the relationship between general revelation (nature) and special revelation (Scripture, Christ)?
  3. How should we interpret dramatic natural phenomena (storms, earthquakes) theologically without superstition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יַגִּ֣יד1 of 7

thereof sheweth

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

עָלָ֣יו2 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֵע֑וֹ3 of 7

The noise

H7452

a crash (of thunder), noise (of war), shout (of joy)

מִ֝קְנֶ֗ה4 of 7

concerning it the cattle

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

אַ֣ף5 of 7
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

עַל6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עוֹלֶֽה׃7 of 7

also concerning the vapour

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 36:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 36:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study