King James Version

What Does Job 37:1 Mean?

Job 37:1 in the King James Version says “At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.” — study this verse from Job chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.”

Job 37:1 · KJV

Context

1

At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.

2

Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. Hear: Heb. Hear in hearing

3

He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. lightning: Heb. light ends: Heb. wings

Read Job 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Human Response to Divine Power: The Hebrew word חָרַד (charad, "trembleth") conveys trembling from fear or awe, the same word used of the Israelites trembling before Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). Job's friend Elihu is responding to the thunder and lightning described at the end of chapter 36. Physiological Reaction: The phrase "moved out of his place" (Hebrew וְיִתַּר מִמְּקוֹמוֹ, veyitar mimqomo) literally means "and it leaps from its place," suggesting his heart pounding or skipping beats from fear and wonder.

Literary Context: This verse introduces Elihu's final speech (37:1-24), which focuses on God's power manifested in nature—thunder, lightning, snow, and storms. Elihu's physical reaction models appropriate human response to divine majesty. Theological Significance: Unlike Job's three friends who spoke presumptuously about God, Elihu demonstrates reverence and awe. His trembling heart acknowledges human limitations before the Creator, preparing for God's direct response to Job in chapters 38-41.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Understanding of Weather: In the ancient Near East, storms and thunder were universally associated with divine activity. Unlike pagan cultures that attributed weather to multiple deities (Baal, Hadad), biblical faith understood natural phenomena as manifestations of the one true God's power and presence.

Setting of Job's Dialogue: The Book of Job is set in the patriarchal period (approximately 2000-1800 BC), likely in the land of Uz (possibly Edom or northern Arabia). The intense thunderstorm described here would have been particularly dramatic in the semi-arid climate of the region. Such storms were both feared and welcomed as they brought life-giving rain to parched lands.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Elihu's physical reaction to thunder teach us about appropriate human response to God's power in creation?
  2. How does Elihu's reverent fear contrast with the attitudes of Job's three friends earlier in the book?
  3. Why does God choose to manifest His presence through natural phenomena like storms rather than more direct communication?
  4. What is the relationship between fear of God and true understanding of His nature?
  5. How should modern believers cultivate a sense of awe before God's power in an age of scientific understanding of natural phenomena?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אַף1 of 6
H637

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

לְ֭זֹאת2 of 6

“At this”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

יֶחֱרַ֣ד3 of 6

“trembleth”

H2729

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

לִבִּ֑י4 of 6

“also my heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְ֝יִתַּ֗ר5 of 6

“and is moved out”

H5425

to jump, i.e., be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie

מִמְּקוֹמֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“of his place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

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 37:1 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 37:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 4:14Acts 16:29Daniel 10:7-8Job 21:6Habakkuk 3:16Psalms 89:7

Test Your Knowledge

Job 37 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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