King James Version

What Does Job 37:10 Mean?

Job 37:10 in the King James Version says “By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.” — study this verse from Job chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.”

Job 37:10 · KJV

Context

8

Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.

9

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. south: Heb. chamber north: Heb. scattering winds

10

By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

11

Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: his: Heb. the cloud of his light

12

And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.

Read Job 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By the breath of God frost is given (mi-nishmat-'El yitten-qarah, מִנִּשְׁמַת־אֵל יִתֶּן־קָרַח)—The noun nishmat (נִשְׁמַת) from neshamah (נְשָׁמָה) means 'breath' or 'spirit,' the same word used when God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). God's breath both animates life and freezes water—creative and destructive power from the same source. The breadth of the waters is straitened (ve-rohab mayim be-mûtsaq, וְרֹחַב מַיִם בְּמוּצָק)—mûtsaq means constricted or compressed; ice 'narrows' flowing water.

The paradox is stunning: God's life-giving breath can also freeze and kill. The same divine ruach that hovered over primordial waters (Genesis 1:2) now solidifies them. This dual nature of God's breath anticipates the Spirit's work in New Testament—bringing both life (John 20:22) and judgment (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples marveled at water's transformation into solid ice, seeing it as miraculous rather than routine physics. Elihu interprets freezing as God's exhaled breath, connecting meteorology to the creation narrative where divine breath is the source of all animation and order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can the same God whose breath gives life also send seasons that 'freeze' and constrict your circumstances?
  2. What does the duality of God's breath—both creative and limiting—teach you about His character?
  3. When have you experienced God's Spirit simultaneously bringing life to some areas while 'freezing' movement in others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מִנִּשְׁמַת1 of 7

“By the breath”

H5397

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

אֵ֥ל2 of 7

“of God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

יִתֶּן3 of 7

“is given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

קָ֑רַח4 of 7

“frost”

H7140

ice (as if bald, i.e., smooth); hence, hail; by resemblance, rock crystal

וְרֹ֖חַב5 of 7

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

מַ֣יִם6 of 7

“of the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בְּמוּצָֽק׃7 of 7

“is straitened”

H4164

narrowness; figuratively, distress

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 37:10 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 37:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 38:29-30Psalms 147:16-18Psalms 78:47

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Job 37 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes