King James Version

What Does Job 37:2 Mean?

Job 37:2 in the King James Version says “Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. Hear: Heb. Hear in hearing” — study this verse from Job chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 37:2 · 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

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.

Read Job 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth—Elihu calls Job to careful listening as a thunderstorm approaches. Shim'u shamoa (שִׁמְעוּ שָׁמוֹעַ, hear, yes hear!) employs the intensive infinitive absolute—'listen most attentively!' The verb shama (שָׁמַע) means not just auditory perception but obedient hearing, the same word in the Shema: 'Hear, O Israel' (Deuteronomy 6:4). Rogez qolo (רֹגֶז קֹלוֹ, the roar/rumbling of His voice) uses rogez (רֹגֶז), trembling or thunder, identifying the storm's rumble as divine speech.

Vehegeh mipiv yetse (וְהֶגֶה מִפִּיו יֵצֵא, and the murmur from His mouth goes forth) uses hegeh (הֶגֶה), meaning a low rumble, moan, or meditative murmur. This word appears in Psalm 1:2 for meditating on God's law day and night. The thunder isn't random noise but divine utterance—God's voice rumbling from His mouth. This anticipates God's actual speech from the whirlwind beginning in chapter 38. Psalm 29 develops this theology extensively: 'The voice of the LORD is upon the waters... The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars' (vv. 3-5). Elihu prepares Job for theophany—God will speak, and nature's tumult is His prelude.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elihu's speeches (Job 32-37) form a bridge between the failed counsel of Job's three friends and God's climactic self-revelation. Chapter 37 describes an approaching thunderstorm that becomes the vehicle for God's appearance. Ancient Near Eastern theophanies regularly featured storm imagery (Mount Sinai's thunder and lightning, Exodus 19:16-19; Elijah's whirlwind, 2 Kings 2:1). Elihu, whose name means 'He is my God,' functions as a theological corrective, pointing beyond human wisdom to divine self-disclosure. His command to 'hear attentively' echoes Moses's call to Israel before receiving God's law.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has God spoken to you through creation's 'voice'—thunderstorms, wind, ocean waves—and what did you hear?
  2. What does it mean to listen 'attentively' to God's voice in nature compared to casual observation or scientific analysis?
  3. How does recognizing nature's sounds as proceeding 'from His mouth' change your experience of weather phenomena?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שָׁמ֣וֹעַ1 of 7

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שָׁמ֣וֹעַ2 of 7

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּרֹ֣גֶז3 of 7

“the noise”

H7267

commotion, restlessness (of a horse), crash (of thunder), disquiet, anger

קֹל֑וֹ4 of 7

“of his voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְ֝הֶ֗גֶה5 of 7

“and the sound”

H1899

a muttering (in sighing, thought, or as thunder)

מִפִּ֥יו6 of 7

“of his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יֵצֵֽא׃7 of 7

“that goeth out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 37:2 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 37:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 37:5Job 36:33Job 38:1Psalms 104:7Psalms 29:3-9Exodus 19:16-19

Test Your Knowledge

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