King James Version

What Does Job 37:22 Mean?

Job 37:22 in the King James Version says “Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. Fair: Heb. Gold” — study this verse from Job chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. Fair: Heb. Gold”

Job 37:22 · KJV

Context

20

Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.

21

And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.

22

Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. Fair: Heb. Gold

23

Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.

24

Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.

Read Job 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fair weather cometh out of the north (זָהָב מִצָּפוֹן, zahav mitzaphon)—literally 'gold from the north,' referring either to golden sunlight breaking through northern clouds or the golden splendor of God's glory. The north, in ancient Near Eastern cosmology, was associated with divine presence (Psalm 48:2, Isaiah 14:13). With God is terrible majesty (נוֹרָא הוֹד, nora hod)—'terrible' meaning awesome, fear-inspiring; 'majesty' (הוֹד, hod) denotes splendor, glory, magnificence.

Elihu concludes his speeches by directing attention to God's transcendent glory. The 'terrible majesty' combines beauty and danger—like Moses unable to see God's face and live (Exodus 33:20). This prepares for God's appearance in the whirlwind (Job 38:1). The verse establishes that approaching God requires reverence; He is not a cosmic counselor to be questioned but the Sovereign before whom we bow. Yet His 'terrible majesty' doesn't preclude relationship—Moses spoke with God face to face (Deuteronomy 34:10), and Christ enables us to approach God's throne boldly (Hebrews 4:16). The tension between transcendence and immanence defines biblical faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elihu's speeches (Job 32-37) bridge Job's complaints and God's response. Speaking as a younger man respecting his elders yet convinced of truth, Elihu prepared Job for divine encounter. His emphasis on God's transcendent majesty corrects Job's overly familiar tone while avoiding the friends' legalistic accusations. Ancient wisdom literature often concluded with doxology, turning from human confusion to divine glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain both reverence for God's 'terrible majesty' and confidence in approaching Him through Christ?
  2. When has contemplating God's transcendent glory helped put your suffering in perspective?
  3. What does the 'gold from the north' teach about finding God's glory even in difficult circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מִ֭צָּפוֹן1 of 7

“out of the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

זָהָ֣ב2 of 7

“Fair weather”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

יֶֽאֱתֶ֑ה3 of 7

“cometh”

H857

to arrive

עַל4 of 7
H5921

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

אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ5 of 7

“with God”

H433

a deity or the deity

נ֣וֹרָא6 of 7

“is terrible”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הֽוֹד׃7 of 7

“majesty”

H1935

grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)

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 37:22 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 37:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 104:1Jude 1:25Hebrews 12:29Habakkuk 3:3-19Nahum 1:3Hebrews 1:3

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