King James Version

What Does Job 37:3 Mean?

Job 37:3 in the King James Version says “He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. lightning: Heb. light ends: Heb. w...” — study this verse from Job chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 37:3 · 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.

5

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth—God's governance extends to lightning's path. Tachat kol-hashamayim yishrehu (תַּחַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמַיִם יִשְׁרֵהוּ, under all the heavens He directs it) uses yashar (יָשַׁר), meaning to make straight, level, or direct. The pronoun 'it' refers to God's voice/thunder from v. 2, but also to the lightning bolt itself—God aims each flash with precision. Tachat kol-hashamayim (under all the heavens) encompasses creation's entire expanse.

Ve'oro al-kanfot ha'aretz (וְאוֹרוֹ עַל־כַּנְפוֹת הָאָרֶץ, and His light to the wings/edges of the earth) personifies lightning as God's or (אוֹר, light), striking to kanfot (כַּנְפוֹת, wings/extremities/corners) of the earth. The word kanfot can mean literal wings or metaphorical edges—lightning reaches earth's furthest boundaries. This echoes Job 28:24, where God 'looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven.' What God sees, He governs. Lightning appears random and dangerous, yet follows divine direction. Jesus later teaches that God's providence extends even to sparrows (Matthew 10:29)—if lightning's path is directed, how much more individual lives?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples feared lightning as uncontrollable divine wrath. Greek mythology attributed it to Zeus's weapon; Canaanite religion to Baal's arrows. Elihu's theology is radically different—the one true God directs each lightning strike according to His purposes under all heaven. This universal sovereignty (not limited to Israel's territory) prepares for God's self-revelation as Creator and Sustainer of all cosmos. The language anticipates God's questions to Job: 'Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?' (38:35).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that God 'directs' even lightning bolts affect your understanding of His detailed providence in your circumstances?
  2. What's the relationship between God's governance over nature's most powerful forces and His care for individual human lives?
  3. In what ways does Elihu's description of directed lightning prepare Job (and us) to submit to God's comprehensive sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
תַּֽחַת1 of 8
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כָּל2 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַשָּׁמַ֥יִם3 of 8

“under the whole heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יִשְׁרֵ֑הוּ4 of 8

“He directeth”

H3474

to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous

וְ֝אוֹר֗וֹ5 of 8

“and his lightning”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

עַל6 of 8
H5921

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

כַּנְפ֥וֹת7 of 8

“unto the ends”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

הָאָֽרֶץ׃8 of 8

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 37:3 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 37:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 38:13Matthew 24:27Isaiah 11:12Psalms 97:4Psalms 77:13Revelation 11:19

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