King James Version

What Does Job 38:34 Mean?

Job 38:34 in the King James Version says “Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?” — study this verse from Job chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?”

Job 38:34 · KJV

Context

32

Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Mazzaroth: or, the twelve signs guide: Heb. guide them

33

Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

34

Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?

35

Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? Here: Heb. Behold us?

36

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

Read Job 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's interrogation shifts to weather phenomena, asking if Job can command clouds to release rain on demand. 'Lift up thy voice' (rum qol, רוּם קוֹל) implies authoritative command, while 'abundance of waters may cover thee' (shiphah-mayim, שִׁפְעַת־מַיִם) suggests overwhelming response to one's word. This question reveals the vast gulf between divine and human authority—God speaks, and nature obeys instantly and abundantly. The image recalls Genesis 1 where God's word alone creates and orders reality. It also foreshadows Christ's authority over nature (Mark 4:39-41), where His command immediately calms the storm, demonstrating His divine identity. The verse challenges Job's protests by establishing that one who cannot command rain has no standing to question the One who does. Yet it also reveals God's gracious provision—He speaks to clouds on our behalf, providing water for crops and life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In agrarian ancient Near Eastern society, rain was literally life or death. Pagan cultures worshiped storm gods like Baal, offering sacrifices to obtain rain. God's question asserts that only Yahweh commands the clouds, and He does so not in response to sacrifices but according to His sovereign will. The covenant blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28 include rain as a sign of God's favor, making this question particularly significant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's calming of the storm demonstrate His divine authority and identity?
  2. What aspects of your life do you try to control that are actually under God's sovereign command alone?
  3. How should God's faithful provision of rain and seasons increase your trust in His provision of spiritual needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הֲתָרִ֣ים1 of 6

“Canst thou lift up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

לָעָ֣ב2 of 6

“to the clouds”

H5645

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

קוֹלֶ֑ךָ3 of 6

“thy voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְֽשִׁפְעַת4 of 6

“that abundance”

H8229

copiousness

מַ֥יִם5 of 6

“of waters”

H4325

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

תְּכַסֶּֽךָּ׃6 of 6

“may cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

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 38:34 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 38:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 22:11James 5:18Job 36:27-28Amos 5:81 Samuel 12:18Zechariah 10:1

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