King James Version

What Does Job 38:35 Mean?

Job 38:35 in the King James Version says “Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? Here: Heb. Behold us?” — study this verse from Job chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 38:35 · KJV

Context

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?

37

Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, stay: Heb. cause to lie down

Read Job 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine interrogation reaches lightning—the most dramatic and fearsome natural phenomenon. 'Send lightnings' (shalach baraq, שָׁלַח בָּרָק) uses vocabulary of dispatching messengers on a mission. The response 'Here we are' (hinenu, הִנֵּנוּ) is the same word used when prophets and patriarchs respond to God's call (Genesis 22:1, Isaiah 6:8), suggesting personal, obedient relationship. This anthropomorphizes lightning as God's willing servants, ready to fulfill His commands instantly and joyfully. The theological implication is profound: the destructive forces of nature that terrorize humanity are actually God's obedient messengers, under His complete control and sent with purpose. This connects to both judgment (Psalm 18:14) and revelation (Exodus 19:16). Lightning that appears random or malevolent to human observers is actually divine communication and action. The verse anticipates Revelation's imagery where natural phenomena serve God's redemptive and judicial purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Lightning was universally feared in the ancient world, often associated with divine wrath or the weapons of storm gods. God's question asserts His absolute control over what pagans worshiped or feared. Biblical theophanies frequently include lightning as a sign of God's presence and power (Exodus 19:16, Ezekiel 1:13-14), establishing it as a divine tool rather than an independent force.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing natural forces as God's obedient servants change your response to frightening circumstances?
  2. What 'lightning strikes' in your life have you interpreted as random when they were actually divine messages?
  3. How does the instant obedience of lightning convict and inspire your response to God's commands?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַֽתְשַׁלַּ֣ח1 of 6

“Canst thou send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּרָקִ֣ים2 of 6

“lightnings”

H1300

lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword

וְיֵלֵ֑כוּ3 of 6
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְיֹאמְר֖וּ4 of 6

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֣5 of 6
H0
הִנֵּֽנוּ׃6 of 6
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

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 38:35 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 38:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 37:3Job 36:322 Kings 1:14Exodus 9:23-25Isaiah 65:1Isaiah 6:8

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