Job 37:5
God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend.
God thunders wondrously with His voice
The phrase "God thunders" evokes the imagery of divine power and majesty. In the Hebrew text, the word for "thunders" is "ra'am," which signifies a loud, resounding noise, often associated with the voice of God in the Old Testament. This imagery is consistent with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities who control the elements, particularly storms. In the context of Job, this thunderous voice represents God's supreme authority and His ability to command nature, reminding us of His omnipotence and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.

wondrously
The term "wondrously" is derived from the Hebrew word "pala," which means to be extraordinary or marvelous. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe acts of God that are beyond human comprehension, emphasizing His ability to perform miracles and deeds that inspire wonder and reverence. In the context of Job, it underscores the idea that God's actions and His voice are not only powerful but also filled with a sense of divine mystery and splendor, inviting believers to trust in His wisdom and purpose even when they do not fully understand His ways.

with His voice
The phrase "with His voice" highlights the personal and relational aspect of God's communication with humanity. In the Hebrew tradition, the "voice" of God is not just a sound but a means through which He reveals His will and character. The voice of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, from the creation narrative in Genesis to the prophetic declarations in the books of the prophets. In Job, the voice of God serves as a reminder of His direct involvement in the world and His desire to communicate with His creation, offering guidance, correction, and comfort.

He does great things
The phrase "He does great things" speaks to the actions of God that are beyond human capability. The Hebrew word "gadol" is used here, which means great or mighty. This term is often associated with God's mighty works and His ability to accomplish what is impossible for humans. In the context of Job, it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things for His purposes, encouraging believers to trust in His plan and His timing, even amidst suffering and uncertainty.

we cannot comprehend
The concluding phrase "we cannot comprehend" acknowledges the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine wisdom. The Hebrew word "yada" is used here, which means to know or understand. This phrase reflects the theme of the book of Job, which grapples with the mystery of suffering and the inscrutability of God's ways. It invites believers to embrace humility and faith, recognizing that while God's ways may be beyond our understanding, they are always rooted in His perfect wisdom and love. This acknowledgment of human limitation serves as a call to trust in God's character and His ultimate plan for creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who endured immense suffering and sought understanding of God's ways.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's majesty and justice.

3. God
The Almighty Creator, whose power and wisdom are beyond human understanding.

4. Heavenly Realm
The domain from which God speaks and acts, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation.

5. Nature
The natural world, which serves as a testament to God's power and majesty.
Teaching Points
The Majesty of God's Voice
God's voice is not only powerful but also wondrous, reflecting His divine majesty and authority over all creation.

The Incomprehensibility of God's Works
We are reminded that God's actions and plans are beyond human understanding, calling us to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.

Humility Before God
Recognizing our limited understanding should lead us to a posture of humility and reverence before God.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when we cannot comprehend His ways, we can trust that God is doing great things for His purposes and glory.

Nature as a Testament to God's Power
Observing the natural world can deepen our appreciation for God's creative power and His ongoing involvement in the world.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of God's voice in Job 37:5 enhance your understanding of His power and majesty?

2. In what ways can acknowledging the incomprehensibility of God's works impact your daily walk of faith?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 29 and Isaiah 55:8-9, reinforce the themes found in Job 37:5?

4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility and trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing life's uncertainties?

5. How can observing nature help you grow in your appreciation for God's power and creativity, as suggested by Job 37:5?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 29
This psalm also speaks of the voice of the Lord as powerful and majestic, echoing the theme of God's voice in Job 37:5.

Isaiah 55:8-9
These verses remind us that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, aligning with the idea that His works are beyond our comprehension.

Romans 11:33-36
Paul marvels at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, reinforcing the theme of God's incomprehensible greatness.

Exodus 19:16-19
The description of God's voice at Mount Sinai parallels the thundering voice mentioned in Job 37:5, emphasizing His awe-inspiring presence.

Revelation 4:5
The imagery of thunder and lightning around God's throne in heaven highlights His majestic power.
The Voice of the ThunderW.F. Adeney Job 37:1-5
Lessons of the SnowJ. B. Whitford.Job 37:1-13
Suggestions of the SnowHenry Ward Beecher.Job 37:1-13
The Lessons of the SnowflakesWallace Thorp.Job 37:1-13
The Phenomena of NatureHomilistJob 37:1-13
The Snow and its LessonsR. Brewin.Job 37:1-13
The SnowstormThe PulpitJob 37:1-13
What is Elihu's MessageSamuel Cox, D. D.Job 37:1-13
WinterHenry Allon, D. D.Job 37:1-13
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Beyond, Can't, Comprehend, Marvellously, Marvelous, Marvelously, Searched, Thundereth, Thunders, Understanding, Voice, Wonderfully, Wonders, Wondrously
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:5

     1441   revelation, necessity
     1454   theophany
     5196   voice
     5784   amazement
     8355   understanding

Job 37:1-5

     5548   speech, divine

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:4-5

     4852   thunder

Library
Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his Baptism?
Objection 1: It would seem that the heavens should not have been opened unto Christ at His baptism. For the heavens should be opened unto one who needs to enter heaven, by reason of his being out of heaven. But Christ was always in heaven, according to Jn. 3:13: "The Son of Man who is in heaven." Therefore it seems that the heavens should not have been opened unto Him. Objection 2: Further, the opening of the heavens is understood either in a corporal or in a spiritual sense. But it cannot be understood
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether by Reason of this Subtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be in the Same Place with Another Body not Glorified?
Objection 1: It would seem that by reason of this subtlety a body is able to be in the same place with another body not glorified. For according to Phil. 3:21, "He will reform the body of our lowness made like to the body of His glory." Now the body of Christ was able to be in the same place with another body, as appears from the fact that after His Resurrection He went in to His disciples, the doors being shut (Jn. 20:19, 26). Therefore also the glorified bodies by reason of their subtlety will
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that those to whom Christ's birth was made known were not suitably chosen. For our Lord (Mat. 10:5) commanded His disciples, "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles," so that He might be made known to the Jews before the Gentiles. Therefore it seems that much less should Christ's birth have been at once revealed to the Gentiles who "came from the east," as stated Mat. 2:1. Objection 2: Further, the revelation of Divine truth should be made especially to the friends of God,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Job 37:5 NIV
Job 37:5 NLT
Job 37:5 ESV
Job 37:5 NASB
Job 37:5 KJV

Job 37:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Job 37:4
Top of Page
Top of Page