Hebrew Word Reference — Job 36:33
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
A crash of thunder or a loud shout of joy is what this word describes. It can also refer to the noise of war, and is often translated as shouting or noise.
Definition: 1) shouting, roar 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] aloud, noise, shouted. See also: Exodus 32:17; Job 36:33; Micah 4:9.
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
Context — Elihu Describes God’s Power
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Job 37:2 |
Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. |
| 2 |
Job 36:29 |
Furthermore, who can understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion? |
| 3 |
2 Samuel 22:14 |
The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. |
| 4 |
Joel 2:22 |
Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best. |
| 5 |
1 Kings 18:41–45 |
And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” On the seventh time the servant reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” And Elijah replied, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” Meanwhile, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain began to fall. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. |
| 6 |
Jeremiah 14:4–6 |
The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.” |
| 7 |
Joel 1:18 |
How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. |
Job 36:33 Summary
[Job 36:33 says that the thunder declares God's presence, which means that the thunder is a way that God shows His power and glory to us. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 29:3-5, where the voice of the Lord is described as powerful and glorious. The cattle in the verse are able to sense the power of the storm and respond accordingly, and we should do the same when we see God's presence in our lives. By recognizing and responding to God's presence, we can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and worship for Him, as described in Romans 11:33-36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'The thunder declares His presence' mean in Job 36:33?
This phrase means that the thunder is a declaration of God's power and presence, much like the voice of the Lord in Psalm 29:3-5, which describes the power of God's voice in the thunder.
Why do the cattle regard the rising storm in Job 36:33?
The cattle regard the rising storm because they have an instinctive sense of the power of God's creation, much like the way that humans should respond to God's presence in their lives, as described in Isaiah 6:1-5.
Is Job 36:33 saying that God is only present in the thunder?
No, Job 36:33 is not saying that God is only present in the thunder, but rather that the thunder is one way that God declares His presence, as seen in other verses like Psalm 19:1-6, which describes the way that God's creation declares His glory.
How can I apply the lesson of Job 36:33 to my own life?
You can apply the lesson of Job 36:33 to your own life by recognizing the power and presence of God in the world around you, and responding with reverence and worship, as described in Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's presence declared in my own life, and how have I responded to those declarations?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's power and presence in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can declare God's presence to those around me, and how can I be a witness to His power and glory?
- In what ways do I need to be more like the cattle in Job 36:33, regarding the rising storm of God's presence with instinctive reverence and respect?
Gill's Exposition on Job 36:33
The noise thereof showeth concerning it,.... The rain, that it is coming; it is a presage and prognostic of it, namely, the noise of the clouds in the air, the sound of abundance of rain there; or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 36:33
The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 36:33
The noise thereof, to wit. of or within the black or thick cloud, spoken of . Or, his, i.e. God’ s, noise, to wit, the thunder, which is called God’ s voice, ,5. Showeth concerning it, to wit, the rain, which is the principal subject of these verses, of which he speaketh expressly ,28; and of its companions, the clouds, and thunder and lightning, in all the following verses. The sense is, The thunder gives notice of the approaching rain. And as the thunder, so also the cattle, showeth (which verb is, understood out of the foregoing clause, after the manner) concerning the vapour, i.e. concerning the coming of the rain; but he puts vapour for the rain, because divers cattle are very sagacious in this matter, and do not only perceive the rain when it is ready to fall, but foresee it at some distance by the vapours, which are drawn up by the sun in great abundance, and by divers motions and actions, give men timely notice of it, as hath been observed not only by husbandmen, but also by learned authors.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 36:33
Job 36:33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.Ver. 33. The noise thereof sheweth concerning it] The hurrying noise made in the air before a shower of rain foreshoweth it to be at hand. The cattle also concerning the vapour] Heb. concerning that which goeth up. Hogs, sheep, oxen, &c., have a better scence of smell than men; and can perceive the vapours going up to cause rain before men can see or feel them. Hence shepherds and herdsmen gather prognostics of rain, and are so weather wise, as we call it. Aben-Ezra noteth, that sheep lying on the right side foresignify foul weather, Ad dextram cubantes oves pluviam portendunt (Merlin). See Virgil, Georg. l. i., and Pliny Nat. Hist. l. xviii. c. 35. Some render this verse (than which there is not a harder in all the book, saith Mercer), thus, Declaring toward him (who intercedeth) his good will toward the cattle, and also toward the increase of the earth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 36:33
(33) The noise thereof sheweth concerning it.—This verse is extremely difficult, and the sense very uncertain. We may translate the first clause, “The noise thereof (i.e., the crash of the thunder) declareth concerning Him:” it is His voice, and speaks of Him; but the last clause is almost unintelligible. The words as they stand mean, or may mean, cattle even concerning a goer up; but what this means who shall say? Possibly, the thunder-crash telleth the cattle even concerning Him who goeth up: i.e., even the cattle show, by their terror, that the thunder speaketh to them of God, who goeth up on high. (See Psalms 29:9; Psalms 68:4; Psalms 68:18; Psalms 47:5.) Some render the last clause, “The cattle also concerning Him as He riseth up;” or, “The cattle also concerning the rising storm.” There can be no doubt but that the general meaning is that all nature participateth in the terror caused by the thunder, which is regarded as the audible voice of God; but what the exact expression of this general thought may be it is very hard to say. There should he no break between this chapter and the next.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 36:33
Verse 33. The noise thereof showeth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.] I think this translation very unhappy. I shall give each hemistich in the original: - יגיד עליו רעו Yaggid alaiv reo מקנה אף על עולה Mikneh aph al oleh. I think this may be translated without any violence to any word in the text: - Its loud noise (or his thunder) shall proclaim concerning him; A magazine of wrath against iniquity. This is literal, and gives, in my opinion, a proper meaning of the passage, and one in strict connection with the context. And it is worthy of remark that every wicked man trembles at the noise of thunder and the flash of lightning, and considers this a treasury of Divine wrath, emphatically called among us the artillery of the skies; and whenever the noise is heard, it is considered the voice of God. Thus the thunder declares concerning him. The next chapter, which is a continuation of the subject here, confirms and illustrates this meaning. For יגיד yaggid, Houbigant reads יניד yanid; and for מקנה mikneh, מקנאת mikkinath; and translates thus: "He agitates with himself his thunder, from the indignation of his wrath against iniquity."
Cambridge Bible on Job 36:33
33. the cattle also] The A. V. makes “cattle” subject—they also tell of God; in which case the reference would be to their presentiments of a coming storm. The context, however, describes a storm actually present, and it is more natural to repeat the words “it telleth” from the first clause and render, (it telleth) unto the cattle; for the reference throughout appears to be to the impression produced on all creatures by God’s mighty thunderings and how these reveal His majesty—even the cattle hearing with terror His awful voice; just as in ch. Job 37:1 Elihu describes the effect produced on himself. concerning the vapour] Rather as above, concerning Him that cometh up, i. e. approaches or advances in the thunder cloud. The above rendering assumes that the present Heb. text is correct. Others by alterations in the pointing elicit various senses.
Barnes' Notes on Job 36:33
The noise thereof showeth concerning it - The word “noise” here has been inserted by our translators as a version of the Hebrew word (רעו rê‛ô), and if the translators attached any idea to the
Whedon's Commentary on Job 36:33
33. The noise thereof… the vapour — This is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible, on account of the ambiguity of every important word.
Sermons on Job 36:33
| Sermon | Description |
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(Through the Bible) Job 31-37
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an interesting individual who was obsessed with timing everything. It is later revealed that this person was a bank robber and had |
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Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
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When Wales Caught the Fire of the Holy Ghost - the 1904 Welsh Revival
by Brian Green
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In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts the story of a man named Evan who embarked on a journey to spread his faith without any resources or support. Despite the challenges |
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Prayer
by Manley Beasley
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In this sermon, Dr. James Stewart emphasizes the importance of having both a vision and a strategy from God. He believes that God not only gives us a vision but also provides a str |
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Chapel of the Air - Interview With Dr. Orr (Part 2)
by J. Edwin Orr
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In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching and the impact it has had on people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and how it precedes revival, usin |
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How Deep Is Your Digging
by Wesley H. Wakefield
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just abou |
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Fren-08 Élie Le Prophète (Elijah the Prophet)
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of leaving a secure teaching profession to follow God's calling. He emphasizes the importance of being led by God and not re |