Job 37:12
Job 37:12 in Multiple Translations
They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth.
And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
And it is turned round about by his guidance, That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them Upon the face of the habitable world,
And it goes this way and that, round about, turning itself by his guiding, to do whatever he gives orders to be done, on the face of his world of men,
They swirl around under his control; they move over all the earth as he commands.
And it is turned about by his gouernment, that they may doe whatsoeuer he commandeth them vpon the whole worlde:
And it is turning itself round by His counsels, For their doing all He commandeth them, On the face of the habitable earth.
It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
And it is turned around by his counsels: that they may do whatever he commandeth them upon the face of the world on the earth.
Which go round about, whithersoever the will of him that governeth them shall lead them, to whatsoever he shall command them upon the face of the whole earth:
He guides the clouds and causes them to move back and forth in order that they may accomplish all that he commands them to do, all over the world.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 37:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 37:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/ה֤וּא
מְסִבּ֨וֹת
מִתְהַפֵּ֣ךְ
ב/תחבולת/ו
בְּ/תַחְבּוּלֹתָ֣י/ו
לְ/פָעֳלָ֑/ם
כֹּ֖ל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יְצַוֵּ֓/ם
עַל
פְּנֵ֖י
תֵבֵ֣ל
אָֽרְצָ/ה
וְ/ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
מְסִבּ֨וֹת
mêçab
H4524
surrounds
N-cp
מִתְהַפֵּ֣ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Hithpael
ב/תחבולת/ו
tachbulâh
H8458
counsel
Prep | N-fs | Suff
בְּ/תַחְבּוּלֹתָ֣י/ו
tachbulâh
H8458
counsel
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לְ/פָעֳלָ֑/ם
pôʻal
H6467
work
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְצַוֵּ֓/ם
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
תֵבֵ֣ל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
אָֽרְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 37:12
וְ/ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְסִבּ֨וֹת
mêçab
H4524
"surrounds"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something that surrounds or encloses a room or area, like a round table or a divan. It appears in descriptions of King Solomon's palace and the Temple in 1 Kings. The word is used to describe the surroundings of important places.
Definition: 1) round thing, surroundings, round about, that which surrounds, that which is round 1a) environs 1a1) surrounding places 1a2) round about (adv) 1b) round table
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: that compass about, (place) round about, at table. See also: 1 Kings 6:29; Job 37:12; Psalms 140:10.
מִתְהַפֵּ֣ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Hithpael
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
ב/תחבולת/ו
tachbulâh
H8458
"counsel"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for guidance or plan, often referring to good advice or wise counsel, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It involves steering or managing a situation. This concept is important in biblical decision-making.
Definition: 1) direction, counsel, guidance, good advice, (wise) counsel 1a) direction, guidance 1b) counsel 1b1) good or wise counsel 1b2) of the wicked
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: good advice, (wise) counsels. See also: Job 37:12; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 1:5.
בְּ/תַחְבּוּלֹתָ֣י/ו
tachbulâh
H8458
"counsel"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for guidance or plan, often referring to good advice or wise counsel, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It involves steering or managing a situation. This concept is important in biblical decision-making.
Definition: 1) direction, counsel, guidance, good advice, (wise) counsel 1a) direction, guidance 1b) counsel 1b1) good or wise counsel 1b2) of the wicked
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: good advice, (wise) counsels. See also: Job 37:12; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 1:5.
לְ/פָעֳלָ֑/ם
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְצַוֵּ֓/ם
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
תֵבֵ֣ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
אָֽרְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Job 37:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 37:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 37:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 37:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 37:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:12
- Sermons on Job 37:12
Context — Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
10By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen.
11He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them.
12They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth.
13Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion. 14Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 148:8 | lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word, |
| 2 | Joel 2:23 | Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. |
| 3 | James 5:17–18 | Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:22 | Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. |
| 5 | Amos 4:7 | “I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. |
| 6 | Revelation 11:6 | These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. |
| 7 | Psalms 65:9–10 | You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth. You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth. |
| 8 | Psalms 104:24 | How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. |
Job 37:12 Summary
This verse, Job 37:12, tells us that God is in control of everything, even the weather and the natural world. He gives commands and they are carried out, showing His power and authority (as seen in Psalm 103:19). Just like the winds and clouds obey God, we can trust that He is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). By recognizing God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence in His love and care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the clouds to whirl at God's direction in Job 37:12?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over the natural world, demonstrating His control over the weather and the movements of the clouds, much like Psalm 135:7, which says He brings the winds out of His storehouses.
How does this verse relate to God's commands and purposes?
The verse shows that God's commands are accomplished through the natural world, whether for judgment or for His people, as seen in Jeremiah 25:30, where God thunders and gives a shout, demonstrating His power and control over all things.
What does this verse teach us about God's power and authority?
This verse teaches us that God is all-powerful and in control of all things, from the smallest details to the largest natural phenomena, as seen in Job 38:4-7, where God questions Job about the foundation of the earth and the seas.
How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty from Job 37:12 to our daily lives?
We can apply this lesson by recognizing God's sovereignty and control over all things, and trusting in His goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28, which says that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have seen God's power and control in the natural world, and how have these experiences shaped your faith?
- How does the idea of God's sovereignty over the weather and natural phenomena impact your trust in Him during difficult times?
- What are some commands or purposes of God that you see being accomplished in the world around you, and how can you participate in these efforts?
- In what ways can you apply the lesson of God's sovereignty from Job 37:12 to your daily life, and how can you trust in His goodness and love?
Gill's Exposition on Job 37:12
And it is turned round about by his counsels,.... The cloud is, and that by the wind, which is turned about to all points of the compass, according to the will of God; by the counsels of him who sits
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:12
Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: How the thunder-clouds are dispersed, or else employed by God either for correction or mercy. By watering - by loading it with water.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:12
It is turned round about; the clouds (now mentioned) are carried about to this or that place. By his counsels; not by chance, (though nothing seems to be more casual and uncertain than the motions of the clouds,) but by his order and governance. That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them; either be dispersed and pass away without effect, to the disappointment of the husbandmen’ s hopes, or be dissolved in sweet and fruitful showers.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:12
Job 37:12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.Ver. 12. And it is turned round about by his counsels] Vertit Dominus et revertit, The Lord turneth and returneth; letteth out, and bringeth back the clouds, as it were by a rope, at his own pleasure; a metaphor from mariners, who skilfully manage the ropes of the ship to best advantage. In like sort the clouds are by God’ s cunning turned about in a circuit (as Beza rendereth it), that is, in a round compass or circle; they are not carried up and down the air by any wandering and inconstant motion; but they are, as it were, by certain engines (so he maketh the metaphor) of Almighty God, turned about at his own pleasure, when and where he thinketh good to use them; for he best knoweth where is most need of rain, snow, &c., and therefore he by his wisdom driveth them hither and thither, for the fulfilling of his purpose. Some refer this text to the revolution of the heavenly orbs, which is also done by God. That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them] A metaphor like that, Leviticus 25:21, where God saith that he will command his blessing upon the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. Now if the senseless creature so readily obey God, how much more should we! And if he be Lord of tempests, he is also of diseases and disasters. Cheer up, therefore, and ply the throne of grace. He will see that all shall go well with his supplicants.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:12
Verse 12. And it is turned round about by his counsels] The original is difficult: והוא מסבות מתהפך בתחבולתו vehu mesibboth mithhappech bethachbulothav; which has been thus paraphrased: And he-the sun, makes revolutions - causes the heavenly bodies to revolve round him, turning round himself - turning round his own axis, by his attachments - his attractive and repulsive influences, by which the heavenly bodies revolve round him, and by which, as if strongly tied to their centre, בחבל bechebel, with a cable or rope, they are projected to their proper distances, and prevented from coming too near, or flying off too far. That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them] That men may perform his will, availing themselves of the influences of the sun, moon, times, seasons, c., to cultivate the earth for the sustenance of themselves and their cattle. Upon the face of the world in the earth.] אל פני תבל ארצה al peney thebel aretsah, over the surface of the habitable world. Perhaps the above exposition may appear to be too far-fetched and possibly the passage refers only to the revolutions of the seasons, and the operations connected with them.
Cambridge Bible on Job 37:12
12. In the second clause the words are lit. “that they may do,” the plur. referring to “cloud” (Job 37:11) collectively. Others make the pronoun they refer to men, which is very unnatural. The expression “the whole earth” is lit. the world of the earth, Proverbs 8:31.
Barnes' Notes on Job 37:12
And it is turned round about - The word here rendered “it” (הוא hû') may refer either to the “cloud,” and then it will mean that it is driven about at the pleasure of God; or it may refer to God,
Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:12
12. It is turned… counsels — The changing, whirling, apparently capricious clouds are really under his guidance (“steering, after the manner of a ship,” Dillmann) for the accomplishment of his
Sermons on Job 37:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire, and Hail; Snow and Vapours; Stormy Wind Fulfilling His Word by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the sovereignty of God over nature, emphasizing how elements like hail, snow, storms, and winds all fulfill God's word and are under His control. He high |
|
God Will Resore All Your Wasted Years by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of two verses from the book of Joel in the Bible. These verses describe the destructive power of worms and insects that devou |
|
The Early and Latter Rain by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and not being deceived by glamorous image advertising. He believes that we are living in a time where image ad |
|
Beware When You Are Full by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and mercy of God in difficult situations. He references the book of Esther, where the people of God fasted and prayed in desperati |
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Revival Is the Answer by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses 25 to 27 of the Book of Joel, where God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten. The sermon emphasizes the deva |
|
Jesus Training the Twelve (Full Service) by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Joel in the Bible. He emphasizes that the earth is unique and special, created by God to be inhabited. The preacher th |
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1.5 the Secret of Revival by Colin Peckham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Joel and the importance of Joel's ministry. He speaks about the locust plague that devastated the land, causing a lack of food a |