Job 38:35

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?

American Standard Version (1901)

Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go, And say unto thee, Here we are?

Bible in Basic English

Do you send out the thunder-flames, so that they may go, and say to you, Here we are?

Free Bible Version

Can you send out bolts of lightning and direct them, so that they can answer you saying, ‘Here we are’?

King James (Authorized) Version

Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?

Translation for Translators

Can you cause flashes of lightning to come down and strike where you want it to strike? Do those flashes say to you, ‘Where do you want us to strike next?’

Unlocked Literal Bible

Can you send out bolts of lightning that they may go out, that they say to you, 'Here we are'?

Noah Webster Bible

Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say to thee, Here we are ?

World English Bible

Can you send out lightnings, that they may go? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?

Young's Literal Translation

Dost thou send out lightnings, and they go And say unto thee, 'Behold us?'

Context

The LORD Challenges Job

³⁴Can you command the clouds so that a flood of water covers you? ³⁵Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?

Summary

In this verse, God is speaking to Job out of the whirlwind, highlighting His supreme wisdom and knowledge that surpass human understanding. The imagery of sending lightning bolts and giving orders to the thunder emphasizes God's sovereignty over the forces of nature. It serves as a reminder of God's power and authority over creation, showcasing His divine control over the universe. Job 38:35 prompts humility and awe in the face of God's majesty, inviting reverence and trust in His perfect wisdom and design.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Canst thou send lightnings - We have already seen that the lightning is supposed to be immediately in the hand and under the management of God. The great god of the heathen, Jupiter Brontes, is represented with the forked lightnings and thunderbolt in his hand. He seems so to grasp the bickering flame that, though it struggles for liberty, it cannot escape from his hold. Lightnings - How much like the sound of thunder is the original word: ברכים Berakim! Here are both sense and sound. Here we are? - Will the winged lightnings be thy messengers, as they are mine?