Job 38:37

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Job 38:37 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of the heavens

King James Version KJV

Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,

American Standard Version ASV

Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,

Bible in Basic English BBE

By whose wisdom are the clouds numbered, or the water-skins of the heavens turned to the earth,

Free Bible Version FBV

Who is clever enough to count the clouds? Who can turn heaven's water jars on their sides

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Who can nomber cloudes by wisedome? or who can cause to cease the bottels of heaue,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Who doth number the clouds by wisdom? And the bottles of the heavens, Who doth cause to lie down,

World English Bible WEB

Who can count the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the containers of the sky,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who can declare the order of the heavens, or who can make the harmony of heaven to sleep?

Translation for Translators T4T

And who is skilled/wise enough to be able to count the clouds? Who can tilt the jugs of water in the sky to cause the rain to fall,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:37

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 38:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מִֽי יְסַפֵּ֣ר שְׁחָקִ֣ים בְּ/חָכְמָ֑ה וְ/נִבְלֵ֥י שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם מִ֣י יַשְׁכִּֽיב

מִֽי mîy H4310 who? Part

יְסַפֵּ֣ר çâphar H5608 to recount V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

שְׁחָקִ֣ים shachaq H7834 cloud N-mp

בְּ/חָכְמָ֑ה chokmâh H2451 wisdom Prep | N-fs

וְ/נִבְלֵ֥י nebel H5035 bag Conj | N-mp

שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven N-mp

מִ֣י mîy H4310 who? Part

יַשְׁכִּֽיב shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:37

מִֽי mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

יְסַפֵּ֣ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

שְׁחָקִ֣ים shachaq H7834 "cloud" N-mp

This noun refers to a cloud or a thin vapor in the sky, as in Psalm 36:5 where God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It can also mean the firmament or heaven, like in Genesis 1:20 where birds fly across the sky. The word appears about 20 times in the Bible.

Definition: 1) dust, cloud 1a) fine dust 1b) (thin) cloud

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 18:12.

בְּ/חָכְמָ֑ה chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" Prep | N-fs

Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.

Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.

וְ/נִבְלֵ֥י nebel H5035 "bag" Conj | N-mp

A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.

Definition: 1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher 1a) skin-bottle, skin 1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol. See also: 1 Samuel 1:24; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalms 33:2.

שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

מִ֣י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

יַשְׁכִּֽיב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

Study Notes — Job 38:37

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Job 38:37 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:37
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:37
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:37
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:37
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:37
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:37
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:37
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:37
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:37
Sermons on Job 38:37

Context — The LORD Challenges Job

35Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’? 36Who has put wisdom in the heart or given understanding to the mind?

37Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of the heavens

38when the dust hardens into a mass and the clods of earth stick together? 39Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 147:4	He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.
2	Genesis 15:5	And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”
3	Genesis 8:1	But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside.
4	Genesis 9:15	I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

Job 38:37 Summary

This verse is asking who has the wisdom and power to control the weather and the clouds, and the answer is God alone. He is the one who pours out the rain and dew upon the earth, and His ways are far beyond our understanding, as seen in Romans 11:33-36. Just like we cannot count the clouds or control the weather, we must learn to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when things do not make sense to us, and remember that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, as said in Isaiah 55:9. By trusting in Him, we can find peace and rest, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of counting clouds in this verse?

Counting clouds is a metaphor for understanding the vastness and complexity of God's creation, as seen in Job 38:37, and is similar to the idea of numbering the stars in Psalm 147:4, highlighting God's infinite wisdom and power.

What are the water jars of the heavens?

The water jars of the heavens refer to the reservoirs of water in the atmosphere that God controls, pouring out rain and dew upon the earth, as described in Job 38:37 and similar to the concept in Psalm 104:13, where God waters the mountains from His upper chambers.

Is this verse suggesting that humans are ignorant of God's ways?

Yes, this verse, along with others like Job 36:26 and Isaiah 55:9, emphasizes the limits of human understanding and the vast superiority of God's knowledge and wisdom, encouraging humility and trust in His sovereignty.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us of our place in God's creation, encouraging us to trust in His goodness and wisdom, as seen in Romans 11:33-36, and to seek a deeper understanding of His ways, even when we do not fully comprehend them, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

In what ways do I try to control or understand things that are beyond my ability, and how can I learn to trust God in those areas?
How does the vastness of God's creation, as seen in the clouds and the water jars of the heavens, impact my perspective on my own problems and challenges?
What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's power and wisdom, as expressed in this verse?
In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when I do not fully understand His ways, to my everyday life and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Job 38:37

Who can number the clouds in wisdom?.... Or has such wisdom as to be able to count them when the heavens are full of them; hence they are used to denote a great multitude, Isaiah 55:8; or "declare"

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:37

Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, Who can number the clouds in wisdom?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:37

Who can wisely search out and exactly find the number of the clouds? They are numberless, and filled with water, as the next clause implies. Who can stay the bottles of heaven, to wit, the clouds? in which the rain is kept as in bottles, out of which God poureth it when he sees fit.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:37

Job 38:37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,Ver. 37. Who can number the clouds in wisdom?] Quis sapphirinas efficit nubes? Who can make the clouds like sapphire, that is bright and clear? so some read it. Others, Who can declare the clouds? sc. their number, nature, and uses? Or who can stay the bottles of heaven?] i.e. The clouds, fitly compared to bottles, as those vessels that hold the rain, and pour it out on the earth, when God pleaseth to turn the mouths of those bottles downward. This is a great miracle, saith Lavater, that whereas water is fluid, and beareth downward, yet it abideth in the lofty and soft air, nor can fall but where and when God appointeth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:37

(37) Who can stay the bottles of heaven?—This is understood in two opposite senses—of pouring out the bottles or of laying them up in store. It is not easy to decide which is most in accordance with the context, for the context also is somewhat uncertain, according as we interpret the solid mass of thick mud or of hard, dry soil. The survey of physical phenomena ends with this verse.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:37

Verse 37. Who can number the clouds] Perhaps the word ספר saphar, which is commonly rendered to number, may here mean, as in Arabic, to irradiate, as Mr. Good contends; and may refer to those celestial and inimitable tinges which we sometimes behold in the sky. Bottles of heaven] The clouds: it is an allusion to the girbahs, or bottles made of skin, in which they are accustomed to carry their water from wells and tanks.

Cambridge Bible on Job 38:37

37. The verse carries on the thought of the preceding. who can number] Or, who numbereth in wisdom? Who musters or counts off the clouds, that they be sufficient and not in excess for the purpose required of them? The second clause means, Or who poureth out the bottles of the heavens?

Barnes' Notes on Job 38:37

Who can number the clouds? - The word here rendered “clouds” (שׁחקים shachaqiym) is applied to the clouds as made up of “small particles” - as if they were composed of fine dust, and hence, the word

Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:37

37. Number the clouds — A metaphor taken from a military enrolment — same word as in 2 Samuel 24:10. Who can stay the bottles of heaven — Rather, the bottles of heaven, who inclines them?

Sermons on Job 38:37

	Sermon	Description
	Wonders of God-02 Psalm 8-the Starry Heavens by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the beauty and power of God's creation, specifically focusing on the sun and the stars. He emphasizes that God's understanding is infinite a
	Attributes of God - Greatness by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the doubts and uncertainties that people may have about how anything good can come out of certain situations. However, he emphas
	Wonders of Creation Redemption - Part 1 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the wonders of God in creation and emphasizes the need to have greater thoughts of God. He mentions the extraordinary coordination of mind,
	Dallas Area Conference 1993-07 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sacrifices and suffering of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. Despite the immense challenges and betrayals he faced, Jesus rem
	A Song for God's Love Part 2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith teaches from Psalm 145, emphasizing the goodness and mercy of the Lord. He encourages believers to bless God by speaking of the glory of His king
	Jesus Christ Is God by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible truth of the gospel. He describes Jesus as the judge who dies for criminals and the advocate who pays the fine for his client
	Your Name by Ed Wrather	Ed Wrather reflects on the uniqueness of names and shares humorous encounters of meeting individuals with the same name as him. He draws a parallel to the name 'Christian' and enco