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.

JOB 37:12KJV
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Job 37:12 (KJV)

What does Job 37:12 mean?

Job 37:12 says that the movements of the clouds are guided by God’s wisdom, so they go wherever He commands them across the whole earth. This verse highlights that natural events happen according to God’s direction and purpose.

In this part of the book, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, describing how God controls the weather and the world. Elihu’s point is that even the clouds, which seem to move freely, are actually following God’s instructions, showing His power and authority over creation.

The Hebrew behind Job 37:12

  • "turned" (הָפַךְ, hāphakh): This word means to turn, change, or transform. It emphasizes that the clouds’ paths are not random but are actively changed by God.
  • "counsels" (תַּחְבֻּלוֹת, takhbūlōt): This word refers to guidance, plans, or wise advice. It suggests that God’s control over the clouds is thoughtful and purposeful, not accidental.
  • "commandeth" (צָוָה, tsāwāh): This verb means to command or order. It highlights that the clouds respond directly to God’s authoritative instructions, not to chance.

Why Job 37:12 matters

  • Job 37:12 clears up the idea that natural events happen by chance, showing instead that they are under God’s wise control.
  • The verse connects to Elihu’s larger argument that humans cannot fully understand God’s ways, especially in nature.
  • This verse helps the reader see that even things as unpredictable as the weather are included in God’s plans, reinforcing the theme of God’s sovereignty in the book of Job.

Where else these words appear

“about” Hebrew H4524 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 2 Kings 23:5 And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
  • Psalms 140:9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

“counsels” Hebrew H8458 · used in 6 verses

  • Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
  • Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
  • Proverbs 20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

“world” Hebrew H8398 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

“do” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 44:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?