Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.

JOB 37:22KJV
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Job 37:22 (KJV)

What does Job 37:22 mean?

Job 37:22 describes how beautiful, clear weather comes from the north, and then shifts to say that God possesses awe-inspiring majesty. The verse highlights both the wonder of the natural world and the overwhelming greatness of God, connecting what people see in the sky to a deeper sense of God’s power.

In this verse, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, drawing their attention to the dramatic weather as a sign of God’s greatness. The setting is a speech about God’s control over nature, using the image of light or clear skies coming from the north to point to God’s unmatched majesty. Elihu’s words invite the listeners to recognize that behind the wonders of nature stands a God who is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.

The Hebrew behind Job 37:22

  • The word for "weather" is זָהָב (zahav), which usually means "gold." Here, it is often understood as referring to a golden brightness or shining light, suggesting a radiant, clear sky rather than just ordinary weather.
  • The word for "north" is צָפוֹן (tsafon), which can mean the direction north but also sometimes refers to a place of mystery or grandeur in ancient Hebrew thought. The mention of the north may point to a place from which impressive weather phenomena appeared.
  • The word for "God" is אֵל (El), a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing God’s strength and power in this context.
  • The word for "terrible" is יָרֵא (yare’), which means "to fear" or "to be in awe." Here, it describes majesty that inspires reverence, not terror.
  • The word for "majesty" is הָדָר (hadar), which means splendor, glory, or honor. This word highlights the overwhelming beauty and dignity attributed to God.

Why Job 37:22 matters

  • Job 37:22 helps clear up that the "fair weather" mentioned is not just about pleasant skies, but about a striking, golden brilliance that points to God’s glory.
  • The verse emphasizes that the wonders of nature are not random but are meant to draw attention to God’s awe-inspiring presence and majesty.
  • In the wider context, Elihu is preparing Job and his friends to think about God’s greatness before God Himself speaks, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God’s power and mystery.

Where else these words appear

“cometh” Hebrew H857 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Proverbs 1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
  • Isaiah 44:7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

“majesty” Hebrew H1935 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 27:20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
  • Psalms 21:5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
  • Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 21:4 Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: