For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

JOB 37:6KJV
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Job 37:6 (KJV)

What does Job 37:6 mean?

Job 37:6 says that God commands the snow and the rain to fall on the earth, showing His control over nature. The verse highlights that both gentle and powerful rains, as well as snow, come at God’s word and by His strength.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, describing God’s power and wisdom. Elihu points out that even the weather obeys God’s command, reminding his listeners that God’s authority extends over all creation, from the smallest drizzle to the strongest storm.

The Hebrew behind Job 37:6

  • “saith” (אָמַר, ’amar): This word means “to say” or “to command.” Here, it emphasizes that God does not just allow weather to happen—He actively directs it.
  • “snow” (שֶׁלֶג, sheleg): The word for snow is specific, showing that even something as gentle and quiet as snow is under God’s instruction.
  • “small rain” (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem): This can refer to a light rain or drizzle, highlighting God’s care over even the less dramatic parts of nature.
  • “great rain of his strength” (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem + עֹז, oz): The repetition of “rain” with “strength” points to heavy, powerful rainstorms, stressing God’s might and control over even the most forceful elements.

Why Job 37:6 matters

  • Job 37:6 clears up any idea that weather is random or outside of God’s notice; it shows that every part of nature, from snow to storms, is under His direction.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s power and wisdom, which is a central theme in Elihu’s speech and prepares the way for God’s own response later in the book.
  • By mentioning both small and great rains, Job 37:6 reminds readers that God’s care and authority cover both ordinary and extraordinary events in the world.

Where else these words appear

“thou” Hebrew H1933 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
  • Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
  • Ecclesiastes 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

“snow” Hebrew H7950 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 4:6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
  • Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
  • Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

“rain” Hebrew H1653 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 7:12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
  • Ezra 10:13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
  • Jeremiah 14:4 Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

“small” Hebrew H4306 · used in 36 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 23:4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
  • Job 38:28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?