Job Chapter 36 · Verse 27
For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֭י
H3588
כִּ֭י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְגָרַ֣ע
For he maketh small
H1639
יְגָרַ֣ע
For he maketh small
Strong's:
H1639
Word #:
2 of 7
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
נִטְפֵי
the drops
H5198
נִטְפֵי
the drops
Strong's:
H5198
Word #:
3 of 7
a drop; specifically, an aromatic gum (probably stacte)
מָ֑יִם
of water
H4325
מָ֑יִם
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
4 of 7
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures mythologized weather—Baal controlled rain in Canaanite religion. Israel's theology demythologized nature: Yahweh alone controls weather (Psalm 135:6-7, 147:8, Jeremiah 14:22). God withholds rain as judgment (Deuteronomy 11:17, 1 Kings 17:1) and sends it as blessing (Leviticus 26:4, Deuteronomy 28:12). Elihu's description of the water cycle, though pre-scientific, accurately observes natural phenomena as divine design, anticipating modern hydrology while maintaining theological interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does observation of natural processes (like the water cycle) reveal God's wisdom and faithfulness?
- What is the relationship between God's sovereignty over nature and Christ's miracles?
- How should scientific understanding of natural phenomena inform rather than diminish theological wonder?
Analysis & Commentary
For he maketh small the drops of water (כִּי יְגָרַע נִטְפֵי־מָיִם, ki yegara nitpei-mayim)—The verb gara (גָּרַע, "to diminish, withdraw") and noun neteph (נֶטֶף, drop) describe God drawing up water particles. This is ancient description of the water cycle: evaporation. The phrase they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof (יָזֹקּוּ מָטָר לְאֵדוֹ, yazoqqu matar le-edo) uses zuq (זוּק, "to pour out, filter") and ed (אֵד, mist, vapor). Elihu describes condensation and precipitation—God's control over meteorological processes. This anticipates modern understanding of evaporation-condensation-precipitation cycle.
Elihu's nature theology points to divine wisdom in creation (Psalm 104:13-14, 147:8). God's governance isn't merely moral but cosmic—controlling weather patterns. Jesus demonstrated this authority: calming the storm (Mark 4:39), "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" The incarnate Logos (John 1:3, "all things were made by him") who designed the water cycle entered creation to redeem it (Colossians 1:16-20). Nature's order testifies to God's faithfulness (Genesis 8:22) and points toward new creation's restoration (Revelation 21:1).