Job 37:21
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֤ה׀
H6258
לֹ֘א
H3808
לֹ֘א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָ֤אוּ
And now men see
H7200
רָ֤אוּ
And now men see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
א֗וֹר
light
H216
א֗וֹר
light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
4 of 10
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
ה֭וּא
H1931
ה֭וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בַּשְּׁחָקִ֑ים
which is in the clouds
H7834
בַּשְּׁחָקִ֑ים
which is in the clouds
Strong's:
H7834
Word #:
7 of 10
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
וְר֥וּחַ
but the wind
H7307
וְר֥וּחַ
but the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
8 of 10
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Historical Context
Palestinian weather features sudden wind changes that rapidly clear cloudy skies, especially after winter rains. Elihu uses this observable phenomenon to teach theological truth. Ancient peoples, more attuned to weather patterns than modern indoor populations, would immediately grasp the metaphor. The imagery parallels Malachi 3:2-3, where God refines like fire to reveal pure gold.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'clouds' currently obscure your view of God's goodness, and how might you trust the unseen reality behind them?
- How does this verse comfort believers experiencing the 'dark night of the soul' when God seems absent?
- In what ways does suffering function like clouds—temporary obscuration rather than permanent absence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And now men see not the bright light (אוֹר בָּהִיר, or bahir)—Elihu describes the sun obscured by clouds, invisible despite its brightness. Yet the wind passeth, and cleanseth them (רוּחַ עָבְרָה וַתְּטַהֲרֵם, ruach avrah vatehaherem). The verb טָהֵר (taher, 'cleanse') is used for ritual purification—wind purifies the sky by dispersing clouds, revealing the sun that was always there.
The metaphor brilliantly addresses Job's complaint: God seems absent, hidden by suffering's clouds. But like the sun behind clouds, God's glory remains constant—only our perception is obscured. The passing wind represents God's sovereign timing in removing obstacles to clear vision. Jesus uses similar imagery: 'The wind bloweth where it listeth' (John 3:8), describing the Spirit's sovereign work. This verse anticipates Job's restoration when the 'clouds' of suffering disperse, revealing that God's favor never actually departed. Faith trusts the unseen sun during cloudy days.