Job 37:21 - Now men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.

Generated Verse: Job 37:21

What does "Job 37:21" mean?


Job 37:21 is a bit of a proverb-like statement within Elihu's speech in the Book of Job. Let's break down the potential meaning:

"Now men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies": This likely refers to a situation where people are blinded or unable to perceive something obvious or true. It could be a literal blinding by a storm or figurative blindness to God's power and wisdom. The "light" here could represent truth, understanding, or God's presence. They are so focused on their immediate problems and perceptions (often negative) that they miss the grand, clear reality "in the skies."

"but the wind passes, and clears them": The "wind" represents a force that disrupts the current state. It could be interpreted in a few ways:

Adversity or Revelation: The "wind" could represent hardship or a challenging event. Sometimes, it is through difficulties that we are forced to see things differently. It's akin to a storm clearing the air, allowing us to see the truth more clearly. It can also symbolize a specific revelation or intervention from God that shakes up their preconceived notions.
The Spirit of God: Given the context of the book of Job and the frequent references to God's power, the "wind" could symbolize the Spirit of God. The Spirit can clear away confusion and provide insight.
Time and Perspective: The passing of time itself, like the wind, can provide a new perspective. What seemed insurmountable may seem less so with distance and reflection.

Overall Meaning:

The verse suggests that people often fail to see the truth or God's power because they are blinded by their current circumstances. However, something will come along—a trial, a revelation, or simply the passage of time—that will "clear" their vision, enabling them to see the truth that was always there. It's a reminder that even in our blindness, there's hope for clarity and understanding.

In the context of Job:

Elihu is trying to convince Job and his friends that God's ways are beyond human comprehension. He argues that just as the weather (lightning, wind, etc.) operates according to God's plan, even when we don't understand it, so too do God's dealings with humanity. Job and his friends cannot fully grasp the truth of God's actions, but with the proper "wind" (perspective, revelation), they may get a glimmer. It's a foreshadowing of God's own revelation to Job in the following chapters.

What categories does "Job 37:21" have?