Thunder is a prominent element frequently appearing in different sections of the Bible, often associated with the raw display of divine power, majesty, and wrath. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, various Bible verses use the symbolism of thunder to express the all-encompassing authority of God, the auditory demonstration of His might, and an indicator of momentous prophetic events.
What Role Does Thunder Play in the Bible?
In the Bible, thunder often signifies the omnipotence of God. It is symbolic of the voice of the Almighty and serves as a demonstration of His immense power and glory. Many Bible verses depict thunder as a manifestation of God’s presence, His divine speech, or His judgment. Thunder is also used to describe situations and events of significant spiritual and prophetic importance.
Where In the Bible Does Thunder Signal Divine Presence?
Thunder is a representation of God’s presence in several contexts within the Bible. It is an atmospheric display of divine power, indicating God’s immediate presence or imminent action. Thunder is often associated with God’s voice or proclamation, suggesting both His nearness and might. Bible verses often use this imagery to articulate the profound awe and reverence that God’s presence elicits.
Why Is Thunder Equated with God’s Voice?
Thunder is frequently equated with God’s voice in the Bible due to its awe-inspiring and formidable nature. As thunder is loud, powerful, and heard over vast distances, so the voice of God is represented as a formidable sound that cannot be ignored. This comparison epitomizes God’s supreme authority, stressing the resonance, reach, and impact of His words. It is God’s mode of communication, which brings salient revelations, commandments, or judgments.
When Does Thunder Signify Judgment?
In the Bible, there are instances where thunder serves as a sign of God’s judgment. Thunder’s terrifying and disruptive qualities often suggest divine wrath or chastisement. When God’s thunder roars, it can imply pending retribution, a judgment set to manifest. Thunder, as depicted in the Bible, demands attention, compelling humans to reckon with the righteousness and sovereignty of God.
Who Encounters God’s Thunder in the Bible?
Various individuals and communities encounter the symbolic thunder of God’s presence and power throughout the Bible. Leaders, prophets, disciples, and even the antagonists experience the thunder of God in various circumstances, often during pivotal moments. The resultant fear, awe, or reverence experienced serves as a catalyst for transformation, repentance, revelation, or divine encounter. These stories highlight the universal applicability of the thunder motif, as it crosses boundaries of time, status, and culture.
Below is the full list of bible verses on thunder (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Thunder
Job 37:2-6
“2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.”
1 Samuel 2:10
“10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Earth
Exodus 19:19
“19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.”
Revelation 10:3-4
“3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.”
Revelation 10:1-11
“1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”
Mark 3:17
“17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
John 14:2
“2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
Related Themes: Afterlife Holy Spirit Life Sadness
Psalm 29:1-11
“1 A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”
Exodus 19:16
“16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.”
Revelation 10:6
“6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:”
Related Themes: Earth
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Psalm 77:18
“18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.”
John 12:29
“29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.”
James 1:5
“5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Related Themes: Wisdom Education Dating Discernment Doubt
John 5:30
“30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
Related Themes: Frustration Pleasing God Tough Decisions Ego Justice
Psalm 18:13
“13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.”
Psalm 81:7
“7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.”
Job 26:14
“14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?”
Job 37:4-5
“4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.”
