When he made a decree for the rain: translators differ in the interpretation of the word rendered decree. The basic meaning of the word seems to be “law,” as implied by Revised Standard Version. Dhorme interprets it as “limit,” “he imposed on the rain a limit.” Pope agrees with Dhorme but appeals to the basic meaning of the verb root, which is “to engrave” and, as applied to the rain, suggests “groove.” In 38.25 a word translated “channel” is used in a similar context. The idea is then that God makes a channel for the rain to flow down to the earth. Good News Translation perhaps follows this lead with “When God decided where the rain would fall.” A word suggesting the path that the rain follows fits best in the next line. Nevertheless, most modern translators prefer some form such as “law,” “rule,” or “limit.” Translators are advised to follow the form that best suits their own language style. This line may also be expressed, for example, “When God made a rule to guide the rain” or “When God fixed a law the rain has to follow.”

And a way for the lightning of the thunder: way translates the Hebrew for “road, path.” The Revised Standard Version expression lightning of the thunder translates what is literally “voices of lightning.” In 38.25 Revised Standard Version translates the same expression “thunderbolt.” Translations differ greatly in the rendering of this expression, but it is clear that the reference is to a storm accompanied by thunder. Dhorme translates “the rumble of thunder,” and Rowley prefers “thunderstorm.” Good News Translation has supplied a verb to accompany way, “and the path that the thunder clouds travel,” while New English Bible has “and a path for the thunderstorm,” which is a good translation model. This expression may have to be expanded to say, for example, “and a path for the thunderstorm to follow” or “and a path to guide the thunderstorm.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .