Overview
The Bible addresses whirlwind across 21 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Job. Closely related themes include Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena, Wind, the, Ascension and Idolatry. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah, Job and Elisha.
Key Bible verses about whirlwind
Old Testament
2 Kings
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Job
Isaiah
Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. a rolling: or, thistledown
The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.
Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.
Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
Jeremiah
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.
Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. continuing: Heb. cutting fall: or, remain
People in the Bible and whirlwind
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying whirlwind for yourself
- Begin with 2 Kings 2:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Isaiah, Jeremiah and Job each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Elijah, Job and Elisha and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena, Wind, the, Ascension and Idolatry.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about whirlwind?
The Bible addresses whirlwind across 21 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Job. Closely related themes include Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena, Wind, the, Ascension and Idolatry. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah, Job and Elisha.
How many Bible verses are about whirlwind?
The Bible references whirlwind in 21 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention whirlwind?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Kings 2:1: “And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with whirlwind?
Elijah, Job and Elisha.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on whirlwind.
Preach a series on Whirlwind →