Job 33

King James Version

Full text for Job Chapter 33

1¶ Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

2Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.

3My words [shall be of] the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.

4The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

5If thou canst answer me, set [thy words] in order before me, stand up.

6Behold, I [am] according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

7Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

8¶ Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of [thy] words, [saying],

9I am clean without transgression, I [am] innocent; neither [is there] iniquity in me.

10Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,

11He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.

12Behold, [in] this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.

13Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

14¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.

15In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

16Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

17That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.

18He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

19¶ He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong [pain]:

20So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.

21His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out.

22Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.

23If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:

24Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.

25His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:

26He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

27He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;

28He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

29¶ Lo, all these [things] worketh God oftentimes with man,

30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

31Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.

32If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.

33If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Elihu begins by asserting his authority and human nature, claiming his words are from an upright heart and inspired by God. He challenges Job's claims of innocence and accusations against God, stating that God is greater than man and not obligated to explain His actions. Elihu explains that God communicates through dreams, visions, and even suffering to instruct man, turn him from pride, and ultimately deliver him from destruction. He emphasizes that God repeatedly works to bring man back from the pit and enlighten him with life.

Medium Summary

Elihu addresses Job directly, affirming that his discourse is sincere and inspired by the Spirit of God, yet he is also a man formed of clay, equal to Job. He recounts Job's previous declarations of being clean and innocent, and his accusation that God treats him as an enemy. Elihu refutes Job's assertions, stating that God is superior to man and not accountable for His ways. He then elaborates that God communicates with humanity through various means, including dreams and night visions, to open their understanding, instruct them, and turn them from prideful and destructive paths. Furthermore, Elihu explains that God uses physical suffering to humble individuals, bringing them near to death, but if a divine messenger or interpreter is present, God can show mercy, deliver them from the pit, and restore their health, especially upon their confession of sin.

Long Summary

Elihu begins his discourse by earnestly urging Job to listen to his words, asserting that his speech originates from an upright heart and that his knowledge is clearly uttered, having been made and given life by the Spirit of God. He positions himself as a man, formed of clay, equal to Job, and challenges Job to respond if he can. Elihu then directly quotes Job's previous statements, where Job claimed to be clean, innocent, and without iniquity, while accusing God of finding occasions against him, counting him as an enemy, and afflicting him. Elihu counters these claims, declaring that Job is not just in his assertions, for God is infinitely greater than man and is not obligated to explain His actions or give account of His matters. He elaborates that God communicates in various ways, even if man does not perceive it, specifically through dreams and night visions when deep sleep falls upon men. These divine communications serve to open men's ears, seal their instruction, and turn them from their sinful purposes and pride, thereby preserving their lives from perishing. Elihu further explains that God also uses severe physical suffering, causing intense pain and emaciation, bringing a person close to the grave. However, if a divine messenger or interpreter is present to reveal God's uprightness, God shows grace, delivering the afflicted from going down to the pit, having found a ransom. This divine intervention leads to renewed health, answered prayer, and seeing God's face with joy, for God renders unto man his righteousness. Elihu concludes by stating that God repeatedly performs all these things—speaking through various means, using suffering, and offering deliverance upon confession—all to bring man back from the pit and enlighten him with the light of the living, urging Job to listen and learn wisdom.

Core Concepts

  • Divine InspirationElihu claims his words are from an upright heart and inspired by the Spirit of God, positioning himself as a messenger of divine truth and knowledge.
  • God's SovereigntyElihu asserts that God is greater than man and is not accountable for His actions, challenging Job's questioning of divine justice and wisdom.
  • Divine CommunicationGod speaks to man through various means, including dreams, visions, and even suffering, often without man's immediate perception, to instruct and guide him.
  • Purpose of SufferingSuffering is presented as a means by which God chastens man, humbles him, and turns him from pride and destructive paths, bringing him near to repentance and deliverance.
  • Redemption and RestorationIf a man confesses his sin and an "interpreter" is present, God offers grace, delivering him from death and restoring his health and relationship with God through a "ransom."
  • Man's HumilityElihu emphasizes that despite his divine inspiration, he is still a man of clay, reminding Job of their shared human frailty and equality before God.
  • Confession and DeliveranceThe chapter highlights that acknowledging one's sin and perversion can lead to God's deliverance from the pit and the granting of renewed life and light.