Job 33 23

Job 33:23 kjv

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

Job 33:23 nkjv

"If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness,

Job 33:23 niv

Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright,

Job 33:23 esv

If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him,

Job 33:23 nlt

"But if an angel from heaven appears ?
a special messenger to intercede for a person
and declare that he is upright ?

Job 33 verses

Job 33 23 Meaning

Job 33:23 speaks of a divine provision for humanity: a uniquely qualified messenger or interpreter who acts as a mediator to reveal God's specific purpose for an individual, especially in times of severe testing or discipline. This figure serves to clarify God's will and guide the person back to a right understanding and relationship with God, leading to their spiritual and physical restoration.

Job 33 23 Context

Job 33:23 is part of Elihu's discourse to Job and his friends (Job 32-37). Elihu steps in as a younger, uninvited participant, offering a fresh perspective on suffering that differs from both Job's self-vindication and his friends' accusations of specific sin. Elihu asserts that God speaks to man in various ways—through dreams and visions (vv. 14-18), through discipline and suffering (vv. 19-22)—not always as punishment for specific sin, but often as a means to instruct, correct, and deter man from pride and self-destruction. In verses 19-22, Elihu describes a man being chastened by severe illness. Then, in verse 23, he introduces the critical role of a divine messenger or "interpreter" (mediator). This messenger explains to the suffering individual God's true purpose behind the affliction, revealing what is "right for him" – God's design for his path and how to be reconciled to Him. This clarifies that suffering, far from indicating God's arbitrary cruelty or punishment for unknown sin, can be a corrective instrument to lead one to repentance and restoration, especially when such a profound interpreter makes God's intentions clear.

Job 33 23 Word analysis

• If (וְלָ֣וֹ wə-lāw): This conjunctive particle initiates a conditional clause, "and if there is," pointing to a specific, crucial provision by God. It indicates that such a mediator is not always present but is God's grace to provide one.
• there is (יֶשׁ־ yeš): Emphasizes existence; "there exists" or "is available."
• a messenger (מַלְאָךְ֙ mal'āḵ): From the Hebrew root for "to send." This term denotes one who is commissioned to convey a message. It can refer to a human envoy, prophet, priest, or an angel (heavenly being). In this context, it carries significant authority as God's representative.
• for him (לוֹ lō): Specifically for the distressed individual (the "man" in suffering previously mentioned in vv. 19-22).
• an interpreter (מֵלִ֗יץ mêlîṣ): This noun, unique to Job in this precise form, comes from a root meaning "to interpret," "translate," "mediate," or "act as an advocate." It describes one who can make something obscure clear, who can bridge a gap in understanding, particularly between God and man. This role is key to bridging God's sovereign action with human comprehension.
• one among a thousand (אֶחָ֤ד מִנִּי־אָ֙לֶף֙ ʾeḥāḏ minnī-ʾālep̄): This phrase conveys extreme rarity or exceptional quality. It suggests this messenger/interpreter is not just any emissary but is uniquely qualified, specially chosen, or singularly effective among many potential candidates. It speaks to a divine anointing or preeminence that sets this one apart. It underscores the preciousness and singularity of such a figure, implying unique insight and wisdom.
• to declare (לְהַגִּ֥יד ləhaggîḏ): Infinitive form of "to tell," "to make known," "to announce," or "to instruct clearly." The purpose of the messenger/interpreter is communication and clarification.
• to man (לְאָדָ֗ם ləʾāḏām): To humanity in general, but specifically referring to the individual who is undergoing suffering and is in need of this divine explanation and guidance.
• what is right for him (יָשְׁרֽוֹ yoshro): This word literally means "his uprightness," "his rectitude," or "his proper course/way." In this context, it refers to what is correct, appropriate, or truly beneficial for the individual concerning his relationship with God. It implies understanding God's true purpose, leading to repentance, purification, and aligning with God's path, rather than just what feels good or is desired. It indicates the way to a right standing with God.

Words-group analysis:

• "messenger... an interpreter": This pairing indicates a figure with a dual, essential role: bringing a divine message and making it understandable. The "messenger" carries authority from God, and the "interpreter" ensures the message is comprehensible to the human recipient. This combination is vital for bridging the gap between divine sovereignty and human suffering/understanding.
• "one among a thousand": This phrase highlights the unique, special, and perhaps singular qualification of this messenger-interpreter. It suggests divine selection and exceptional insight or wisdom that is not easily found. It points to a highly distinguished or specially gifted individual commissioned by God for this specific, critical task of revealing divine truth and guidance in a powerful way.

Job 33 23 Bonus section

Elihu's discourse in Job 33, and specifically verse 23, introduces the concept of God's redemptive pedagogy through an intermediary. It counters the friends' simplistic theology that suffering is always direct punishment for specific sin. Elihu suggests suffering can be a gracious form of discipline meant to prevent greater evil or bring about spiritual refinement. The "interpreter" becomes the critical element in unlocking this divine purpose for the afflicted individual. This anticipates the need for a true mediator who bridges the infinite gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, making clear God's righteous requirements and gracious provisions. The rarity implied by "one among a thousand" hints at the unique role of Christ as the singular perfect Mediator between God and mankind, whose life, death, and resurrection fully disclose God's way to uprightness (Heb 1:1-2, 1 Tim 2:5). The Old Testament glimpses of a specialized messenger (e.g., the Angel of the Lord, prophets, priests) find their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Job 33 23 Commentary

Job 33:23 articulates Elihu's central argument that God, far from being silent or arbitrary, actively seeks to communicate His purposes to humanity. When a person is afflicted and humbled by suffering (vv. 19-22), God, in His grace, may send a specially appointed messenger or interpreter. This "one among a thousand" possesses unique insight and the ability to clarify God's hidden intentions behind the hardship. This figure reveals to the sufferer "what is right for him" – not necessarily an accusation of hidden sin, but a clear path towards repentance, transformation, and aligning with God's good and purifying will, thus leading to restoration. Elihu’s description points to a divinely provided intermediary who explains God's actions, demonstrating God's redemptive concern. Ultimately, this foreshadows the perfect and ultimate Interpreter and Mediator, Jesus Christ, who alone perfectly reveals God's truth and path to righteousness for humanity.

• Example 1: A believer experiences a series of trials, feeling confused and lost, until a wise pastor (the "interpreter") helps them understand that these challenges are meant to refine their faith and draw them closer to God, not punish them.
• Example 2: A prodigal child faces difficult consequences and meets an influential Christian mentor ("one among a thousand") who guides them to see God's grace in their suffering, leading to true repentance and reconciliation with God and family.