Job 33 29

Job 33:29 kjv

Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,

Job 33:29 nkjv

"Behold, God works all these things, Twice, in fact, three times with a man,

Job 33:29 niv

"God does all these things to a person? twice, even three times?

Job 33:29 esv

"Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man,

Job 33:29 nlt

"Yes, God does these things
again and again for people.

Job 33 verses

Job 33 29 Meaning

Elihu declares that the merciful actions of God, as he has described—ranging from divine communication through dreams and visions to the purifying and redemptive experience of affliction, guided by an angelic messenger—are not isolated incidents but are repeated consistently and persistently in the life of an individual. This verse emphasizes God's tireless and patient efforts to call a person to repentance and save them from destruction, demonstrating His loving desire for their restoration and flourishing.

Job 33 29 Context

Job 33:29 is the concluding statement of Elihu's detailed argument concerning God's active engagement with humanity, specifically challenging Job's lamentations of God's silence and perceived indifference. Elihu begins by asserting God's ability to communicate in various ways (vv. 14-18), particularly through dreams and visions, to turn a person from sin and preserve their life. He then expands this by explaining that God also speaks through the severe school of affliction and suffering (vv. 19-22). The suffering serves a redemptive purpose; if a divine "messenger," an "angel," intervenes and points out the path to righteousness (vv. 23-26), the person's health is restored, and they offer praise to God (vv. 27-28).

Elihu's entire discourse in this chapter serves as a profound refutation of Job's perception that God is silent, arbitrary, or unjust. Instead, Elihu presents a compassionate, actively involved, and persistent God who uses various means, including what might appear as adversity, to guide individuals towards repentance, preservation, and spiritual restoration. This verse, "Behold, all these things God works, twice, yes three times with a man," summarizes and reinforces the truth that God does not abandon an individual after a single attempt; He repeatedly seeks to bring about their good.

Historically and culturally, there was a prevalent belief that suffering was solely punitive, a direct consequence of sin. While Job's friends largely upheld this, Elihu introduced a more nuanced perspective where suffering could be remedial, preventative, and ultimately, a manifestation of God's merciful correction designed to prevent worse calamities and lead to spiritual healing. Elihu’s arguments were polemically aimed at countering the narrow view of God as simply a judge or punisher, highlighting His redemptive character instead.

Job 33 29 Word analysis

• Behold (Heb. הֵן - hen): This interjection serves as an exclamation, demanding attention and emphasizing the significance of what is about to be stated. It draws the listener's focus to a profound and important truth, indicating a critical summary statement. It is often used to introduce something remarkable or deserving of deep consideration.
• all these things (Heb. כָּל־אֵלֶּה - kal-elleh): This phrase refers inclusively to the range of God's interventions and methods of communication and restoration that Elihu has meticulously outlined in the preceding verses (Job 33:14-28). It specifically points to the speaking through dreams, the chastening through pain and illness, and the provision of a divine messenger (angel) who reveals the path of repentance and salvation, leading to restoration and praise.
• God (Heb. אֵל - ’el): A general but profound term for Deity, often employed to highlight the majestic and powerful nature of the Divine. In this context, Elihu uses 'El to portray God as a personal, active, and involved agent, diligently engaged in human affairs rather than a distant or disengaged observer. This emphasis contrasts with Job’s perceived notion of God's withdrawal or hostility.
• works (Heb. פֹּעֵל - po’el): Derived from the root "to act, to do, to accomplish." This verb denotes active, intentional, and effective engagement. It underscores that God is not passively allowing things to happen but is proactively and deliberately carrying out these complex processes of divine communication, discipline, and redemption. His actions are purposeful and productive.
• twice, yes three times (Heb. פַּעֲמַיִם שָׁלֹשׁ - pa’amayim shalosh): This is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, often functioning as a numerical proverb or a form of merism. It does not mean literally only two or three times, but signifies "repeatedly," "oftentimes," "again and again," or "many times." It conveys the idea of God’s persistent, unwavering, and abundant efforts. This phrase emphasizes the divine patience and reluctance to give up on an individual, highlighting His commitment to leading them towards salvation and truth.
• with a man (Heb. עִם־גָּבֶר - ’im-gaver): The singular "man" (gabar) points to God's individualized and personal approach to each human being. God's gracious interventions are not a general policy applied indiscriminately, but a specific, tender, and targeted engagement with a unique individual. Gaver can also denote a strong or mighty man, possibly suggesting that even the seemingly self-sufficient or powerful are subject to and benefit from God’s persistent work.

Job 33 29 Bonus section

This verse significantly contributes to the biblical theology of divine grace and perseverance. It refutes any notion of God being distant, unfeeling, or giving up on individuals easily. Instead, it portrays Him as actively and passionately involved in the process of redemption and spiritual formation. Elihu's argument here implicitly offers hope and a path forward for Job, suggesting that even his intense suffering is not without purpose and that God is still working in his life, potentially in ways Job did not comprehend. The idiom "twice, yes three times" also echoes a biblical pattern where numerical repetitions emphasize certainty, abundance, and completion, underlining the absolute steadfastness of God's dealings with humanity.

Job 33 29 Commentary

Job 33:29 serves as Elihu's culminating declaration regarding God's persistent and merciful character. Far from being a silent or capricious deity, God is profoundly active and engaged in the lives of individuals. The preceding verses detailed how God communicates through dreams and visions, and, failing that, utilizes suffering and illness as a redemptive classroom. Should these afflictions bring an individual to a place of brokenness, a divine messenger intervenes to point to the path of grace and restoration. This verse then underscores that these acts are not one-time occurrences; God patiently repeats His various warnings, corrections, and invitations "twice, yes three times"—meaning, countless times—for the sake of the person's salvation and wellbeing.

This is a testament to God's immense patience, long-suffering love, and His unwavering desire for humans to turn from destructive paths to life. Elihu effectively redefines suffering not as mere punishment (as Job's friends argued), but often as a manifestation of divine prevention and merciful pursuit, designed to avert greater harm and lead to a living relationship with God. It speaks to God’s gracious heart, relentlessly working behind the scenes of our lives to bring us to a saving knowledge and transformative experience. This persistence reflects God’s fatherly discipline aimed at drawing us closer to Him.