Job 23:13
But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
Original Language Analysis
וְה֣וּא
H1931
וְה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בְ֭אֶחָד
But he is in one
H259
בְ֭אֶחָד
But he is in one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וּמִ֣י
H4310
וּמִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
3 of 7
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ
mind and who can turn
H7725
יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ
mind and who can turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Daniel 4:35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:Job 12:14Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.Ecclesiastes 3:14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.Psalms 135:6Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.Ecclesiastes 1:15That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.Job 34:29When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:Romans 9:19Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions depicted gods as capricious and changeable—needing appeasement, capable of being manipulated by magic or offerings. Job's affirmation of divine immutability distinguished Yahweh from such deities. Malachi 3:6 declares, "I am the LORD, I change not." This theological conviction grounds covenant reliability—God keeps promises because His character and purposes are unchanging.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's unchanging nature provide both solemnity (His justice is certain) and comfort (His promises are sure)?
- What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom in Reformed theology?
- How can we trust God's unchanging will when, like Job, we don't understand His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Job declares God's sovereignty: "But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." The phrase "in one" (be'echad, בְּאֶחָד) means unique, alone, unchangeable. The verb shuv (שׁוּב, "turn") means to cause to return or change direction. Job affirms divine immutability—God's purposes cannot be thwarted. The phrase "what his soul desireth" (nephsho avah, נַפְשׁוֹ אִוְּתָה) expresses God's will and pleasure. From a Reformed perspective, this articulates divine sovereignty and immutability: God's decrees are unchanging and His will is irresistible. Yet Job speaks this with anguish, not comfort—he fears God's will includes his destruction. This reveals the tension between affirming sovereignty and trusting goodness. The doctrine of God's sovereignty terrifies if we doubt His goodness but comforts when we trust His love. Romans 8:28 resolves Job's dilemma: God's unchangeable will works all things for good to those who love Him.