Job 23:14
For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֭י
H3588
כִּ֭י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַשְׁלִ֣ים
For he performeth
H7999
יַשְׁלִ֣ים
For he performeth
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
2 of 6
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
חֻקִּ֑י
the thing that is appointed
H2706
חֻקִּ֑י
the thing that is appointed
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
3 of 6
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְכָהֵ֖נָּה
such
H2007
וְכָהֵ֖נָּה
such
Strong's:
H2007
Word #:
4 of 6
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,1 Thessalonians 3:3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.Psalms 77:19Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.Psalms 97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.Job 7:3So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Micah 6:9The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Historical Context
Job's theology of divine decrees aligns with ancient Israelite covenant theology, where God's choq (statutes) governed both cosmic order and individual lives. The Wisdom Literature consistently affirms God's comprehensive sovereignty (Proverbs 16:33, 19:21). Job's fear reflects the pre-Christian struggle to reconcile suffering with divine purpose before the cross revealed God's redemptive plan.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you trust God's appointed purposes when you cannot see His ultimate design?
- What is the difference between fatalism and biblical sovereignty?
- How does Christ's fulfillment of God's appointed decree (Acts 2:23) transform our understanding of divine purpose?
Analysis & Commentary
For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me (כִּי־יַשְׁלִים חֻקִּי, ki-yashlim chukki)—The verb shalam (שָׁלַם) means "to complete, fulfill, finish." The noun choq (חֹק) denotes a decreed statute or appointed portion. Job confesses divine sovereignty extends to his personal life: God completes what He has ordained. This echoes Philippians 1:6, "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it." The phrase many such things are with him (וְרַבּוֹת כָּאֵלֶּה עִמּוֹ) amplifies God's comprehensive purposes—not one decree but multitudes. Job's theology is Reformed: God's sovereignty is meticulous, not general.
Yet Job speaks without comfort. Unlike Philippians' assurance, Job fears what God has appointed. This reveals a profound tension: right doctrine about sovereignty paired with existential terror. The same truths that anchor faith can crush hope if we doubt God's goodness. The gospel resolves this: Christ bore God's appointed decree of wrath (Isaiah 53:10), so we receive appointed grace (Ephesians 1:11).