Job 33:12
Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
צָדַ֣קְתָּ
Behold in this thou art not just
H6663
צָדַ֣קְתָּ
Behold in this thou art not just
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
4 of 9
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
אֶעֱנֶ֑ךָּ
I will answer
H6030
אֶעֱנֶ֑ךָּ
I will answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Elihu's correction addresses Job's demand that God answer him (23:3-5, 31:35). Ancient Near Eastern deities were often portrayed as capricious and unanswerable to humans. Elihu rightly emphasizes divine transcendence but may underestimate divine grace—God chooses to reveal Himself beyond strict obligation. The verse balances Job's presumption with theological truth about Creator-creature distinction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance the truth that God isn't obligated to explain Himself with the grace that He often does?
- What does Elihu's correction teach about proper humility in approaching God while maintaining relationship?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu corrects Job: 'Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.' The statement lo-tsadaqta (לֹא־צָדַקְתָּ, thou art not just) charges Job with error. Elihu identifies Job's mistake: demanding God answer him as an equal. The phrase ki-yirbeh Eloha me-enosh (כִּי־יִרְבֶּה אֱלוֹהַּ מֵאֱנוֹשׁ, God is greater than man) uses yirbeh (יִרְבֶּה), meaning to be many, much, or great. Elihu argues that God's transcendence means He isn't obligated to explain Himself to creatures. While affirming divine sovereignty, Elihu may overreach—God does answer Job, suggesting divine condescension beyond what Elihu envisioned.