Job 33:13
Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
Original Language Analysis
מַ֭דּוּעַ
H4069
מַ֭דּוּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
1 of 8
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
רִיב֑וֹתָ
Why dost thou strive
H7378
רִיב֑וֹתָ
Why dost thou strive
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּ֝בָרָ֗יו
of any of his matters
H1697
דְּ֝בָרָ֗יו
of any of his matters
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Job 40:2Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.Isaiah 45:9Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings were absolute monarchs who answered to no one. Unlike pagan deities who were subject to fate or cosmic forces, YHWH is sovereign over all creation, bound only by His own character and promises. The book of Job addresses theodicy—how can a just, omnipotent God permit innocent suffering? Elihu's answer: God's purposes transcend human understanding; trust His character even when His ways are mysterious (anticipating Romans 11:33-36).
Questions for Reflection
- When have you demanded God explain His actions—what was the result?
- How do we balance bold prayer (bringing complaints to God) with humble submission to His sovereignty?
- What does it mean that God doesn't 'give account'—does this make Him arbitrary or transcendent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Why dost thou strive against him? (מַדּוּעַ אֵלָיו רִיבוֹתָ, maddua elav rivota)—Elihu challenges Job's contention with God. רִיב (riv, 'strive') means to contend legally, to bring charges or lawsuit—the same term for covenant disputes (Micah 6:1-2). מַדּוּעַ (maddua, 'why?') demands justification for Job's complaints. Job had repeatedly demanded to argue his case before God (13:3, 13-19, 23:3-7, 31:35-37). Elihu exposes the absurdity: creatures cannot successfully prosecute Creator.
For he giveth not account of any of his matters (כִּי־כָל־דְּבָרָיו לֹא־יַעֲנֶה, ki-kol-devarav lo-ya'aneh)—עָנָה (anah, 'give account/answer') means to respond or explain. God owes no explanations to His creatures. This establishes divine sovereignty and transcendence: God's wisdom infinitely exceeds human understanding. דָּבָר (davar, 'matters/words') encompasses God's decrees, actions, and purposes. The phrase doesn't mean God never reveals His purposes (He does through Scripture, providence, and ultimately Christ), but that He's under no obligation to explain every action to finite creatures.
This verse articulates Reformed theology's emphasis on divine sovereignty and incomprehensibility. God is not accountable to human courts—we are accountable to His. Job's demand for explanation reflected proper theology (covenant relationship allows bold prayer) but improper attitude (demanding God justify Himself). Elihu corrects the imbalance without dismissing Job's pain.