Job 33:19
He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
Original Language Analysis
וְהוּכַ֣ח
He is chastened
H3198
וְהוּכַ֣ח
He is chastened
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
1 of 7
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִשְׁכָּב֑וֹ
upon his bed
H4904
מִשְׁכָּב֑וֹ
upon his bed
Strong's:
H4904
Word #:
4 of 7
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient medicine lacked analgesics and antibiotics, making chronic pain an inescapable teacher. Bone diseases, arthritis, and infections produced 'strong pain' that could not be medicated away. Elihu's theology transforms this common suffering into purposeful divine discipline. The wisdom literature frequently uses physical affliction as metaphor for spiritual condition (Psalm 32:3-4, Proverbs 3:11-12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does chronic physical suffering force attention on spiritual realities that health and comfort allow you to ignore?
- In what ways does unrelenting pain function as 'chastening' that teaches dependence on God?
- How can you view your own or others' suffering through the lens of divine pedagogy rather than mere misfortune?
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Analysis & Commentary
He is chastened also with pain upon his bed (wenôkaḥ bemak'ôḇ 'al-miškāḇô, וְנוֹכָח בְּמַכְאוֹב עַל־מִשְׁכָּבוֹ)—The verb yākaḥ (here in passive nôkaḥ) means to correct, reprove, or discipline, the same root used for the Spirit's convicting work (John 16:8, Greek elenchō). Physical mak'ôḇ (pain, suffering) becomes God's pedagogy. The bed (miškāḇ), normally a place of rest, transforms into a classroom for divine instruction. Pain immobilizes, forcing attention on eternal realities obscured by health and activity.
And the multitude of his bones with strong pain (werîḇ 'aṣāmāyw 'êṯān, וְרִיב עֲצָמָיו אֵיתָן)—Rîḇ (strife, contention, multitude) suggests bones engaged in constant protest. 'Êṯān (strong, enduring, perpetual) describes unrelenting chronic pain that pervades skeletal structure. This graphic description of suffering matches Job's own condition (7:4-5, 30:17). Elihu recognizes that bone-deep, inescapable pain becomes the crucible where God refines character and exposes dependence.