Job 33:23
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֵ֤שׁ
If there
H3426
יֵ֤שׁ
If there
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
2 of 11
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
עָלָ֨יו׀
H5921
עָלָ֨יו׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַלְאָ֗ךְ
be a messenger
H4397
מַלְאָ֗ךְ
be a messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 11
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
מֵלִ֗יץ
with him an interpreter
H3887
מֵלִ֗יץ
with him an interpreter
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
מִנִּי
H4480
מִנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אָ֑לֶף
among a thousand
H505
אָ֑לֶף
among a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
8 of 11
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
לְהַגִּ֖יד
to shew
H5046
לְהַגִּ֖יד
to shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
Cross References
Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Ecclesiastes 7:28Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.Malachi 2:7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.Haggai 1:13Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.Psalms 94:12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;Psalms 119:75I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.Job 37:23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.Job 36:3I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.Lamentations 3:32But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom featured intermediary figures. Elihu's 'one among a thousand' suggests rarity of true mediators.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes someone qualified to interpret God's ways to others?
- How does Christ fulfill the role of ultimate interpreter?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu speaks of mediators: 'If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness.' This acknowledges need for divine-human mediation. Elihu presents himself as such interpreter, anticipating Christ as ultimate mediator.