Job 33:29
Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִפְעַל
Lo all these things worketh
H6466
יִפְעַל
Lo all these things worketh
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
4 of 9
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אֵ֑ל
God
H410
אֵ֑ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
פַּעֲמַ֖יִם
oftentimes
H6471
פַּעֲמַ֖יִם
oftentimes
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
6 of 9
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ
H7969
Cross References
Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:1 Corinthians 12:6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.2 Corinthians 5:5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions often portrayed gods as capricious, giving single warnings before destructive judgment. Elihu's emphasis on God's repeated interventions distinguishes Yahweh as patient and redemptive. This aligns with covenant theology—God's commitment to relationship despite human failure. Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all emphasize God's persistent pursuit of unfaithful Israel (Hosea 11:8, Jeremiah 31:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's repeated intervention in your life demonstrate His patience?
- What is the relationship between divine discipline and divine love?
- How should God's persistence affect our response to His correction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man (הֶן־כָּל־אֵלֶּה יִפְעַל־אֵל פַּעֲמַיִם שָׁלוֹשׁ עִם־גָּבֶר, hen-kol-eleh yiphal-El pa'amayim shalosh im-gaver)—The phrase "twice, three times" (pa'amayim shalosh) is Hebrew idiom for "repeatedly" (not literally 2-3 times). The verb pa'al (פָּעַל, "to work, do") emphasizes God's active engagement. Elihu argues God repeatedly intervenes in human lives, not abandoning them to death. This counters Job's sense of divine abandonment (Job 7:19, 10:20). The noun gaver (גֶּבֶר, man/mighty man) emphasizes humanity's smallness compared to God's greatness.
Elihu's theology affirms divine persistence: God doesn't give one warning then abandon. This anticipates Jesus's parable of the persistent father waiting for the prodigal (Luke 15:20) and God's patience in Romans 2:4: "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Reformed theology speaks of "irresistible grace"—God's effectual calling doesn't fail (John 6:37, 44). Elihu sees suffering not as abandonment but repeated divine intervention to bring people back from destruction.