Job 33:6
Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
Original Language Analysis
כְפִ֣יךָ
Behold I am according to thy wish
H6310
כְפִ֣יךָ
Behold I am according to thy wish
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
לָאֵ֑ל
in God's
H410
לָאֵ֑ל
in God's
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
מֵ֝חֹ֗מֶר
out of the clay
H2563
מֵ֝חֹ֗מֶר
out of the clay
Strong's:
H2563
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
קֹרַ֥צְתִּי
stead I also am formed
H7169
קֹרַ֥צְתִּי
stead I also am formed
Strong's:
H7169
Word #:
6 of 8
to pinch, i.e., (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a
Historical Context
Job repeatedly requested an arbiter or umpire between him and God (9:33, 16:19-21, 19:25). Ancient legal systems included mediators for disputes. Elihu positions himself as such—someone who understands both Job's humanity and God's ways. This mediatorial concept develops through Scripture, from Moses (Exodus 20:19) to prophets to the ultimate Mediator, Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elihu's attempted mediation highlight the unique nature of Christ's mediation?
- What does shared humanity add to effective pastoral care and counseling?
- How do Elihu's limitations as mediator help us appreciate Christ's divine-human nature?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu establishes common ground with Job: "Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay." The phrase "in God's stead" (le'el, לְאֵל) means "toward God" or "in God's place"—Elihu offers to be Job's mediator, the very thing Job longed for (9:33, 16:19). The phrase "formed out of the clay" (qoratsti mechomer, קֹרַצְתִּי מֵחֹמֶר) emphasizes shared humanity. Elihu acknowledges he's not God but fellow creature. From a Reformed perspective, this highlights both the necessity and inadequacy of human mediation. Elihu correctly perceives Job's need for an advocate but cannot ultimately fulfill that role—only Christ can. The incarnation reveals God becoming human mediator: "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Elihu's offer points toward this need while demonstrating that shared creatureliness, though necessary for true mediation, isn't sufficient without divine nature.