King James Version

What Does Job 23:13 Mean?

Job 23:13 in the King James Version says “But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.” — study this verse from Job chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.”

Job 23:13 · KJV

Context

11

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. esteemed: Heb. hid, or, laid up my: or, my appointed portion

13

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

14

For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

15

Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

Read Job 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job declares God's sovereignty: "But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." The phrase "in one" (be'echad, בְּאֶחָד) means unique, alone, unchangeable. The verb shuv (שׁוּב, "turn") means to cause to return or change direction. Job affirms divine immutability—God's purposes cannot be thwarted. The phrase "what his soul desireth" (nephsho avah, נַפְשׁוֹ אִוְּתָה) expresses God's will and pleasure. From a Reformed perspective, this articulates divine sovereignty and immutability: God's decrees are unchanging and His will is irresistible. Yet Job speaks this with anguish, not comfort—he fears God's will includes his destruction. This reveals the tension between affirming sovereignty and trusting goodness. The doctrine of God's sovereignty terrifies if we doubt His goodness but comforts when we trust His love. Romans 8:28 resolves Job's dilemma: God's unchangeable will works all things for good to those who love Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern religions depicted gods as capricious and changeable—needing appeasement, capable of being manipulated by magic or offerings. Job's affirmation of divine immutability distinguished Yahweh from such deities. Malachi 3:6 declares, "I am the LORD, I change not." This theological conviction grounds covenant reliability—God keeps promises because His character and purposes are unchanging.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's unchanging nature provide both solemnity (His justice is certain) and comfort (His promises are sure)?
  2. What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom in Reformed theology?
  3. How can we trust God's unchanging will when, like Job, we don't understand His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְה֣וּא1 of 7
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְ֭אֶחָד2 of 7

“But he is in one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וּמִ֣י3 of 7
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ4 of 7

“mind and who can turn”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹ5 of 7

“him and what his soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אִוְּתָ֣ה6 of 7

“desireth”

H183

to wish for

וַיָּֽעַשׂ׃7 of 7

“even that he doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 23:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 23:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 115:3Proverbs 19:21Isaiah 46:10Daniel 4:35Job 12:14Ecclesiastes 3:14

Test Your Knowledge

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