King James Version
What Does Job 33:18 Mean?
“He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. from perishing: Heb. from passing”
Job 33:18 · KJV
Context
16
Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, he: Heb. he revealeth, or, uncovereth
17
That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. purpose: Heb. work
18
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. from perishing: Heb. from passing
19
He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20
So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. dainty: Heb. meat of desire
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryHe keepeth back his soul from the pit (yāḥŏśēk napšô min-šāḥaṯ, יָחֹשֶׂךְ נַפְשׁוֹ מִן־שָׁחַת)—The verb ḥāśak means to withhold, restrain, or hold back, depicting God actively preventing the soul (nepeš, the life-force or inner being) from descending into šāḥaṯ (the pit, grave, or place of corruption). This Hebrew term for 'pit' appears in Psalm 16:10, prophetically applied to Christ's resurrection: 'neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.' God's preserving action rescues from premature death and spiritual destruction.
And his life from perishing by the sword (weḥayyātô mē'ăḇôr bašālaḥ, וְחַיָּתוֹ מֵעֲבֹר בַּשָּׁלַח)—The phrase 'perishing by the sword' uses 'āḇar (to pass over, cross over) with šelaḥ (spear, javelin, or weapon). The imagery suggests violent death in warfare or judgment. God's intervention spares physical life from destruction. This protective theology anticipates New Testament teaching that God numbers our days (Matthew 10:29-31) and sovereign providence shields believers until their appointed time.
And his life from perishing by the sword (weḥayyātô mē'ăḇôr bašālaḥ, וְחַיָּתוֹ מֵעֲבֹר בַּשָּׁלַח)—The phrase 'perishing by the sword' uses 'āḇar (to pass over, cross over) with šelaḥ (spear, javelin, or weapon). The imagery suggests violent death in warfare or judgment. God's intervention spares physical life from destruction. This protective theology anticipates New Testament teaching that God numbers our days (Matthew 10:29-31) and sovereign providence shields believers until their appointed time.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed premature or violent death as divine disfavor. Elihu counters this by presenting God's corrective suffering as life-preserving rather than life-destroying. The 'pit' (šāḥaṯ) in ancient cosmology represented Sheol, the realm of the dead, often depicted as a literal underground cavern. Weapons like the sword or spear symbolized the ultimate threat to mortal existence in a warrior culture.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's protective discipline that kept you from spiritual or physical destruction?
- What does it mean that God's hardest mercies are sometimes His greatest kindnesses in preserving our souls?
- How does this verse shape your understanding of suffering as potentially preventative rather than punitive?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsיַחְשֹׂ֣ךְ1 of 7
“He keepeth back”
H2820to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ2 of 7
“his soul”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְ֝חַיָּת֗וֹ5 of 7
“and his life”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
מֵעֲבֹ֥ר6 of 7
“from perishing”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בַּשָּֽׁלַח׃7 of 7
“by the sword”
H7973a missile of attack, i.e., spear; also (figuratively) a shoot of growth; i.e., branch
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 33:18 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 33:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge