King James Version
What Does Job 33:22 Mean?
“Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.”
Job 33:22 · KJV
Context
20
So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. dainty: Heb. meat of desire
21
His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out .
22
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
23
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
24
Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. a ransom: or, an atonement
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryYea, his soul draweth near unto the grave (watiqraḇ lašāḥaṯ napšô, וַתִּקְרַב לַשָּׁחַת נַפְשׁוֹ)—The verb qāraḇ (to draw near, approach) describes progressive movement toward šāḥaṯ (the pit, grave, corruption). The soul's journey toward death is active, not passive—life ebbs incrementally. This pit is the same term from verse 18, where God 'keeps back' the soul from it. Now Elihu describes what happens without divine intervention: inevitable descent into corruption and death.
And his life to the destroyers (weḥayyātô lammětîm, וְחַיָּתוֹ לַמְּמִתִים)—Mětîm (literally 'the ones who put to death' or 'destroyers') may refer to death angels, demons, or death's agents. Some translations render this 'those who bring death.' The imagery depicts death as having personal agents executing its sentence. This personification appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 91:5-6, 1 Corinthians 15:26, Revelation 6:8). Life (ḥayyāh) approaches its terminators—the final enemy awaits.
And his life to the destroyers (weḥayyātô lammětîm, וְחַיָּתוֹ לַמְּמִתִים)—Mětîm (literally 'the ones who put to death' or 'destroyers') may refer to death angels, demons, or death's agents. Some translations render this 'those who bring death.' The imagery depicts death as having personal agents executing its sentence. This personification appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 91:5-6, 1 Corinthians 15:26, Revelation 6:8). Life (ḥayyāh) approaches its terminators—the final enemy awaits.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern cosmology personified death and its realm. Mesopotamian mythology included death deities and underworld messengers who claimed souls. Biblical faith demythologized these forces while acknowledging death's power under God's sovereignty. The 'destroyers' language may echo the Passover destroyer (Exodus 12:23) or the destroying angel sent for judgment (2 Samuel 24:16). Death remains a power, but subordinate to Yahweh.
Reflection Questions
- How does the progression toward death described here create urgency for the gospel's intervention?
- What does it mean that death has 'agents' or 'destroyers,' and how does Christ's victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) address this reality?
- How should awareness of death's approach shape priorities and spiritual preparation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsנַפְשׁ֑וֹ3 of 5
“Yea 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
וְ֝חַיָּת֗וֹ4 of 5
“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
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 33:22 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 33:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge