King James Version

What Does Job 33:22 Mean?

Job 33:22 in the King James Version says “Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.” — study this verse from Job chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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

Read Job 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, 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.

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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

  1. How does the progression toward death described here create urgency for the gospel's intervention?
  2. 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?
  3. How should awareness of death's approach shape priorities and spiritual preparation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַתִּקְרַ֣ב1 of 5

“draweth near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַשַּׁ֣חַת2 of 5

“unto the grave”

H7845

a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction

נַפְשׁ֑וֹ3 of 5

“Yea 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

וְ֝חַיָּת֗וֹ4 of 5

“and his life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לַֽמְמִתִֽים׃5 of 5

“to the destroyers”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

Job 33:282 Samuel 24:161 Corinthians 10:10Job 7:7Psalms 17:4Psalms 88:3-5

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