King James Version
What Does Job 33:29 Mean?
“Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, oftentimes: Heb. twice and thrice”
Job 33:29 · KJV
Context
27
He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He: or, He shall look upon men, and say
28
He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. He: or, He hath delivered my soul, etc, and my life
29
Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, oftentimes: Heb. twice and thrice
30
To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31
Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryLo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man (הֶן־כָּל־אֵלֶּה יִפְעַל־אֵל פַּעֲמַיִם שָׁלוֹשׁ עִם־גָּבֶר, hen-kol-eleh yiphal-El pa'amayim shalosh im-gaver)—The phrase "twice, three times" (pa'amayim shalosh) is Hebrew idiom for "repeatedly" (not literally 2-3 times). The verb pa'al (פָּעַל, "to work, do") emphasizes God's active engagement. Elihu argues God repeatedly intervenes in human lives, not abandoning them to death. This counters Job's sense of divine abandonment (Job 7:19, 10:20). The noun gaver (גֶּבֶר, man/mighty man) emphasizes humanity's smallness compared to God's greatness.
Elihu's theology affirms divine persistence: God doesn't give one warning then abandon. This anticipates Jesus's parable of the persistent father waiting for the prodigal (Luke 15:20) and God's patience in Romans 2:4: "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Reformed theology speaks of "irresistible grace"—God's effectual calling doesn't fail (John 6:37, 44). Elihu sees suffering not as abandonment but repeated divine intervention to bring people back from destruction.
Elihu's theology affirms divine persistence: God doesn't give one warning then abandon. This anticipates Jesus's parable of the persistent father waiting for the prodigal (Luke 15:20) and God's patience in Romans 2:4: "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Reformed theology speaks of "irresistible grace"—God's effectual calling doesn't fail (John 6:37, 44). Elihu sees suffering not as abandonment but repeated divine intervention to bring people back from destruction.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions often portrayed gods as capricious, giving single warnings before destructive judgment. Elihu's emphasis on God's repeated interventions distinguishes Yahweh as patient and redemptive. This aligns with covenant theology—God's commitment to relationship despite human failure. Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all emphasize God's persistent pursuit of unfaithful Israel (Hosea 11:8, Jeremiah 31:3).
Reflection Questions
- How does God's repeated intervention in your life demonstrate His patience?
- What is the relationship between divine discipline and divine love?
- How should God's persistence affect our response to His correction?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsכָּל2 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִפְעַל4 of 9
“Lo all these things worketh”
H6466to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אֵ֑ל5 of 9
“God”
H410strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
פַּעֲמַ֖יִם6 of 9
“oftentimes”
H6471a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
עִם8 of 9
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
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 33:29 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 33:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge