King James Version

What Does Job 33:7 Mean?

Job 33:7 in the King James Version says “Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.” — study this verse from Job chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.”

Job 33:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

5

If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.

6

Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. wish: Heb. mouth formed: Heb. cut

7

Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

8

Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, hearing: Heb. ears

9

I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.

Read Job 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid (הִנֵּה חִתִּיתִי לֹא תְבַעֲתֶךָּ, hinneh chittiti lo tevaatekka)—Elihu addresses Job's fear of divine confrontation. חִתִּית (chittit, 'my terror') derives from חָתַת (chatat, 'to be shattered, dismayed'), the overwhelming dread Job associated with facing God (9:34, 13:21). Elihu promises the opposite: accessible dialogue without intimidation. לֹא תְבַעֲתֶךָּ (lo tevaatekka, 'shall not make thee afraid') uses בָּעַת (ba'at, 'to terrify'), related to sudden panic.

Neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee (וְאַכְפִּי עָלֶיךָ לֹא־יִכְבַּד, ve-akpi aleika lo-yikvad)—אֶכֶף (ekef, 'my hand/pressure') suggests burdensome weight. כָּבֵד (kaved, 'be heavy') describes oppressive force, like Pharaoh's 'hardened' (literally 'heavy') heart (Exodus 7:14). Job had complained of God's heavy hand crushing him (23:2); Elihu promises gentleness. This remarkable verse answers Job's longing for a mediator (9:33)—someone between God and man who can communicate divine truth without divine terror. Elihu foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), who approaches us as fellow man while speaking God's truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job's repeated expressions of terror at facing God (9:34-35, 13:20-21, 23:15-16) reflect ancient understanding of divine holiness—sinful humans cannot survive direct divine encounter (Exodus 33:20). Theophanies terrified even righteous people (Genesis 28:17, Isaiah 6:5). Elihu's promise of non-threatening dialogue addressed Job's deepest fear, preparing him to eventually receive God's speech from the whirlwind without being destroyed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ fulfill Elihu's role as accessible mediator between God and humanity?
  2. When do you feel intimidated in approaching God—how does the gospel address that fear?
  3. What does it mean that we can now approach God's throne boldly yet reverently (Hebrews 4:16)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הִנֵּ֣ה1 of 8
H2009

lo!

אֵ֭מָתִי2 of 8

“Behold my terror”

H367

fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)

לֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְבַעֲתֶ֑ךָּ4 of 8

“shall not make thee afraid”

H1204

to fear

וְ֝אַכְפִּ֗י5 of 8

“neither shall my hand”

H405

a load; by implication, a stroke (others dignity)

עָלֶ֥יךָ6 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֹא7 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִכְבָּֽד׃8 of 8

“be heavy”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

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 33:7 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 33:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 13:21Job 9:34Psalms 32:4Psalms 88:16

Test Your Knowledge

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