King James Version

What Does Job 9:33 Mean?

Job 9:33 in the King James Version says “Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. any: Heb. one that should argue daysman: ...” — study this verse from Job chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. any: Heb. one that should argue daysman: or, umpire”

Job 9:33 · KJV

Context

31

Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me. abhor: or, make me to be abhorred

32

For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.

33

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. any: Heb. one that should argue daysman: or, umpire

34

Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:

35

Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me. it is: Heb. I am not so with myself

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. Job articulates one of the Old Testament's most profound yearnings—for a mediator between God and humanity. The word "daysman" (mokiach, מוֹכִיחַ) means arbiter, umpire, or mediator—one who can adjudicate disputes between parties. Job recognizes the vast gulf between himself and God: he cannot argue his case before the Almighty as an equal.

"That might lay his hand upon us both" describes the mediator's function—touching both parties to bring reconciliation and establish terms. In ancient Near Eastern legal contexts, a mediator needed authority over both disputants to effect resolution. Job's lament recognizes that no such figure exists who can simultaneously represent human interests to God and divine justice to humanity. The Hebrew emphasizes this absence: "there is not" (eyn, אֵין)—no mediator exists.

This verse is profoundly Christological. Job's longing finds fulfillment in Christ, the one Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Christ uniquely can "lay His hand" on both God and humanity because He is fully divine and fully human. As God incarnate, Christ bridges the infinite gap Job perceived, representing us before the Father and revealing the Father to us. Job's ancient cry anticipates the gospel's central message: God Himself has provided the mediator Job desperately needed but could not imagine.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job 9 records Job's response to Bildad's first speech. Job acknowledges God's power and wisdom but questions how a mortal can be just before God (9:2). The cultural context of ancient Near Eastern law included mediators or arbiters who settled disputes between parties. However, disputes between humans and deities had no such mechanism—gods acted with absolute authority, and humans had no recourse.

This theological problem—the gap between holy God and sinful humanity—runs throughout Scripture. The Mosaic covenant provided priests as mediators, but even they could not fully bridge the divide (Hebrews 7:23-28). The sacrificial system pointed toward the need for ultimate mediation but could not itself provide it (Hebrews 10:1-4).

Early Christian interpretation immediately recognized Job's cry as prophetic of Christ. Church fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom saw this verse as expressing humanity's universal need for a Redeemer who could satisfy divine justice while showing mercy to sinners. The New Testament explicitly answers Job's longing: Christ is the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 8:6, 9:15, 12:24), the one who reconciles God and humanity through His death and resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's recognition that no mediator exists reveal the impossibility of self-salvation or human merit before God?
  2. In what ways does Christ fulfill Job's longing for a daysman who can 'lay his hand upon us both'?
  3. What does Job's cry teach about the human condition—our need for someone to bridge the gap between us and God?
  4. How does understanding Christ as Mediator deepen appreciation for the Incarnation and atonement?
  5. What comfort does this passage provide to those who, like Job, feel unable to approach God due to His holiness and their unworthiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֹ֣א1 of 8
H3808

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

יֵשׁ2 of 8

“Neither is”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ3 of 8
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מוֹכִ֑יחַ4 of 8

“there any daysman”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

יָשֵׁ֖ת5 of 8

“betwixt us that might lay”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

יָד֣וֹ6 of 8

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל7 of 8
H5921

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

שְׁנֵֽינוּ׃8 of 8

“upon us both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 9:33 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 9:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 2:251 John 2:1-2Job 9:19Psalms 106:231 Kings 3:16-28

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