Job 33:12

12 “But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than any mortal.

Job 33:12 in Other Translations

KJV
12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
ESV
12 "Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you, for God is greater than man.
NLT
12 “But you are wrong, and I will show you why. For God is greater than any human being.
MSG
12 "But let me tell you, Job, you're wrong, dead wrong! God is far greater than any human.
CSB
12 But I tell you that you are wrong in this [matter], since God is greater than man.

Job 33:12 Meaning and Commentary

Job 33:12

Behold, [in] this thou art not just
Here begins Elihu's answer, who does not deny that Job was a just man, both before God in an evangelic sense, and before men in a moral sense; he did not go about to detract from Job's general character, as a man that lived soberly, righteously, and godly in the world; but in this he was not just, nor is it to be justified, with respect to this thing, he could not acquit him of doing what was wrong; namely, insisting so much on his own innocence, and tacking therewith such unbecoming and undue reflections on the dealings of God with him; he did not give to God his due, he did not do him justice in representing him in this light; he did not say nor do the right thing, so Mr. Broughton translates the words,

``lo, here thou art not in the right;''

see ( Job 32:2 ) ;

I will answer thee;
or "I must tell thee"; as the same writer renders the words, being able to make it clear and plain:

that God is greater than man:
than any man, than the greatest of men, most famous for power, wisdom, or justice; he is not only greater in his power, faithfulness, goodness, grace, and mercy, but in his holiness and righteousness, wisdom and knowledge; and therefore can never do either an unjust thing, or an unwise one; and for man, who is both sinful and ignorant, even the best in comparison of him, to arraign him at his bar, is very arrogant and presumptuous; since he knows best what to do, and what are his reasons for so doing, and is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Job 33:12 In-Context

10 Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy.
11 He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch on all my paths.’
12 “But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than any mortal.
13 Why do you complain to him that he responds to no one’s words ?
14 For God does speak—now one way, now another— though no one perceives it.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Job 5:9; Psalms 8:4; Psalms 50:21; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 55:8-9
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