Job 33:18
Job 33:18 in Multiple Translations
to preserve his soul from the Pit and his life from perishing by the sword.
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.
To keep back his soul from the underworld, and his life from destruction.
He saves them from the grave and spares them from violent death.
And keepe backe his soule from the pit, and that his life should not passe by the sword.
He keepeth back his soul from corruption, And his life from passing away by a dart.
He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
Rescuing his soul from corruption: and his life from passing to the sword.
He does not want us to be destroyed [MTY]; he wants to prevent us from dying [MTY] while we are still young.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 33:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 33:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַחְשֹׂ֣ךְ
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
מִנִּי
שָׁ֑חַת
וְ֝/חַיָּת֗/וֹ
מֵ/עֲבֹ֥ר
בַּ/שָּֽׁלַח
יַחְשֹׂ֣ךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מִנִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep
שָׁ֑חַת
shachath
H7845
pit
N-fs
וְ֝/חַיָּת֗/וֹ
chay
H2416
alive
Conj | N-fs | Suff
מֵ/עֲבֹ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/שָּֽׁלַח
shelach
H7973
missile
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 33:18
יַחְשֹׂ֣ךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מִנִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
שָׁ֑חַת
shachath
H7845
"pit"
N-fs
This noun refers to a pit or grave, and it is often used figuratively to describe destruction or corruption, as seen in Proverbs and other books.
Definition: 1) pit, destruction, grave 1a) pit (for catching lions)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. See also: Job 9:31; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 7:16.
וְ֝/חַיָּת֗/וֹ
chay
H2416
"alive"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
מֵ/עֲבֹ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בַּ/שָּֽׁלַח
shelach
H7973
"missile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a weapon like a spear or a dart, but it can also mean a sprout or branch of a plant. In the Bible, it is used to describe both literal weapons and growth.
Definition: 1) weapon, missile, sprout 1a) missile, weapon 1b) sprout, shoot
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: dart, plant, [idiom] put off, sword, weapon. See also: 2 Chronicles 23:10; Job 33:18; Joel 2:8.
Study Notes — Job 33:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 33:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 33:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 33:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 33:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:18
- Sermons on Job 33:18
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job
16He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings
17to turn a man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,
18to preserve his soul from the Pit and his life from perishing by the sword.
19A man is also chastened on his bed with pain and constant distress in his bones, 20so that he detests his bread, and his soul loathes his favorite food.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 33:30 | to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of life. |
| 2 | Job 33:28 | He redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and I will live to see the light.’ |
| 3 | 2 Peter 3:9 | The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. |
| 4 | Romans 2:4 | Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? |
| 5 | Job 33:22 | He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 3:15 | Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. |
| 7 | Acts 16:27–33 | When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized. |
| 8 | Job 33:24 | to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’ |
| 9 | Job 15:22 | He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. |
Job 33:18 Summary
This verse means that God wants to save us from harm and death, both physically and spiritually. He does this by warning us and guiding us away from things that could hurt us, like sin and wrongdoing, as seen in Proverbs 10:9. By listening to God's warnings and following His guidance, we can avoid the 'Pit' and the 'sword', which represent death and destruction, and instead experience His love and salvation, as promised in John 10:28. This shows us that God cares about our well-being and wants to help us make good choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'Pit' refer to in Job 33:18?
The 'Pit' is often a metaphor for death, the grave, or a place of destruction, as seen in Psalm 30:3 and Ezekiel 28:8, where it symbolizes a state of hopelessness and separation from God.
How does God preserve our souls from the Pit?
According to Job 33:18 and Psalm 121:7, God preserves our souls through His warnings, discipline, and guidance, which help us turn away from wrongdoing and trust in Him for salvation, as promised in John 3:16.
What is the significance of 'perishing by the sword'?
The phrase 'perishing by the sword' may symbolize physical death or destruction, as seen in Matthew 26:52, but in the context of Job 33:18, it also represents spiritual death or separation from God, emphasizing the importance of God's intervention to save us from both physical and spiritual harm.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and our free will?
Job 33:18 suggests that God's sovereignty and our free will are not mutually exclusive; instead, God's warnings and guidance work in conjunction with our choices, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, to help us avoid harm and follow His will.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways has God warned or guided you to preserve your soul from the Pit, and how have you responded?
- How can you apply the principles of Job 33:18 to your life, turning away from wrongdoing and trusting in God's guidance and salvation?
- What are some 'swords' or challenges in your life that could lead to spiritual or physical harm, and how can you seek God's preservation and protection?
- How does the promise of God's preservation in Job 33:18 comfort or challenge you, and what does it reveal about God's character and love for you?
Gill's Exposition on Job 33:18
He keepeth back his soul from the pit,.... Or, "that he may keep back" (n); for this is another end and use of God's speaking unto men; it is to preserve them for the present from going down to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:18
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. His soul - his life. The pit - the grave; a symbol of hell.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:18
He keepeth back, to wit, by these gracious admonitions, whereby he leads them to repentance, his soul; either the man, who is oft expressed by this part; or his life, as the next branch explains it. From the pit, i.e. from the grave, from death or destruction. From perishing by the sword, i.e. by some dreadful judgment of God which was ready to fall upon him.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:18
Job 33:18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.Ver. 18. He keepeth back his soul from the pit] Or, That he may keep back his soul, that is, his body, as Psalms 16:10 Leviticus 21:1, from the pit; i.e. from the grave, or from the pit falls made for him by his enemies. A penitent person redeemeth his own sorrows, and provideth for his own safety, Psalms 91:1-16, and accordingly some read it, He shall keep back his own soul, &c. And his life from perishing by the sword] Whether by the sword of God or man, he shall be extra iactum, out of the gunshot or danger of any death, whether corporal or eternal. The universal antidote for all the judgments of God is our humble repentance. Aaron escaped by it, when Miriam was smitten with leprosy. Per miserere met, tollitur ira Dei. This is the rainbow, which if God see shining in our hearts, he will never drown our souls. Jehoshaphat by this escaped the edge of the sword; David and his poor sheep the stroke of the punishing angel; all the crowned saints now in heaven the damnation of hell, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:18
Verse 18. He keepeth back his soul from the pit] By the above means, how many have been snatched from an untimely death! By taking the warning thus given, some have been prevented from perishing by the pit - some sudden accident; and others from the sword of the assassin or nocturnal murderer. It would be easy to give examples, in all these kinds; but the knowledge of the reader may save this trouble to the commentator.
Cambridge Bible on Job 33:18
13–28. When Elihu gives the general answer to Job’s charges against God that “God is greater than man” he means that the moral loftiness of God’s nature made it impossible that He should act in the arbitrary, hostile manner charged against Him by Job (comp. ch. Job 36:5). It was but another form of the same charge of arbitrary hostility to man when Job affirmed that God was deaf to all appeal and refused to speak to man; comp. ch. Job 19:7, Job 30:20, and often. To this general form of the charge Elihu directs his attention and replies that God speaks to man in many ways, though He may not answer when challenged as Job had challenged Him; comp. ch. Job 35:14. He speaks to man in ways becoming His greatness, ways that shew that His goodness is over all His works. Job 33:13 probably reads Why dost thou contend against him That he giveth not account of any of his matters? that is, Job’s contention or plea against God is that He deals arbitrarily and refuses all account of His dealing.
Barnes' Notes on Job 33:18
He keepeth back his soul from the pit - The word soul in the Hebrew is often equivalent to self, and the idea is, that he keeps the man from the pit in this manner.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:18
18. Pit — Shuhhath. In some countries, as in Athens, criminals were cast down into a deep pit. They were left in the darkness, hopelessly to die of starvation.
Sermons on Job 33:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Letter 116 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the journey of being found by the Lord, feeling lost and condemned, but ultimately experiencing deliverance and enlightenment through God's mercy and gr |
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That Dreadful Day No One Wants to Talk About by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the current state of the world, emphasizing the vast disparities and suffering that exist. He challenges the notion that God wants believers |
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A Christian’s Response to Calamities by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians ha |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Mercy of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the compassion and mercy of God. He starts by highlighting how God's compassion is not just a feeling, but an active response to the needs o |
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That Dreadful Day (Coming Economic Collapse) David Wilkerson by David Wilkerson | This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and live in holiness and godliness. The message warns of comin |
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God's Burden for Zion by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the need for Him to eradicate evil in the world. He emphasizes that God cannot rest until righteousness and |
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1 Peter 3:1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preserving truth while showing love to both friends and enemies. He urges believers to build themselves up in their faith |