Job 33:22
Job 33:22 in Multiple Translations
He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death.
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, And his life to the destroyers.
And his soul comes near to the underworld, and his life to the angels of death.
They are close to death; their lives approaching the executioner.
So his soule draweth to the graue, and his life to the buriers.
And draw near to the pit doth his soul, And his life to those causing death.
Yes, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers.
Yes, his soul draweth near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
His soul hath drawn near to corruption, and his life to the destroyers.
We know that we will soon die and go to the place where dead people are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 33:22
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 33:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקְרַ֣ב
לַ/שַּׁ֣חַת
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
וְ֝/חַיָּת֗/וֹ
לַֽ/מְמִתִֽים
וַ/תִּקְרַ֣ב
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לַ/שַּׁ֣חַת
shachath
H7845
pit
Prep | N-fs
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
וְ֝/חַיָּת֗/וֹ
chay
H2416
alive
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לַֽ/מְמִתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 33:22
וַ/תִּקְרַ֣ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לַ/שַּׁ֣חַת
shachath
H7845
"pit"
Prep | 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.
נַפְשׁ֑/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.
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.
לַֽ/מְמִתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Job 33:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 33:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 33:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:22
- Cambridge Bible on Job 33:22
- Barnes' Notes on Job 33:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:22
- Sermons on Job 33:22
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job
20so that he detests his bread, and his soul loathes his favorite food.
21His flesh wastes away from sight, and his hidden bones protrude.
22He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death.
23Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, 24to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 33:28 | He redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and I will live to see the light.’ |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 24:16 | But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. |
| 3 | Job 17:13–16 | If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness, and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? Will it go down to the gates of Sheol? Will we go down together into the dust?” |
| 4 | Revelation 9:11 | They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon. |
| 5 | Job 15:21 | Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. |
| 6 | Psalms 30:3 | O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit. |
| 7 | Exodus 12:23 | When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. |
| 8 | Job 7:7 | Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 2:6 | The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. |
| 10 | Psalms 17:4 | As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. |
Job 33:22 Summary
[Job 33:22 tells us that when we are not following God, our lives can be very close to death and separation from Him, which is called the Pit. This is a serious situation, but as seen in Job 33:23-24 and other scriptures like Romans 5:8, God provides a way out through a mediator or ransom. This concept is also seen in John 3:16, where Jesus Christ is our ransom, providing salvation from death and sin. By understanding this, we can see the importance of turning to God and accepting His offer of salvation to avoid the Pit and have eternal life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pit represent in Job 33:22?
The Pit in this verse is a metaphor for death, the grave, or the underworld, as seen in other scriptures like Psalms 30:3 and Ezekiel 32:18-32, where it symbolizes a place of darkness and separation from God.
Who are the messengers of death mentioned in Job 33:22?
The messengers of death are likely angels or spirits that carry out God's judgments, similar to the destroying angel in 2 Samuel 24:16 or the angel of death in Exodus 12:23, who execute God's will concerning life and death.
Is Job 33:22 talking about a literal or spiritual death?
While the verse could be interpreted as a physical death, given the context of Job's suffering, it also alludes to a spiritual death or separation from God, as described in Ephesians 2:1-3 and Colossians 2:13, where one is dead in trespasses and sins before coming to faith in Christ.
How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation?
Job 33:22, in the context of the surrounding verses, especially Job 33:23-24, hints at the idea of redemption and salvation, where a mediator or ransom can spare one from death, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ as described in Romans 3:24-25 and 1 Timothy 2:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for my life to draw near to the messengers of death, and how can I avoid this fate?
- How does the concept of the Pit as a symbol of death and separation from God affect my understanding of the importance of salvation?
- In what ways can I, like the mediator in Job 33:23, be an instrument of God's grace to others who are facing death or spiritual darkness?
- What does this verse teach me about the value and fragility of human life, and how should this impact my daily living and priorities?
Gill's Exposition on Job 33:22
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave,.... Not the soul, strictly and properly speaking, for that does not, nor is it laid in the grave at death, but returns to God that gave it; rather the body,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:22
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:22
He seems to himself and others to be lost, and past all hopes of recovery; which he adds for Job’ s comfort in his desperate condition. To the destroyers; to the instruments of death or destruction, whether it be angels, whom God sometimes useth in those cases; or devils, who have the power of death. ; or diseases, which by God’ s appointment are ready to give the fatal blow.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:22
Job 33:22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.Ver. 22. Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave] His soul, that is, his body, as Job 33:18, for Elihu was no mortalist, neither dreamed he of a psychopannychia. He is in the very confines of death, and no ways likely to recover; he is free among the dead, as the psalmist hath it. And his life to the destroyers] Lethalibus malis, to deadly evils, saith Tremellius. Mortiferis, i.e. Morbis, to those messengers of death, deadly diseases, saith Vatablus, Gentiles multa de Parcis fabulati sunt. To those that kill; viz. to the angels, by whom God sometimes destroyeth men, as 2 Samuel 24:16-17, saith Piscator. To enemies, say other. Pollinctoribus, to the bier carriers, say the Tigurines, and so Beza paraphraseth; so that he stands not in need of any remedy or help of anything more than of those who should carry his carcass unto the grave.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:22
Verse 22. His soul draweth near unto the grave] נפש nephesh, soul, is here taken for the immortal spirit, as it is distinguished from חיה chaiyah, the animal life. The former draws near to the pit, שחת shachath, corruption; perhaps he meant dissipation, considering it merely as the breath. The latter draws near לממתים lamemithim, to the dead; i.e., to those who are already buried. Mr. Good translates it the Destinies; and supposes the same is meant among the HEBREWS by the Memithim, as among the GREEKS by their Μοιραι; the LATINS, by their Parcae; the GOTHS, by their Fatal Sisters; the SCANDINAVIANS, by their goddess Hela; and the ARABIANS, by Azrael, or the angel of death. I think, however, the signification given above is more natural.
Cambridge Bible on Job 33:22
22. the destroyers] that is, perhaps, the angels that bring death; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:15; Psalms 78:49.
Barnes' Notes on Job 33:22
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave - That is, he himself does, for the word soul is often used to denote self. And his life to the destroyers - - לממתים lammitiym.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:22
22. The destroyers — Many commentators understand them to be angelic powers, to whom is intrusted the work of death.
Sermons on Job 33:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"Loose Him, and Let Him Go!" by T. Austin-Sparks | James emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, highlighting the significance of approaching Him in worship and communion, seeking to enter into a close relationship with H |
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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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He Has the Worst Names by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the various names of Satan found in Scripture, illustrating his nature and disposition. Each name, such as Behemoth, Adversary, and Abaddon, reflects the d |
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea |
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Hebrews 11 by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories from the Bible to emphasize the importance of seeking God's perspective in difficult situations. He recounts the story of a little o |
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I Can't Take It by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbol emphasizes the importance of shining as believers by doing everything without complaining or arguing. He acknowledges that this is not an easy task, b |
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Midnight! What Then? by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and ready for the return of Christ. The five f |