Job 23:13

KJV

¶ But he [is] in one [mind], and who can turn him? and [what] his soul desireth, even [that] he doeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he is in one {H259} mind, and who can turn {H7725} him? and what his soul {H5315} desireth {H183}, even that he doeth {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But he has no equal, so who can change him? What he desires, he does.

Berean Standard Bible

But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.

American Standard Version

But he is in onemind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 23:13 encapsulates Job's profound, albeit anguished, theological conviction regarding God's absolute sovereignty and unchangeable nature amidst his inexplicable suffering. Despite his inability to comprehend the divine reasons for his trials or even to find God to plead his case, Job affirms that God's will is singular, unalterable, and perfectly executed. This verse stands as a testament to Job's unwavering, though struggling, faith in the Almighty's immutable character and irresistible power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 23:13 appears within Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically in his response to Eliphaz. At this point in the narrative (chapters 22-27), Job is increasingly isolated and desperate, having exhausted his arguments with his friends. He longs to present his case directly before God, expressing a deep desire to find Him and lay out his complaint with confidence ([Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3 - Job's Desire to Find God")). However, he laments his inability to perceive God's presence, whether in the east, west, north, or south ([Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:](/job/23-8 "Job 23:8 - Job's Inability to Perceive God")). Despite this profound sense of divine hiddenness and his intense suffering, Job never abandons his conviction in God's ultimate control and perfect knowledge of his path ([But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.](/job/23-10 "Job 23:10 - Job's Trust in God's Knowledge")). Verse 13, therefore, serves as a powerful theological anchor in the midst of his emotional turmoil, acknowledging God's supreme and unassailable authority even as he grapples with its implications for his own plight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the patriarchal period, likely in the land of Uz, and reflects ancient Near Eastern (ANE) understandings of divine justice, suffering, and the cosmic order. In many ANE cultures, there was a strong belief in the gods' power and their ability to intervene in human affairs, often through a retributive justice system where prosperity indicated divine favor and suffering indicated divine displeasure. Job's friends largely adhere to this conventional wisdom. However, Job 23:13 transcends this simplistic framework by emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and immutability, concepts that were foundational to Israelite theology but often challenged by the realities of suffering. The idea of a deity whose will is fixed and whose actions are irresistible would have been understood within a context where human attempts to manipulate or persuade the gods were common. Job's declaration highlights a unique aspect of Yahweh's character: He is not swayed by human entreaties or circumstances in the same way as pagan deities, nor is His will subject to external forces or human comprehension.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Immutability of God**, asserting that God's character, purposes, and decisions are unwavering and consistent, unlike the fickle nature often attributed to human beings ([For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature")). Secondly, it highlights God's **Absolute Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing that His will cannot be thwarted or diverted by any created being or circumstance ([I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - Job's Confession of God's Omnipotence")). The rhetorical question "who can turn him?" reinforces the futility of resisting divine purpose. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **Divine Will and its Execution**, demonstrating the direct and unhindered correlation between God's desire and its accomplishment. What God desires, He performs, signifying His perfect control over all creation and events ([My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God's Unstoppable Counsel and Pleasure")). These themes collectively portray a God who is utterly transcendent, sovereign, and ultimately inscrutable in His ways, yet perfectly consistent in His nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **one mind (Hebrew, _ʾeḥad'_):** The Hebrew word אֶחָד (*ʾeḥad*) signifies "one," "single," "united," or "alone." In this context, it conveys the idea of God's singular, undivided, and unwavering purpose. It speaks to His consistency and immutability, suggesting that His will is not subject to change, internal conflict, or external persuasion. Unlike human beings who may waver or change their minds, God's counsel is fixed and eternal, reflecting His perfect wisdom and steadfastness.
* **turn him (Hebrew, _yəšîḇennû'_ from שׁוּב, _šûḇ'_):** The verb שׁוּב (*šûḇ*) means "to turn back," "to return," "to reverse," or "to cause to return/change." The form here, יְשִׁיבֶנּוּ (*yəšîḇennû*), is a Hiphil imperfect, emphasizing the causative action: "who can cause Him to turn back?" or "who can reverse Him?" This rhetorical question powerfully underscores the impossibility of diverting God from His chosen path or altering His decisions. It highlights His irresistible power and the futility of human or cosmic resistance to His sovereign will.
* **soul desireth (Hebrew, _nap̄šô ḥāp̄ēṣ'_):** The phrase נַפְשׁוֹ חָפֵץ (*nap̄šô ḥāp̄ēṣ*) combines "his soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, *nep̄eš*, often referring to the whole person, their inner being, desires, or life-force) with the verb חָפֵץ (*ḥāp̄ēṣ*), meaning "to desire," "to delight in," "to be pleased with," or "to determine." This expression emphasizes that God's actions spring from His deepest intentions and His inherent delight. It's not a reluctant or forced will, but one that is perfectly aligned with His very being and pleasure. What He desires, He performs, indicating a complete and unhindered correlation between His will and its execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he is in one mind,"**: This opening clause establishes God's fundamental nature as unchangeable and consistent in His purposes. The phrase "in one mind" (אֶחָד, *ʾeḥad*) signifies singularity and unwavering resolve. It conveys that God's will is unified, fixed, and not subject to vacillation or external influence. Unlike Job's own fluctuating emotions and limited understanding, God's perspective and plan are singular and constant. This is a profound theological affirmation of divine immutability, even in the midst of Job's profound suffering and confusion.
* **"and who can turn him?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves to emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power. The implied answer is "no one." It highlights the futility of any attempt to divert, alter, or resist God's will. His decisions are final, and His actions are unhindered. This clause underscores the omnipotence of God, asserting that no created being—human or spiritual—can successfully oppose or change His determined course. It speaks to the ultimate authority and unassailability of the divine decree.
* **"and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth."**: This final clause provides the logical consequence of the preceding statements. It declares that there is a direct and perfect correlation between God's will and His actions. What God desires (from His very being, "his soul"), He unfailingly brings to pass. There is no gap between His intention and its execution. This affirms God's omnipotence and His effective sovereignty over all things, ensuring that His purposes are always fulfilled. It implies that even Job's suffering, though inexplicable to him, is part of God's desired and executed plan, however mysterious that plan may be.

#### Literary Devices
Job 23:13 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful theological message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question** ("who can turn him?"), which is used not to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the undeniable truth of God's unchallengeable power and immutable will. This device powerfully underscores the futility of any opposition to the divine. The phrase "in one mind" can be seen as a **Metaphor** or an idiomatic expression for God's unchanging nature and singular purpose, comparing His consistency to a unified and unswerving thought process. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the assertion that "what his soul desireth, even that he doeth," not in the sense that it's an exaggeration, but in its absolute, unqualified declaration of God's total control, which might seem overwhelming or even terrifying to a suffering Job. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in Job's declaration: while he affirms God's absolute sovereignty, he is simultaneously struggling with the very implications of that sovereignty for his own suffering, unable to reconcile God's power with his perceived injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 23:13 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty and immutability. It asserts that God is not capricious or indecisive; rather, His character, purposes, and plans are eternally fixed and unchangeable. This truth provides a theological framework for understanding God's control over all creation and events, including human suffering. It implies that nothing happens outside of God's ultimate will, even if that will remains mysterious to human comprehension. This divine consistency assures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises and His unwavering love, even when circumstances are bewildering. It invites a posture of humble submission to God's higher ways, recognizing that His wisdom and power far transcend human understanding.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's profound declaration in Job 23:13 offers both a challenging and comforting truth for believers today. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly random suffering, the assurance that God "is in one mind" and that "what his soul desireth, even that he doeth" provides a solid anchor for faith. While it challenges us to humbly accept that God's ways are often higher than our own ([For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")) and that we may not always understand His purposes, it also provides immense comfort. Knowing that God is immutable assures us of His faithfulness and constancy. His unchanging character means His promises are steadfast, His love is constant, and His ultimate plan for good will prevail, even in times of deep suffering or confusion. We can trust that His sovereign will, though sometimes mysterious, is always perfect and purposeful, working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")). This truth calls us to surrender our limited understanding to His infinite wisdom and to rest in His unshakeable control.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's affirmation of God's unchangeable will challenge your own understanding of suffering and divine justice?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereign will, especially when circumstances are difficult or confusing?**
* **How can the doctrine of God's immutability (that He "is in one mind") provide comfort and stability in times of personal or global upheaval?**
* **What does it mean practically to live in humble submission to a God whose will cannot be turned or thwarted?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 23:13 imply that God causes all suffering directly, or that He is indifferent to it?**

Answer: Job 23:13 emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the unchangeable nature of His will, meaning nothing happens outside of His ultimate permission or purpose. It does not necessarily imply that God directly causes all suffering in an active, malevolent sense, nor does it suggest indifference. Rather, it affirms that even suffering, from a divine perspective, is encompassed within His overarching, sovereign plan. The Book of Job itself demonstrates that suffering can arise from various sources (e.g., Satan's accusations in [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - Satan's Power Over Job's Possessions")), but God remains ultimately in control and uses even these events to fulfill His purposes. The verse highlights God's power to execute His desires, which includes allowing certain events for reasons beyond human comprehension, ultimately for His glory and the good of His people, as seen in Job's eventual restoration and deeper understanding of God ([I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5 - Job's New Understanding of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 23:13, with its declaration of God's unchangeable will and irresistible purpose, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "one mind" of God, His singular and eternal purpose, was always centered on the redemption of humanity through His Son. From eternity past, God's "soul desired" to reconcile a fallen world to Himself, and "even that he doeth" through the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. Jesus himself perfectly embodies this divine will, declaring, [For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father's Will") The Father's sovereign plan of salvation, conceived before the foundation of the world ([According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")), could not be "turned" or thwarted by human sin, demonic opposition, or even the seeming triumph of the cross. Indeed, the crucifixion, though a heinous act of human rebellion, was part of God's "determinate counsel and foreknowledge" ([Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus Delivered by God's Counsel")). Through Christ, God's unchangeable purpose to save His people and establish His kingdom is perfectly achieved, demonstrating that what His soul truly desired, He flawlessly executed, culminating in the ultimate victory over sin and death ([O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")). Thus, Job's ancient cry, though born of suffering, points forward to the steadfast and triumphant will of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world ([And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 115:3

But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Job 12:14

Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

Ecclesiastes 3:14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?