Job 23:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

In Job 23:13, we hear Job's lament in the midst of his profound suffering, expressing his deep conviction about God's absolute sovereignty and unchangeable nature. This verse captures a moment of both despair and profound theological insight from Job, as he grapples with the seemingly unfathomable ways of the Almighty.

Context

This statement comes from Job's third cycle of speeches, where he longs to present his case before God (Job 23:3) but feels unable to find Him (Job 23:8-9). Despite his inability to comprehend the reason for his afflictions, Job never loses his conviction in God's ultimate power and control. Here, he acknowledges God's supreme authority, even as he struggles with His perceived hiddenness and the severity of his trials.

Key Themes

  • God's Unchangeable Nature (Immutability): The phrase "But he is in one mind" speaks to God's consistent character, purpose, and resolve. Unlike humans, God does not waver or change His plans. His counsel is fixed and eternal.
  • Absolute Sovereignty and Omnipotence: "Who can turn him?" is a rhetorical question emphasizing that no one can alter God's will or resist His power. His decisions are final, and His actions are irresistible. This echoes later acknowledgments of God's power, such as when Job himself declares, "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee."
  • Divine Will and Action: "And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." This highlights the direct and unhindered correlation between God's desire and its execution. His will is always accomplished; His purposes are always fulfilled. This truth is also powerfully expressed in Isaiah 46:10, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "in one mind" ('echad) conveys a sense of singularity, unity, and consistency, reinforcing the idea that God's purpose is undivided and unwavering. The word for "turn him" (shûb) means to turn back, reverse, or cause to return, underscoring the impossibility of diverting God from His chosen path. What "his soul desireth" (nap̄šô ḥāp̄ēṣ) emphasizes the deep-seated intention and delight of God's being in His actions.

Practical Application

For believers today, Job's profound statement offers both a challenge and comfort. While it challenges us to humbly accept that God's ways are often higher than our own (Isaiah 55:9) and that we may not always understand His purposes, it also provides immense comfort. Knowing that God "is in one mind" assures us of His faithfulness and immutability (Malachi 3:6). His unchanging character means His promises are steadfast, His love is constant, and His ultimate plan for good will prevail, even in times of suffering or confusion. We can trust that His sovereign will, though sometimes mysterious, is always perfect and purposeful.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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