Job 23:14

For he performeth [the thing that is] appointed for me: and many such [things are] with him.

For he performeth {H7999} the thing that is appointed {H2706} for me: and many {H7227} such {H2007} things are with him.

He will accomplish what is decreed for me, and he has many plans like this

For He carries out His decree against me, and He has many such plans.

For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him.

Commentary

Job 23:14 KJV offers a profound insight into Job's understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and purpose, even amidst his inexplicable suffering. In this verse, Job acknowledges that his trials are not random but are part of a divine plan, and that God has countless other decrees that remain hidden from human comprehension.

Context

This verse is found within a larger discourse where Job expresses his deep longing to confront God directly and understand the reason for his immense suffering. Despite his desire to plead his case, Job also recognizes God's overwhelming power and unchangeable nature. He knows that God is everywhere, though hidden from his sight (Job 23:8). Earlier in this chapter, Job expresses his unwavering trust, stating that after God has tested him, he will come forth as gold. Job 23:14 follows this declaration, reinforcing his conviction that his current affliction is a specific "appointed thing" from God, not merely a random calamity. He understands that God's will is fixed and cannot be altered by human protest (Job 23:13).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's ultimate control over all circumstances, including the trials and tribulations of individuals. Job believes that God "performeth" or carries out His decrees.
  • Divine Purpose in Suffering: Job understands that his suffering is not arbitrary but is "appointed" for him. This implies a specific, deliberate purpose behind his pain, even if that purpose is currently unknown to him. This theme resonates with the idea that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
  • The Mystery of God's Ways: The phrase "many such things are with him" highlights the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's plans. Job acknowledges that his own suffering is just one small part of God's innumerable and often hidden decrees, reminding us that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
  • Submission and Trust: Despite his anguish and confusion, Job's statement reflects a profound, albeit painful, submission to God's will and an underlying trust in His divine administration.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "appointed" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew root chaqaq (ื—ึธืงึทืง), which means "to engrave," "to decree," "to ordain," or "to mark out." This emphasizes that the suffering Job is experiencing is not accidental but has been precisely and immutably decreed by God. The term "performeth" (Hebrew pa'al - ืคึธึผืขึทืœ) signifies an active doing or working, indicating that God is actively bringing about His ordained purposes.

Practical Application

Job 23:14 offers comfort and challenge to believers today. In times of personal trials or global upheaval, this verse encourages us to remember God's absolute sovereignty. While we may not always understand the "why" behind our difficulties, we can rest in the assurance that our experiences are not random but are part of a larger divine plan. This perspective can foster perseverance and trust, knowing that God is actively working out His purposes, even through pain. It calls us to humbly acknowledge that God's ways are beyond full human comprehension, and His wisdom far surpasses our own.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9

    For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:3

    That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

  • Isaiah 40:27

    ยถ Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

  • Isaiah 40:28

    Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

  • Psalms 77:19

    Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

  • Job 7:3

    So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.

  • Romans 11:33

    ยถ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
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