Job 23:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 23:14 offers a profound declaration from Job, even amidst his intense suffering, affirming God's absolute and unchangeable sovereignty. Job acknowledges that his current trials are not random misfortunes but are part of a divinely "appointed" decree specifically for him, orchestrated by God. Furthermore, he humbly concedes that his personal experience is but one instance among countless other unrevealed and equally purposeful divine decrees held within God's inscrutable wisdom, highlighting the vastness and mystery of God's ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 23:14 is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically within his monologue in chapter 23, where he expresses a deep longing to confront God directly and understand the reason for his immense suffering. Despite his fervent desire for an audience with the Almighty, Job simultaneously grapples with God's overwhelming power and unchangeable nature. He perceives God as omnipresent yet elusive, stating, "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him" [Job 23:8](/job/23-8 "Job 23:8 - God's Elusiveness"). This sense of divine hiddenness intensifies his anguish but does not diminish his conviction in God's ultimate control. Earlier in this chapter, Job expresses a remarkable, though painful, trust, declaring that after God has tested him, he will "come forth as gold" [Job 23:10](/job/23-10 "Job 23:10 - Job's Refining by God"). Verse 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 or even divine appeal, as "he is of one mind, and who can turn him?" [Job 23:13](/job/23-13 "Job 23:13 - God's Unchangeable Will"). This verse encapsulates Job's paradoxical position: a man who desperately seeks answers from God, yet profoundly trusts in God's sovereign, though mysterious, plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job belongs to the wisdom literature genre of the Old Testament, which grapples with fundamental questions of life, suffering, justice, and the nature of God. In the ancient Near East, suffering was often directly correlated with sin, a common theological framework held by Job's friends. Job's experience directly challenges this retributive theology, presenting a righteous man who suffers inexplicably. The cultural context emphasizes a hierarchical worldview where divine decrees were understood as absolute and unchallengeable. Kings issued decrees, and their word was law; how much more so for the divine King of the universe. Job's statement, therefore, aligns with a broader understanding of divine omnipotence prevalent in the ancient world, yet it subverts the common explanation for *why* such decrees would be issued to a righteous individual. The setting, though not precisely dated, reflects a patriarchal society where personal piety and communal standing were deeply intertwined. Job's lament is not a rejection of God's power but a desperate plea for understanding within a framework of accepted divine sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Job 23:14 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's ultimate control over all circumstances, including the trials and tribulations of individuals. Job believes that God "performeth" or actively carries out His decrees, indicating an intentional and active involvement in his life. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Divine Purpose in Suffering**. Job understands that his suffering is not arbitrary but is "appointed" for him, implying a specific, deliberate purpose behind his pain, even if that purpose is currently unknown to him. This theme resonates with the New Testament understanding that God works all things together for good for those who love Him [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). Thirdly, the phrase "many such things are with him" underscores the **Mystery of God's Ways**. Job acknowledges that his own suffering is just one small part of God's innumerable and often hidden decrees, reminding humanity that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are beyond full human comprehension [Isaiah 55:8](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8 - God's Thoughts are Higher"). Finally, despite his anguish and confusion, Job's statement reflects a profound, albeit painful, **Submission and Trust** in God's will and an underlying confidence in His divine administration, even when it defies human logic or conventional wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appointed (Hebrew, _ḥāqaq'_):** This verb means "to engrave," "to inscribe," "to decree," "to ordain," or "to mark out." Its root suggests something fixed, firm, and unchangeable, like a law carved into stone. When applied to God, it signifies a divine decree that is immutable and pre-determined. For Job, his suffering is not a random occurrence or an accident of fate, but something specifically "engraved" or "ordained" for him by God. This implies a deliberate and precise divine intention behind his affliction, giving it a sense of pre-ordained certainty and purpose, even if the purpose remains hidden.
* **Performeth (Hebrew, _pāʿal'_):** This verb denotes active doing, working, or accomplishing. It signifies that God is not merely a distant ordainer but an active agent who brings His decrees to fruition. It emphasizes God's dynamic involvement in the execution of His plans. In the context of Job 23:14, it means God is actively bringing about the "appointed thing" for Job. This word highlights God's ongoing, powerful, and effective work in the world and in the lives of individuals, ensuring that His sovereign will is not just declared but fully realized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he performeth [the thing that is] appointed for me:"** This clause is the core assertion of Job's profound theological understanding. Despite his intense suffering and his inability to grasp its reason, Job maintains that his experience is not chaotic or arbitrary. Instead, it is the direct and active execution ("performeth") of a specific divine decree ("appointed") uniquely designed for him ("for me"). This reveals Job's conviction in God's meticulous sovereignty, where even personal affliction is part of a deliberate, pre-ordained plan. It speaks to God's intentionality and active involvement in the details of Job's life, even in its most painful aspects.
* **"and many such [things are] with him."** This second clause expands the scope of God's sovereignty beyond Job's immediate experience. It acknowledges the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's total plan. Job understands that his "appointed thing" is not an isolated incident but one among "many such things" that reside within God's divine counsel. This phrase highlights the hiddenness and immensity of God's purposes, suggesting that human understanding can only grasp a fraction of God's overall design. It implies an infinite reservoir of divine decrees and actions, most of which remain concealed from human perception, reinforcing the mystery and transcendence of God's ways.

#### Literary Devices
Job 23:14, though a concise statement, employs several subtle literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The verse functions as a profound **Paradox**, as Job simultaneously expresses a desperate desire to understand God's ways and an unwavering conviction in God's inscrutable sovereignty. He is a man in agony seeking answers, yet affirming that the answers are beyond his grasp because God's decrees are fixed and numerous. There is an element of **Irony** in Job's statement; he is suffering unjustly, yet he attributes his suffering to a divinely "appointed" purpose, thus acknowledging God's justice even when he cannot perceive it. The phrase "many such things are with him" functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Meiosis**, hinting at the infinite complexity and breadth of God's plans without explicitly stating their boundless nature. This creates a sense of awe and humility before the divine. The language also implies **Anthropomorphism** in attributing "things" to be "with him" (God), though this is a common and necessary way to speak of divine attributes and actions in human terms. Overall, the verse's power lies in its succinct articulation of a suffering individual's profound, yet painful, submission to an all-powerful and mysterious God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 23:14 stands as a monumental declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous providence, even in the darkest valleys of human suffering. It asserts that God is not merely a cosmic clockmaker who set the universe in motion and then withdrew, but an active, intentional, and sovereign Lord who orchestrates every detail of creation and human experience, including personal trials. This verse challenges the human inclination to view suffering as random or meaningless, instead positing it as part of a divinely "appointed" and purposeful plan. It highlights the profound mystery of God's ways, acknowledging that while His decrees are certain, their full scope and rationale are often hidden from human comprehension. This perspective calls believers to a posture of humble trust, recognizing that God's wisdom far surpasses our own, and His purposes, though sometimes veiled, are always righteous and ultimately for His glory and our good.
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over All")
* [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 23:14 offers a profound anchor for the soul in a world often characterized by chaos and inexplicable pain. In an age where control is sought above all else, Job's declaration reminds us that true peace often comes from surrendering to a greater, divine control. When faced with personal trials, global crises, or unanswered questions about suffering, this verse encourages us to shift our perspective from "why me?" to "what is God doing through this?" It doesn't promise immediate understanding or an end to pain, but it provides the foundational assurance that our experiences are not random or meaningless. Instead, they are part of a larger, divinely "appointed" tapestry woven by an infinitely wise and powerful God. This perspective fosters resilience, cultivating a trust that allows us to persevere even when the path is unclear, knowing that God is actively "performing" His purposes. It calls us to humble acknowledgment that God's ways are beyond full human comprehension, and His wisdom far surpasses our own, inviting us into a deeper, more mature faith that rests in His character rather than in our understanding of His methods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "appointing" your circumstances—even difficult ones—change your perspective on personal suffering?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's hidden "many such things"?**
* **How can acknowledging God's incomprehensible sovereignty lead to greater peace rather than greater anxiety?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's purposes when you don't understand them?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 23:14 imply that God directly causes all suffering, including evil acts?**

Answer: Job 23:14 emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and His ability to "appoint" or decree events, including Job's suffering. While it asserts that nothing happens outside of God's overarching will and permission, it does not necessarily mean God is the direct author of evil or suffering in every instance. The Bible teaches that suffering can stem from various sources: the fallen nature of the world (e.g., natural disasters), the consequences of human sin (e.g., injustice, war), and even the work of spiritual adversaries (as seen in Job's own story, where Satan is permitted to test him). However, Job 23:14 affirms that even when suffering originates from these sources, God remains sovereign over it, able to use it for His purposes. He can "perform" His appointed will *through* or *in spite of* such events, ultimately working all things for good for those who love Him [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). The verse highlights God's providential control, not necessarily His direct causation of every specific evil act.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 23:14, with its profound declaration of God's "appointed" will and His "many such things," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire redemptive plan, from creation to consummation, is the supreme "thing appointed" by God, meticulously "performed" through His Son. From eternity past, it was God's unchangeable decree that His Son would come into the world, live a perfect life, suffer, die, and rise again to redeem humanity. Jesus Himself acknowledged this divine appointment, speaking of His "hour" [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come") and submitting to the Father's will in Gethsemane, praying, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). His suffering on the cross was not random but the very "appointed" sacrifice, "according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Jesus' Crucifixion"). Furthermore, the "many such things" that are with God find their clearest revelation in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, encompassing the calling of His church, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the promise of resurrection, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan of Redemption"). Through Christ, the mystery of God's sovereign plan, though still vast, is unveiled as a plan of love and redemption, transforming human suffering into a pathway for conforming to the image of the Son [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son").

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

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

¶ 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

¶ 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!