Job 33:17

KJV

That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.

KJV (with Strong's)

That he may withdraw {H5493} man {H120} from his purpose {H4639}, and hide {H3680} pride {H1466} from man {H1397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to turn a person away from his action and protect a man from pride,

Berean Standard Bible

to turn a man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,

American Standard Version

That he may withdraw man from his purpose, And hide pride from man;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Elihu's profound declaration in Job 33:17 unveils God's active, merciful, and preventative intervention in human lives, meticulously designed to divert individuals from self-destructive paths and to cultivate profound humility. This divine action, often subtle and profound, aims to safeguard humanity from the disastrous consequences of unchecked self-will and the insidious grip of pride, ultimately preserving life and fostering a right relationship with the sovereign Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 33:17 is strategically positioned within Elihu's extensive and pivotal discourse, spanning chapters 32-37. Elihu, a younger and previously silent observer, emerges as a theological bridge, seeking to correct perceived errors in both Job's self-justification and the rigid, often punitive, theology of Job's three friends. He introduces a nuanced understanding of divine communication and suffering, arguing that God speaks to humanity not solely through direct revelation or punishment, but also through dreams, visions, and even physical affliction, all intended for instruction and correction. Specifically, Elihu posits that God communicates "in a dream, in a vision of the night" ([Job 33:15](/job/33-15 "Job 33:15 - God Speaks in Dreams")) to "open their ears, and seal their instruction" ([Job 33:16](/job/33-16 "Job 33:16 - Divine Instruction")). Verse 17 then precisely articulates the benevolent *purpose* of this divine instruction: to "withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man," thereby preventing him from falling into "the pit" or destruction, a consequence explicitly detailed in the subsequent verse ([Job 33:18](/job/33-18 "Job 33:18 - Preservation from Destruction")). Elihu's contribution emphasizes God's redemptive and preservative intent, offering a profound contrast to the friends' often fatalistic and punitive view of suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during the patriarchal period, though its precise dating remains a subject of scholarly debate. The prevailing cultural backdrop strongly emphasized a direct correlation between divine justice and retribution, where suffering was almost universally interpreted as a direct consequence of sin—a simplistic view vigorously challenged by Job's blameless experience. Elihu's discourse, however, introduces a more sophisticated understanding of divine sovereignty and the pedagogical nature of suffering. In this ancient worldview, dreams and visions were widely accepted as legitimate and potent channels for divine communication, often requiring skilled interpretation to discern their meaning. The concept of "pride" (Hebrew: *ga'on* or *gevah*) was deeply understood as a dangerous spiritual state, not merely a character flaw but a fundamental rebellion against divine authority and a potent disruptor of societal harmony. Both kings and common individuals were susceptible to *ga'on*, which invariably led to their downfall. The divine intervention described by Elihu speaks to a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in human affairs, actively seeking to guide and preserve His creation from self-inflicted harm, a concept present in various ancient wisdom traditions but uniquely articulated here with a profound focus on moral and spiritual preservation.

* **Key Themes:** Job 33:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restraint and Prevention**, portraying God not merely as a punitive judge but as a merciful Father who actively intervenes to prevent humanity from self-destruction. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the friends' rigid and often fatalistic view of suffering. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Peril of Human Autonomy and Self-Will**, where "man's purpose" (his self-chosen plans and intentions, particularly when driven by self-reliance or a lack of divine consultation) can inevitably lead to ruin. God's intervention is presented as a necessary and benevolent redirection from these misguided paths. This theme resonates deeply with warnings against human folly found elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death"). Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, the verse addresses the pervasive and profoundly destructive nature of **Pride**. Elihu suggests that pride is a fundamental root cause of humanity's errant "purposes," and God's action to "hide pride from man" is a crucial, grace-filled step in preventing spiritual and physical ruin. This aligns perfectly with the consistent biblical emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue and pride as a destructive vice, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Withdraw (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This verb (H5493) signifies "to turn off," "to remove," or "to cause to depart." In the context of Job 33:17, it denotes an active, intentional, and often forceful redirection by God. It implies more than passive observation; it is a divine intervention that pulls man away from a dangerous course of action. This suggests a protective, even salvific, turning away from imminent danger, akin to a shepherd guiding a sheep away from a perilous cliff.
* **Purpose (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This noun (H4639) denotes "work," "deed," "undertaking," or "action." It refers to man's own plans, intentions, or the outcome of his self-directed efforts. When used without qualification, as it is here, it often carries a negative connotation in wisdom literature, implying human schemes or self-initiated actions that are not aligned with divine wisdom and thus lead to folly or destruction. It represents the antithesis of God's righteous and perfect will.
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gêvâh'_):** This term (H1466) refers to "exaltation" or, more commonly in this context, "arrogance" and "haughtiness." It describes a deep-seated spiritual malady, often the root of rebellion against God and the driving force behind destructive "purposes." God's action to "hide" or "cover" this pride is presented as a profound act of grace, preventing its full manifestation and its inevitable ruinous consequences. It signifies God's merciful effort to prevent self-exaltation from leading to ultimate downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose":** This initial clause reveals God's primary objective in His divine communication and intervention. The "he" unequivocally refers to God, who actively intervenes to divert humanity from its self-chosen plans or actions. The profound implication is that "man's purpose," when left unchecked and unguided by divine wisdom, is inherently flawed, self-serving, or dangerous, leading to potential harm or destruction. God's act of "withdrawal" is therefore a merciful prevention, a divine redirection away from a trajectory of folly, sin, or self-destruction. It speaks to His providential care and His desire to protect humanity from the consequences of its own misguided will.
* **"and hide pride from man":** This second clause specifies another crucial and complementary aspect of God's preventative work. Pride, understood as the insidious root of much human sin and destructive "purpose," is the direct target of this divine action. To "hide pride" can be interpreted in several profound ways: it may mean God prevents pride from taking root and manifesting in a person's heart; it could signify that God reveals the true ugliness and deceptive allure of pride, thereby making it unattractive or undesirable to the individual; or it might imply that God covers over or removes the *opportunity* for pride to manifest in a way that would lead to ruin. Ultimately, this phrase signifies God's active and gracious role in cultivating humility and preventing the self-exaltation that inevitably leads to spiritual and physical ruin, thereby preserving man from the "pit" ([Job 33:18](/job/33-18 "Job 33:18 - Preservation from Destruction")) of destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 33:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as God is vividly depicted as actively performing the actions of "withdrawing" and "hiding." This imbues the divine with intentionality, agency, and a deeply personal involvement in human lives, emphasizing His active role rather than a distant, detached observation. There is also a subtle yet powerful **Metaphor** in the phrase "hide pride from man," suggesting that pride is something that can be concealed, prevented from manifesting, or even made invisible to the human heart, much like a dangerous object can be hidden from view. This implies that pride is a perilous spiritual state that God mercifully keeps from overwhelming humanity. Furthermore, the verse functions as a piece of profound **Didacticism**, directly instructing the listener (Job and, by extension, the reader) about the nature of God's disciplinary, corrective, and ultimately redemptive work. The elegant **Parallelism** between "withdraw man from his purpose" and "hide pride from man" creates a sense of balance and reinforces the dual, interconnected objectives of God's benevolent intervention, highlighting both the outward action and the inward spiritual transformation He seeks to effect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 33:17 offers a profound theological insight into God's character as both sovereign and merciful. It serves as a powerful refutation of the simplistic retribution theology espoused by Job's friends, presenting suffering and divine intervention not solely as punishment for sin, but as a preventative, corrective, and ultimately redemptive act. God's desire to "withdraw man from his purpose" speaks volumes about His providential care, where He actively redirects human trajectories that would otherwise lead to destruction. This highlights His ultimate and unwavering concern for humanity's well-being, even when His methods are perceived as difficult or challenging. The emphasis on "hiding pride from man" underscores the pervasive and destructive nature of human arrogance in biblical thought, positioning humility as a foundational virtue for a right relationship with God and a life of flourishing. This verse reveals a God who is intimately involved in the moral and spiritual formation of individuals, working tirelessly to save them from themselves and to guide them toward life.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 33:17 serves as a powerful and deeply comforting reminder of God's active, loving, and often preventative involvement in our lives, even when His interventions feel disruptive or challenging. It invites us to consider that what we perceive as obstacles, detours, or even frustrating setbacks may, in fact, be God's merciful hand "withdrawing" us from a path that, unbeknownst to us, would lead to our detriment or destruction. This profound perspective fosters a spirit of humility, prompting us to surrender our own "purposes," carefully laid plans, and self-reliant schemes to His superior wisdom and benevolent will. When we encounter unexpected resistance to our will, or when our meticulously crafted plans unravel, this verse encourages us to pause, reflect, and prayerfully ask if God is not, in His infinite grace, "hiding pride from us" or preventing us from pursuing a course born of self-reliance rather than divine guidance. Embracing this truth can transform frustration into profound gratitude, cultivating a deeper trust in God's benevolent sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to our ultimate good and spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might God be actively trying to "withdraw" me from my own "purpose" or self-directed plans?**
* **How has pride subtly or overtly manifested in my life, and how might God be working to "hide" or expose it for my spiritual good and growth?**
* **What does it truly mean to surrender my plans and trust in God's redirection, especially when His path feels uncomfortable or counter-intuitive?**
* **How can recognizing God's preventative grace and His active work against pride cultivate a deeper sense of humility, gratitude, and dependence in my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "hide pride from man"?**

Answer: To "hide pride from man" (Hebrew: *kâçâh gêvâh*) signifies God's active, merciful, and often preventative intervention to mitigate or remove the destructive effects of human arrogance. This can be understood in several profound ways: First, God might prevent pride from taking root deeply in a person's heart, perhaps through humbling experiences, divine warnings, or the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit. Second, He might reveal the true ugliness, folly, and ultimate emptiness of pride, thereby making it unattractive or undesirable to the individual, causing them to turn away from it. Third, it could mean God covers over or removes the *opportunity* for pride to manifest in a way that would lead to spiritual or physical ruin. Ultimately, it is a divine act of grace designed to preserve humanity from the self-destructive consequences that inevitably follow unchecked pride, as powerfully illustrated in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction") and the humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 4:30-31](/daniel/4-30-31 "Daniel 4:30-31 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and Restoration"). It is fundamentally about cultivating humility for our ultimate good and God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Elihu's words in Job 33:17 speak of God's general redemptive and preventative work in the lives of humanity, their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is profoundly significant. Jesus Christ perfectly embodies and accomplishes the divine purpose of "withdrawing man from his purpose" and "hiding pride from man." He is the supreme revelation of God's wisdom and humility, providing the singular means by which humanity can truly turn from its self-destructive, pride-driven ways. Through His incarnation, His life of perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the absolute antithesis of human pride, choosing radical humility and servanthood (as exquisitely described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). He extends an gracious invitation to all who are weary and burdened by their own self-willed "purposes" to find true rest in Him, to take His "yoke upon them" and learn from Him, for He is "meek and lowly in heart" ([Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28-29 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden")). By uniting with Christ through faith, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to crucify their old, prideful nature and walk in newness of life, truly having pride "hidden" from them as they are progressively conformed to the image of the humble [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His life, ministry, and atoning work are the ultimate divine intervention, providing the only path to true humility, deliverance from the "pit" of self-destruction, and eternal life.

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

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Job 17:11

My days are past, my purposes are broken off, [even] the thoughts of my heart.

2 Corinthians 12:7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

2 Chronicles 32:25

But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.