Job 33:26

KJV

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall pray {H6279} unto God {H433}, and he will be favourable {H7521} unto him: and he shall see {H7200} his face {H6440} with joy {H8643}: for he will render {H7725} unto man {H582} his righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He prays to God and is accepted by him, so that he sees [God's] face with joy, and [God] repays the man for his righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

He prays to God and finds favor; he sees God’s face and shouts for joy, and God restores His righteousness to that man.

American Standard Version

He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 33:26, spoken by Elihu, encapsulates a profound message of divine restoration and the efficacy of sincere prayer. It describes the transformative outcome for an individual who, having been disciplined by God through suffering, turns back to Him in humble supplication. The verse promises that God will respond with favor, grant a joyful experience of His presence, and actively restore or affirm the individual's righteous standing, underscoring God's redemptive character and His desire for reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 33:26 is situated within Elihu's third discourse (Job 33:1-33), where he presents a nuanced perspective on suffering, differing from the simplistic retribution theology of Job's three friends. Elihu argues that God uses suffering not merely as punishment for sin, but often as a means of instruction, discipline, and correction, aiming to turn a person from destructive paths and preserve their life (see [Job 33:16-18](/job/33-16 "Job 33:16-18 - God's Discipline and Warning")). He introduces the concept of a "messenger" or "interpreter" (often understood as a divine intercessor or a prophetic figure) who can mediate on behalf of the afflicted, bringing God's grace to bear (as highlighted in [Job 33:23](/job/33-23 "Job 33:23 - The Divine Messenger")). The verses immediately preceding [Job 33:26](/job/33-26 "Job 33:26 - The Outcome of Repentance") describe God delivering the man from the brink of death, restoring his health and vitality ([Job 33:24-25](/job/33-24 "Job 33:24-25 - God's Deliverance and Restoration")). Thus, verse 26 serves as the climactic outcome of this redemptive process: the restored individual's grateful response of prayer, God's favorable answer, and the complete restoration of relationship and righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job reflects an ancient Near Eastern context where suffering was often directly attributed to sin, and prosperity to righteousness. Elihu's discourse, however, challenges this simplistic view by introducing the idea of suffering as a pedagogical tool. In this culture, seeing the "face" of a king or deity implied gaining favor or an audience, while being denied access or having the face hidden signified disfavor. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: _tzedaqah_) in this period encompassed not only moral uprightness but also social integrity, honor, and a right standing within the community and before God. Restoration of righteousness, therefore, meant the vindication of one's character and the return of their social and spiritual well-being, often accompanied by physical healing, as seen in [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - Job's Restoration"). The emphasis on prayer and divine intercession also aligns with broader ancient Near Eastern practices of seeking divine favor through ritual and petition, though Elihu elevates it to a deeply personal and transformative encounter.
* **Key Themes:** Job 33:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **The Efficacy of Prayer**, demonstrating that humble, repentant prayer to God elicits a positive and transformative divine response, affirming God's accessibility and willingness to hear. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Favor and Restoration**, portraying God as merciful and gracious, eager to reconcile with those who turn to Him, leading to holistic restoration—physical, emotional, and spiritual. This aligns with God's character revealed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Micah 7:18](/micah/7-18 "Micah 7:18 - God Delights in Mercy"). Thirdly, the phrase "he shall see his face with joy" speaks to the profound **Joy in God's Presence**, signifying an intimate, approving encounter with God that brings deep peace and happiness, a theme echoed in [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"). Finally, the promise that God "will render unto man his righteousness" introduces the crucial theme of **God's Redemptive Justice and Justification**. This suggests God's active role in restoring the individual's integrity and right standing before Him, foreshadowing the New Testament concept of God graciously declaring believers righteous through faith, as seen in [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification by Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favourable (Hebrew, _ḥānan'_):** This verb (חָנַן) signifies to show favor, be gracious, or pity. It describes God's merciful disposition towards the one who prays, emphasizing His benevolence and willingness to respond with kindness and compassion rather than strict judgment. It conveys an unmerited act of grace.
* **See his face (Hebrew, _rāʾāh pānîm'_):** This idiom (רָאָה פָּנִים) is highly significant. It does not imply a literal viewing of God's physical form, which is often forbidden or deadly in the Old Testament (e.g., [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "Exodus 33:20 - No One Can See My Face and Live")). Instead, it denotes a direct, intimate encounter with God's presence, characterized by His approval, blessing, and acceptance. It stands in sharp contrast to God hiding His face, which implies disfavor or judgment.
* **His righteousness (Hebrew, _ṣidqātô'_):** The noun _ṣidqāh_ (צִדְקָה) refers to righteousness, justice, or right standing. The suffix "-ô" means "his." In this context, it refers to the man's restored integrity, vindication, or right standing before God and the community. God "rendering" it means He actively restores it to him, or, more profoundly, makes him righteous in His eyes, affirming his innocence or accepting his repentance. This is God's gracious act of affirmation and acceptance, not necessarily a declaration of inherent sinlessness but of restored relationship and status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall pray unto God":** This clause highlights the human initiative in seeking reconciliation. Following God's disciplinary action and the intervention of the "messenger" (Job 33:23), the afflicted individual turns to God in humble supplication. This act of prayer signifies repentance, trust, and a desire for restoration, acknowledging God's sovereignty and mercy.
* **"and he will be favourable unto him":** This is God's immediate and gracious response to the prayer. The divine favor (from _ḥānan_) indicates God's merciful disposition, His willingness to listen, and His readiness to act benevolently towards the repentant individual. It underscores God's character as a God who desires to save and restore.
* **"and he shall see his face with joy":** This phrase describes the profound outcome of God's favor. "Seeing God's face" denotes an intimate, approving encounter with the divine presence, signifying acceptance and blessing. The accompanying "joy" indicates the deep relief, happiness, and peace that results from being reconciled with God, a joy that transcends the previous suffering and alienation.
* **"for he will render unto man his righteousness":** This final clause provides the reason or basis for the preceding outcomes. God's act of "rendering" or restoring "his righteousness" means He vindicates the individual, affirming their right standing before Him. This is not earned but graciously bestowed, reflecting God's redemptive justice that seeks to make the afflicted whole and right in His sight, either by restoring their integrity or by graciously declaring them righteous.

#### Literary Devices
Job 33:26 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The phrase "he shall see his face with joy" is a potent **Idiom**, signifying a direct, approving encounter with God's presence rather than a literal visual perception. This idiom contrasts sharply with the concept of God hiding His face, which implies judgment or abandonment. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the human action of prayer is met with a series of divine responses (favor, joyful presence, restoration of righteousness), creating a cause-and-effect relationship that highlights God's responsiveness. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Theological Metaphor** for spiritual restoration and justification. The physical healing and restoration described in the preceding verses ([Job 33:24-25](/job/33-24 "Job 33:24-25 - God's Deliverance and Restoration")) serve as a tangible representation of the deeper spiritual reconciliation and renewed righteousness that God grants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 33:26 offers a profound theological insight into God's character and His interaction with humanity, particularly in the context of suffering and sin. It reveals a God who is not merely a distant judge but a compassionate Father, eager to restore those who turn to Him. The verse anticipates the broader biblical theme of divine grace and justification, where God, in His sovereign mercy, takes the initiative to restore a broken relationship and declare a repentant individual righteous. This act of "rendering righteousness" is not based on human merit but on God's gracious disposition and His redemptive plan, foreshadowing the ultimate means of justification found in the New Testament. It underscores that true joy and peace are found in a right relationship with God, characterized by His favor and presence.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Last for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning")
* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Though Your Sins Are Like Scarlet")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God, and He Will Draw Near to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 33:26 serves as an enduring beacon of hope and a practical guide for navigating life's trials. It reminds us that suffering, while painful, can be a divine instrument for drawing us closer to God, prompting self-examination and repentance. The verse powerfully affirms the accessibility of God through prayer, assuring us that a humble, sincere cry for help will never be ignored. It encourages us to embrace the process of spiritual discipline, trusting that God's ultimate desire is our restoration and joy. To "see God's face with joy" is to experience the profound peace and affirmation that comes from being in right relationship with Him, a joy that far surpasses any earthly comfort. This passage calls us to persistent prayer, confident in God's favor and His power to restore our righteousness and bring us into His joyful presence, regardless of our past or present circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elihu's perspective on suffering in Job 33:26 challenge or affirm your own understanding of why God allows hardship in our lives?**
* **What does "seeing God's face with joy" mean to you personally, and how can you cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in your daily life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God "rendering unto man his righteousness" provide comfort or challenge your understanding of justification and divine grace?**
* **Considering the role of prayer in this verse, how might you deepen your prayer life to experience more of God's favor and restoration?**

### FAQ

**Does Elihu's teaching in Job 33 align with the overall message of the Book of Job?**

Answer: Elihu's discourse in [Job 33](/job/33 "Job 33 - Elihu's First Speech") offers a more sophisticated theological perspective than Job's three friends, who rigidly adhered to a retribution theology (suffering equals sin). While Elihu still links suffering to sin, he introduces the crucial nuance that God uses suffering as a disciplinary and corrective tool, a means of instruction and purification, rather than solely as punishment. His emphasis on God's desire for restoration and the role of an "interpreter" or "messenger" ([Job 33:23](/job/33-23 "Job 33:23 - The Divine Messenger")) foreshadows the concept of mediation and grace. This more nuanced view partially aligns with the book's broader message that God's ways are complex and often beyond human comprehension, moving beyond simplistic cause-and-effect explanations for suffering, even if Elihu himself doesn't fully grasp the depth of Job's unique trial.

**What is the significance of God "rendering unto man his righteousness" in the Old Testament context?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "righteousness" (_tzedaqah_) encompasses more than just moral purity; it refers to one's right standing, integrity, and vindication before God and the community. When God "renders unto man his righteousness" in [Job 33:26](/job/33-26 "Job 33:26 - The Outcome of Repentance"), it signifies God's active role in restoring the individual's honor, health, and proper relationship with Him. This is not necessarily about declaring a sinless state, but about God's gracious act of accepting the repentant, restoring their status, and bringing them back into favor. It highlights God's redemptive justice, where He is not only just in punishing sin but also just in forgiving and restoring those who turn to Him, affirming their place in His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 33:26, though spoken by Elihu in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse speaks of a man praying to God, receiving favor, seeing God's face with joy, and having his righteousness rendered to him. Christ is the perfect embodiment of the "messenger" or "interpreter" Elihu vaguely alludes to in [Job 33:23](/job/33-23 "Job 33:23 - The Divine Messenger"). He is the one mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man")), through whom we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice that God's favor is fully extended to us, allowing us to "see His face with joy." Indeed, through faith in Jesus, we are not merely restored to a previous state but are declared righteous by God Himself, for Christ "became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Thus, the hope of restored righteousness and joyful communion with God, dimly perceived in Job 33:26, is fully realized and freely given to all who believe in the redemptive work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalms 30:5

For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

Acts 2:28

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Acts 9:11

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Isaiah 30:19

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.