Job 33:29

KJV

¶ Lo, all these [things] worketh God oftentimes with man,

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, all these things worketh {H6466} God {H410} oftentimes {H6471}{H7969} with man {H1397},

Complete Jewish Bible

God will accomplish all these things twice, even three times, with a man,

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, all these things God does to a man, two or even three times,

American Standard Version

Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, yea thrice, with a man,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 33:29 encapsulates Elihu's profound argument that God is not a distant or indifferent deity but an actively engaged and persistently working Father. This verse serves as a concluding statement to his preceding explanations, emphasizing that the various methods God employs—including dreams, visions, and even physical affliction—are repeatedly and purposefully directed toward humanity for their ultimate spiritual good, aiming to reveal sin, call to repentance, and preserve souls from destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 33:29 concludes Elihu's initial discourse (Job 33:1-33), where he presents himself as a mediator and interpreter of God's ways, distinct from Job's three friends. Unlike Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who largely accuse Job of specific, hidden sins, Elihu posits that God communicates through various means, not solely for punishment, but primarily for instruction, correction, and redemption. The "these things" in verse 29 directly refer to the divine interventions Elihu has meticulously detailed: God speaking through dreams and visions ([Job 33:14-18](/job/33-14 "Job 33:14-18 - God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions")), disciplining through pain and illness ([Job 33:19-22](/job/33-19 "Job 33:19-22 - God's Discipline Through Affliction")), and sending a messenger or angel to intercede and reveal righteousness ([Job 33:23-28](/job/33-23 "Job 33:23-28 - The Interceding Messenger and Redemption")). Verse 29, therefore, summarizes God's consistent and multifaceted engagement, culminating in His desire to redeem individuals from the "pit" of destruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, suffering was often directly linked to sin, and divine communication was frequently perceived as direct and sometimes punitive. Elihu's discourse, while still operating within this framework, introduces a more nuanced perspective on God's discipline. He suggests that affliction is not always a sign of specific, unconfessed sin but can be a pedagogical tool, a means by which God instructs and draws individuals to repentance and life. This perspective aligns with a broader wisdom tradition that recognized God's active involvement in human affairs, often through seemingly ordinary or even painful circumstances. The concept of a divine "messenger" or "angel" was also common, serving as an intermediary between God and humanity, often delivering messages of judgment or salvation. Elihu's emphasis on God's repeated efforts highlights a divine patience that was perhaps less commonly emphasized in the immediate context of Job's friends' rigid theology.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. First, it underscores **Divine Providence and Active Engagement**, asserting that God is not a passive observer but an intentional, purposeful agent in human lives. His "working" signifies deliberate and effective action aimed at specific outcomes. Second, it highlights **God's Redemptive Purpose in Discipline**. The "things" God works are not arbitrary punishments but are designed to lead to repentance and preservation, preventing individuals from spiritual ruin. This aligns with the biblical truth that God's discipline is ultimately for our good, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 12:10](/hebrews/12-10 "Hebrews 12:10 - God Disciplines for Our Good"). Finally, the phrase "oftentimes" emphasizes **God's Persistence and Patience**. It reveals a God who does not give up after one attempt but continually reaches out, demonstrating His unwavering love and desire for humanity's reconciliation and well-being. This theme of divine patience is echoed throughout Scripture, from the long-suffering of God with Israel to His desire that "none should perish" ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worketh (Hebrew, _pa'al'_):** This verb signifies "to do," "to make," "to act," or "to accomplish." It implies purposeful, effective, and often continuous action. In this context, it emphasizes God's active agency and His deliberate, intentional involvement in the lives of individuals. It's not a passive observation but an active, shaping, and transforming work.
* **oftentimes (Hebrew, _pa'amayim shalowsh'_):** Literally meaning "two times, three times," this is a common Hebrew idiom used to convey the idea of "again and again," "repeatedly," "many times," or "frequently." It does not denote a precise number but rather emphasizes the consistent, persistent, and patient nature of God's actions. It highlights His unwavering commitment to engage with humanity, not giving up after an initial attempt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Lo, all these [things]":** The introductory "Lo" (or "Behold") serves as an attention-grabber, signaling an important summary statement. "All these [things]" refers back to the various methods of divine communication and intervention Elihu has just described in detail throughout Job 33:14-28. These include God speaking through dreams, visions, physical affliction, and the ministry of a divine messenger. It underscores the diverse and comprehensive nature of God's engagement.
* **"worketh God":** This phrase clearly identifies God as the active subject and primary agent. It reiterates that the various "things" are not random occurrences or mere natural processes, but are the deliberate and purposeful actions of a sovereign God. His work is not aimless but directed toward specific, redemptive ends.
* **"oftentimes with man,":** This final clause highlights the frequency and persistence of God's engagement. The idiom "oftentimes" (repeatedly, again and again) emphasizes God's patience and His unwavering commitment to humanity. He does not intervene once and then withdraw, but consistently and patiently works with individuals, seeking their repentance, instruction, and ultimate salvation. It speaks to the relational and persistent nature of the divine-human interaction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening "Lo" functions as an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, drawing immediate attention to the significant summary statement that follows. The phrase "all these [things]" acts as a **Summary Statement**, serving as a rhetorical device to encapsulate the detailed arguments Elihu has presented regarding God's various methods of communication and intervention. Most notably, the term "oftentimes" is an **Idiom** (specifically, a numerical idiom, _pa'amayim shalowsh_), which, while literally meaning "two times, three times," is used figuratively to signify "repeatedly" or "again and again." This idiom effectively conveys the **Emphasis** on God's persistence and patience, highlighting His continuous and unwavering efforts to engage with humanity. The verse, therefore, uses concise language to provide a powerful and comprehensive summation of Elihu's theological perspective on God's active and redemptive involvement in human lives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 33:29 offers a crucial insight into the character of God, portraying Him not as a distant, punitive deity, but as an actively involved and persistently redemptive Father. It underscores the profound truth that God's engagement with humanity, even through challenging circumstances, is always purposeful and ultimately aimed at our good. This verse highlights God's patience and His unwavering desire for humanity's reconciliation and spiritual well-being, demonstrating that His discipline is a manifestation of His love, designed to draw us closer to Him and preserve us from destructive paths. It invites us to recognize God's hand in all of life's experiences, trusting that even in difficulty, He is working for our ultimate benefit.

* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [Psalm 103:13-14](/psalms/103-13 "Psalm 103:13-14 - God's Compassion and Knowledge of Our Frame")
* [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31-33 - God's Compassion and Discipline")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 33:29 provides profound comfort and a vital shift in perspective for believers navigating life's complexities. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate pain or confusion of our circumstances and perceive God's active, persistent hand at work. When we face trials, receive correction, or experience internal struggles, this verse prompts us to consider these as potential avenues through which God is "working" to reveal truth, refine our character, or draw us into deeper intimacy with Him. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of openness and discernment, asking not just "Why is this happening?" but "What is God trying to teach me or accomplish through this?" Trusting in God's "oftentimes" work means embracing His patient, loving, and redemptive purposes even when the path is unclear, knowing that His ultimate desire is our spiritual growth and preservation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "oftentimes" work change your perspective on difficult or confusing seasons in your life?**
* **In what "ways" or "things"—perhaps through circumstances, relationships, or inner promptings—might God be trying to communicate with you today?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater awareness of God's active and persistent presence in our daily lives, even in the mundane or challenging moments?**

### FAQ
**What does "oftentimes" truly mean in this verse, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase translated "oftentimes" is _pa'amayim shalowsh_ (פַּעֲמַיִם שָׁלֹשׁ), which literally means "two times, three times." This is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, not meant to be taken literally as a precise count, but rather to convey the idea of "again and again," "repeatedly," "frequently," or "many times." Its significance lies in emphasizing God's persistence, patience, and unwavering commitment to engage with humanity. It highlights that God does not give up on people after a single attempt or a few interventions, but consistently and patiently works with them, seeking their repentance, instruction, and ultimate good. It speaks to the depth of God's love and His desire for ongoing relationship and transformation in our lives, as seen in His long-suffering character throughout biblical history (e.g., [Nehemiah 9:16-17](/nehemiah/9-16 "Nehemiah 9:16-17 - God's Patience with Israel")).

**Is Elihu's theology always correct in the book of Job?**

Answer: Elihu's contribution to the book of Job is unique and often seen as a bridge between the flawed arguments of Job's three friends and God's ultimate revelation. Unlike the friends, Elihu does not accuse Job of specific, hidden sins as the direct cause of his suffering. Instead, he introduces the idea that suffering can be a form of divine discipline or instruction, intended to prevent greater sin or to draw a person closer to God. This perspective is biblically sound (e.g., [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Lord's Discipline")). However, it's important to note that while Elihu offers valuable insights and is not rebuked by God in the way the friends are ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")), his understanding is still limited compared to God's own direct address to Job. Elihu correctly perceives God's active involvement and redemptive purpose in suffering, but he doesn't fully grasp the mystery of innocent suffering or the broader cosmic conflict that the reader is privy to. His theology is a significant step forward from the friends' rigid retribution theology, but it is not the final word from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 33:29, with its emphasis on God's persistent and varied "work" with humanity for their good, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "oftentimes" methods of divine communication and intervention, which Elihu describes—dreams, visions, messengers, and even suffering—all point forward to the singular, perfect, and final revelation of God in His Son. God, who "at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Jesus is the ultimate divine "messenger" Elihu alluded to, the one "mediator between God and men" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). Through His incarnation, He became the perfect embodiment of God's persistent desire to be "with man" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His suffering and death on the cross represent the ultimate act of God "working" to redeem humanity from the "pit" of destruction, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "discipline" or "correction" Elihu speaks of is now perfectly applied through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which offers cleansing and righteousness, transforming us into His likeness. The ongoing "work" of God in believers' lives, to bring about good from all circumstances ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")), is now accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who indwells and sanctifies those united with Christ, ensuring that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Ongoing Work in Believers")). Thus, all of God's "oftentimes" work culminates in the singular, perfect, and decisive work of Christ, through whom we are fully reconciled and eternally preserved.

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 Corinthians 12:6

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 5:5

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

2 Kings 6:10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.