Job 9:33

KJV

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, [that] might lay his hand upon us both.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither is {H3426} there any daysman {H3198} betwixt us, that might lay {H7896} his hand {H3027} upon us both {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is no arbitrator between us who could lay his hand on us both.

Berean Standard Bible

Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both.

American Standard Version

There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 9:33 captures Job's profound despair and sense of isolation in his suffering, as he laments the absence of an impartial mediator, or "daysman," who could stand between himself and God. Feeling utterly overwhelmed by God's incomprehensible power and justice, Job expresses his desperate need for an arbiter who could "lay his hand upon us both," thereby bridging the infinite chasm he perceives between his human frailty and divine majesty, and facilitating a just resolution to his inexplicable plight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 9:33 is part of Job's first response to Bildad, following the initial cycle of dialogues with his friends. In chapters 3-10, Job grapples with the theological framework presented by his friends, which insists on a direct correlation between suffering and sin. Job, maintaining his innocence, finds himself in an impossible dilemma: how can he contend with an omnipotent and righteous God who seems to be unjustly afflicting him? Chapter 9 specifically highlights Job's acknowledgment of God's overwhelming power and wisdom (e.g., [Job 9:4-10](/job/9-4 "Job 9:4-10 - God's Unchallengeable Power")), which he contrasts with his own utter weakness and inability to defend himself. He feels that even if he were righteous, he could not successfully argue his case against God (e.g., [Job 9:14-20](/job/9-14 "Job 9:14-20 - Job's Inability to Contend with God")). This verse, then, is the culmination of his despair, expressing the fundamental need for an intermediary because direct appeal seems futile and terrifying.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "daysman" or mediator was well-understood in the ancient Near East. In legal and social disputes, when two parties could not resolve a conflict directly, an impartial third party, often a respected elder, judge, or arbiter, would be called upon. This individual would listen to both sides, assess the evidence, and then render a judgment or propose a settlement. The phrase "lay his hand upon us both" evokes the physical act of an arbiter placing a hand on each disputant, signifying their authority to bring the parties together, enforce a decision, or mediate a reconciliation. Job's cry reflects the common human experience of needing an impartial judge when facing an overwhelming opponent, especially one whose actions seem inscrutable. The absence of such a figure between himself and a seemingly unapproachable God intensified Job's suffering and sense of injustice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **The Desperate Need for a Mediator**, as Job recognizes the infinite qualitative difference between humanity and God, making direct communication or litigation impossible from his perspective. This highlights **Human Helplessness Before Divine Majesty and Incomprehensibility**; Job feels utterly outmatched and unable to understand or influence God's actions, leading to a profound sense of isolation and injustice (cf. [Job 23:3-9](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3-9 - Job's Longing to Find God")). Furthermore, it touches upon the **Problem of Theodicy**, the struggle to reconcile God's goodness and omnipotence with the existence of evil and suffering. Job's longing for a "daysman" is a cry for someone to bridge the gap of understanding and bring clarity to his suffering, which he perceives as undeserved and inexplicable given God's character (cf. [Job 10:2-3](/job/10-2 "Job 10:2-3 - Job's Plea for God to Explain His Actions")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **daysman (Hebrew, _mokhiach_):** This term, derived from the root יכח (_yakach_), means "to argue, reprove, decide, arbitrate, or mediate." In legal contexts, a _mokhiach_ was an umpire, an arbiter, or a judge who stood between two disputing parties to hear their cases, render a fair judgment, or bring them to an agreement. Job's use of this word emphasizes his desire for an impartial third party with the authority to intervene in his "case" against God, someone who could objectively assess his righteousness and God's actions, and compel both sides to a resolution. It signifies a person who could bring clarity, justice, and reconciliation to an otherwise unresolvable conflict.
* **lay his hand upon us both (Hebrew, _yashit yado al shneinu_):** This phrase is a vivid metaphor for the act of an arbiter taking control or asserting authority over both parties in a dispute. In ancient legal proceedings, the laying on of hands could symbolize an act of formal agreement, a pledge, or the exercise of judicial authority. For Job, it represents the mediator's ability to bridge the immense gap between finite humanity and infinite divinity, to bring the two seemingly irreconcilable parties (himself and God) into a shared space of understanding, dialogue, and resolution, where a fair hearing and a just outcome could be achieved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither is there any daysman betwixt us":** This clause expresses Job's profound lament and sense of utter helplessness. He feels trapped in a legal dispute with God, but without the customary and necessary means of resolution available in human courts. The "us" refers to Job (representing suffering humanity) and God (the omnipotent, seemingly inscrutable judge). Job perceives an insurmountable chasm, a lack of common ground or a neutral party, making any direct appeal or defense on his part impossible against the Almighty.
* **"[that] might lay his hand upon us both":** This phrase further elaborates on the desired function of the absent "daysman." The mediator is not merely a witness but an active participant who possesses the authority and impartiality to intervene decisively. The "laying of hands" symbolizes the mediator's power to compel both sides to abide by a decision, to bring them into a state of agreement, or to ensure a fair and equitable hearing. Job longs for someone who can bridge the infinite power differential and ensure that his case is heard and judged fairly, without being overwhelmed by God's majesty.

#### Literary Devices
Job 9:33 powerfully employs several literary devices. The verse is a profound **Lament**, expressing Job's deep sorrow, frustration, and sense of injustice. His statement is implicitly a **Rhetorical Question**, highlighting the impossibility of his situation and the desperate need for a solution that does not exist. The phrase "lay his hand upon us both" is a vivid **Metaphor**, drawing on the common cultural practice of an arbiter physically intervening in a dispute to symbolize the mediator's authority, impartiality, and ability to bring two disparate parties into reconciliation or judgment. This imagery underscores the tangible, authoritative intervention Job so desperately desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's desperate cry for a "daysman" in [Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - The Cry for a Mediator") articulates a universal human longing for reconciliation with the divine, especially in the face of suffering or perceived injustice. It highlights the inherent chasm between a holy, omnipotent God and finite, sinful humanity, a gap that no human can bridge on their own. This profound need for an intermediary is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, foreshadowing God's ultimate provision of a perfect mediator. The Old Testament often points to figures like Moses (as an intercessor for Israel, e.g., [Exodus 32:30-32](/exodus/32-30 "Exodus 32:30-32 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")) or the High Priest (who mediates between God and the people through sacrifice and prayer, e.g., [Leviticus 16:1-34](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement Rituals")) as temporary and imperfect "daysmen." Job's longing, therefore, is a prophetic cry for the one who would truly be able to "lay his hand upon us both."

* [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")
* [Hebrews 12:24](/hebrews/12-24 "Hebrews 12:24 - Jesus, Mediator of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's agonizing plea in [Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - Job's Cry for a Mediator") resonates deeply with the human experience of feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unjustly treated, especially when grappling with God's sovereignty and the mysteries of suffering. It underscores our inherent limitations in comprehending divine wisdom and our inability to contend with God on our own terms. In our moments of deepest despair, when the chasm between our human experience and God's perceived distance seems too vast, Job's cry reminds us that we are not alone in our longing for understanding and reconciliation. It highlights our universal need for someone to bridge that gap, to advocate for us, and to bring clarity and peace where there is confusion and pain. This verse invites us to acknowledge our own spiritual helplessness and to recognize the profound grace of God in addressing this fundamental human need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations have you felt a similar sense of distance or incomprehension regarding God's actions or will?**
* **How does Job's longing for a "daysman" speak to your own need for an advocate or intercessor?**
* **What does this verse reveal about the human condition when confronted with divine power and justice?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is a "daysman" in the context of Job 9:33?**

Answer: In [Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - The Daysman"), a "daysman" (from the Hebrew _mokhiach_) refers to an arbiter, umpire, or mediator. In ancient Near Eastern legal and social systems, when two parties had a dispute they could not resolve themselves, they would appoint a third, impartial party to hear both sides, assess the facts, and render a judgment or facilitate a settlement. Job felt himself to be in a legal dispute with God regarding his suffering, but he despaired because he perceived no one with the authority and impartiality to stand between him and the Almighty, to "lay his hand upon us both" and ensure a fair hearing or just resolution.

**Why did Job feel he needed a "daysman" to deal with God?**

Answer: Job felt he needed a "daysman" because he perceived an insurmountable power imbalance and an inability to contend with God directly. Throughout [Job 9](/job/9 "Job 9 - Job's Acknowledgment of God's Power"), Job acknowledges God's immense power, wisdom, and sovereignty (e.g., [Job 9:4-12](/job/9-4 "Job 9:4-12 - God's Unchallengeable Power")). He believed that even if he were innocent, God's overwhelming majesty would prevent him from successfully pleading his case or proving his righteousness (e.g., [Job 9:14-20](/job/9-14 "Job 9:14-20 - Job's Inability to Contend with God")). He longed for someone who could bridge the infinite gap between human frailty and divine omnipotence, someone who could compel both parties to a fair hearing and a just outcome, allowing him to understand why he was suffering despite his innocence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate cry for a "daysman" in [Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - The Cry for a Mediator") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The chasm that Job perceived between himself and God—a chasm of infinite power, holiness, and human sinfulness—is precisely what necessitated a divine mediator. The New Testament unequivocally presents Jesus as this perfect intermediary. As [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator") declares, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Unlike the absent "daysman" Job longed for, Jesus is not merely an impartial arbiter but one who fully identifies with both God and humanity, being both fully God and fully man. He is the [mediator of a better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant") and the [mediator of the new covenant](/hebrews/12-24 "Hebrews 12:24 - Jesus, Mediator of the New Covenant"), establishing a relationship with God based on grace and forgiveness, not legal dispute. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus "laid His hand upon us both," bridging the gap of sin and reconciling humanity to God (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself Through Christ")). He is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who sympathizes with our weaknesses, and through whom we can [approach God's throne of grace with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"), no longer needing to fear an unapproachable deity. Job's ancient longing is thus met in the living reality of Christ, who is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), providing direct and loving access to the Father.

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 Samuel 2:25

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Job 9:19

If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]?

Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

1 Kings 3:16

¶ Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

1 Kings 3:28

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.