Bible Strands
Job 33:12
Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Elihu addresses Job directly after Job has questioned divine justice and complained about God's silence. The speaker responds to Job's accusations by asserting the limits of human judgment.
The words — The phrase לֹא צָדַקְתָּ (lo tzaDakta) translates literally as "you are not in the right," while יִרְבֶּה (yirbeh) means "he is great" or "he is greater." These terms establish the textual contrast between human claims of righteousness and divine supremacy.
The thread — The conflict between human accusations and God's superior perspective recurs in Job 36:5 and Ezekiel 18:25, where divine ways are defended against claims of injustice.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that human judgment cannot fully assess divine action. It demands submission to the textual claim that God's perspective exceeds human understanding before any personal grievance is resolved.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
Cross-references
- Job 36:5 Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding.
- Ezekiel 18:25 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
- Job 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.
- Job 9:4 God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has resisted Him and prospered?
- Job 26:14 Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”
- Job 32:17 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.
- Job 34:10 Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.
- Job 34:17 Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One,
- Job 34:23 For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment.
- Job 35:2 “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’