Job 33:12

12 But I tell you that you are wrong in this [matter], since God is greater than man.^[a]

Job 33:12 Meaning and Commentary

Job 33:12

Behold, [in] this thou art not just
Here begins Elihu's answer, who does not deny that Job was a just man, both before God in an evangelic sense, and before men in a moral sense; he did not go about to detract from Job's general character, as a man that lived soberly, righteously, and godly in the world; but in this he was not just, nor is it to be justified, with respect to this thing, he could not acquit him of doing what was wrong; namely, insisting so much on his own innocence, and tacking therewith such unbecoming and undue reflections on the dealings of God with him; he did not give to God his due, he did not do him justice in representing him in this light; he did not say nor do the right thing, so Mr. Broughton translates the words,

``lo, here thou art not in the right;''

see ( Job 32:2 ) ;

I will answer thee;
or "I must tell thee"; as the same writer renders the words, being able to make it clear and plain:

that God is greater than man:
than any man, than the greatest of men, most famous for power, wisdom, or justice; he is not only greater in his power, faithfulness, goodness, grace, and mercy, but in his holiness and righteousness, wisdom and knowledge; and therefore can never do either an unjust thing, or an unwise one; and for man, who is both sinful and ignorant, even the best in comparison of him, to arraign him at his bar, is very arrogant and presumptuous; since he knows best what to do, and what are his reasons for so doing, and is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Job 33:12 In-Context

10 But He finds reasons to oppose me; He regards me as his enemy.

11 He puts my feet in the stocks; He stands watch over all my paths."

12 But I tell you that you are wrong in this [matter], since God is greater than man.

13 Why do you take Him to court for not answering anything a person asks?

14 For God speaks time and again, but a person may not notice it.

Footnotes

• [a] Jb 4:17; 9:2; 15:14