Job 33:23
New International Version
Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright,

New Living Translation
“But if an angel from heaven appears— a special messenger to intercede for a person and declare that he is upright—

English Standard Version
If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him,

Berean Standard Bible
Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,

King James Bible
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:

New King James Version
“If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness,

New American Standard Bible
“If there is an interceding angel for him, One out of a thousand, To remind a person of what is right for him,

NASB 1995
“If there is an angel as mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To remind a man what is right for him,

NASB 1977
“If there is an angel as mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To remind a man what is right for him,

Legacy Standard Bible
“If there is an angel as mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To declare to a man what is right for him,

Amplified Bible
“If there is an angel as a mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To explain to a man what is right for him [that is, how to be in right standing with God],

Christian Standard Bible
If there is an angel on his side, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a person what is right for him

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If there is an angel on his side, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a person what is right for him

American Standard Version
If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him;

Contemporary English Version
One of a thousand angels then comes to our rescue by saying we are innocent.

English Revised Version
If there be with him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man what is right for him;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"If they have a messenger for them, a spokesman, one in a thousand, to tell people what is right for them,

Good News Translation
Perhaps an angel may come to their aid--one of God's thousands of angels, who remind us of our duty.

International Standard Version
"If there's a messenger appointed to mediate for Job —one out of a thousand— to represent the man's integrity on his behalf,

Majority Standard Bible
Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,

NET Bible
If there is an angel beside him, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a person what constitutes his uprightness;

New Heart English Bible
"If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him;

Webster's Bible Translation
If there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:

World English Bible
“If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If there is a messenger by him, "" An interpreter—one of a thousand, "" To declare for man his uprightness,

Young's Literal Translation
If there is by him a messenger, An interpreter -- one of a thousand, To declare for man his uprightness:

Smith's Literal Translation
If there is a messenger upon him, an interpreter, one from a thousand, to announce to man his uprightness:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If there shall be an angel speaking for him, one among thousands, to declare man's uprightness,

Catholic Public Domain Version
If there were an angel speaking for him, one among thousands, to declare the fairness of the man,

New American Bible
If then there be a divine messenger, a mediator, one out of a thousand, to show him what is right,

New Revised Standard Version
Then, if there should be for one of them an angel, a mediator, one of a thousand, one who declares a person upright,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If a man have an angel to whom one would listen once in a thousand times, the angel would show him the way of uprightness

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If he has an Angel that hears him, one of a thousand, he will show to the man his uprightness
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If there be for him an angel, An intercessor, one among a thousand, To vouch for a man's uprightness;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Though there should be a thousand messengers of death, not one of them shall wound him: if he should purpose in his heart to turn to the Lord, and declare to man his fault, and shew his folly;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elihu Rebukes Job
22He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death. 23Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, 24to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’…

Cross References
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Hebrews 9:15
Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Romans 8:34
Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

Hebrews 7:25
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

Isaiah 53:11
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.

Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.

1 John 4:10
And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!

Hebrews 8:6
Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.

Galatians 3:19-20
Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. / A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.

Isaiah 42:6
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

2 Corinthians 5:18-19
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.


Treasury of Scripture

If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:

a messenger

Judges 2:1
And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.

2 Chronicles 36:15,16
And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: …

Haggai 1:13
Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.

an interpreter

Job 34:32
That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; …

one

Job 9:3
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

Ecclesiastes 7:28
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Romans 11:13
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

to

Job 11:6
And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.

Job 34:10,12
Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity…

Job 35:14
Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

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Angel Clear Declare Duty Intercessor Interpreter Mediator Messenger Remind Right Shew Show Side Thousand Thousands Uprightness Vouch
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Angel Clear Declare Duty Intercessor Interpreter Mediator Messenger Remind Right Shew Show Side Thousand Thousands Uprightness Vouch
Job 33
1. Elihu offers himself instead of God to reason with Job
8. He excuses God from giving man an account of his ways, by his greatness
14. God calls man to repentance by visions, by afflictions, and by his ministry
31. He incites Job to attention














Yet if there is a messenger
The term "messenger" in Hebrew is "מַלְאָךְ" (mal'akh), which can mean an angel or a human messenger. In the context of Job, this suggests a divine or divinely appointed figure who brings a message from God. Historically, messengers were crucial in ancient times for conveying important information, often seen as bearers of divine will. This highlights the importance of divine communication and guidance in human affairs, emphasizing that God does not leave humanity without direction or insight.

on his side
This phrase indicates advocacy or support. In the context of Job, it suggests that the messenger is not just a neutral party but is actively working for the benefit of the person. This reflects the biblical theme of God's desire to be in relationship with humanity, providing support and guidance. It reassures believers that God is not distant but is actively involved in their lives, offering help and direction.

one mediator
The word "mediator" in Hebrew is "מֵלִיץ" (melitz), which refers to an interpreter or someone who intercedes. This concept is central to Christian theology, where Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. In the context of Job, it underscores the need for someone to bridge the gap between the divine and the human, a role that is fulfilled perfectly in Christ according to the New Testament.

in a thousand
This phrase suggests rarity and value. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the number "thousand" often symbolized completeness or a large quantity. Thus, a "mediator in a thousand" implies someone exceptionally rare and precious. This rarity underscores the preciousness of divine intervention and the unique role of Christ as the mediator, who is unparalleled in His ability to reconcile humanity with God.

to tell a man what is right for him
The phrase "what is right for him" involves moral and spiritual guidance. The Hebrew word for "right" is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning straight, right, or upright. This reflects the biblical principle that God desires to lead people in paths of righteousness. The role of the mediator is to provide clarity and direction, helping individuals understand God's will for their lives. This aligns with the Christian belief that through Christ and the Holy Spirit, believers are guided into all truth and righteousness.

(23) To show unto man his uprightness.--Some render, "to show unto man what is right for him," but it seems rather to mean, to declare concerning that man his uprightness, to plead his cause before God and be his advocate. (Comp. 1Kings 14:13; 2Chronicles 19:3, &c.)

This angel, who is one among a thousand, and discharges the function of an interpreter, is a remarkable anticipation of the existence of that function with God which is discharged by the Advocate with the Father (1John 2:1; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). It is impossible for us who believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God not to see in this an indication of what God intended afterwards to teach us concerning the intercession and mediation of the Son and the intercession of the Holy Spirit on behalf of man (Romans 8:26). (Comp. John 14:16.) . . .

Verse 23. - If there be a messenger with him; rather, an angel (see the Revised Version). It is generally supposed that "the angel of the covenant" is meant, and that the whole passage is Messianic; but much obscurity hangs over it. The Jews certainly understand it Messianically, since they read it on the great Day of Atonement, and use in their liturgies the prayer, "Raise up for us the righteous Interpreter; say, I have found a ransom." Elihu's knowledge of an Interpreter, or Mediator, one among a thousand, who should deliver the afflicted man from going down to the pit, and find a ransom for him (ver. 24), is certainly very surprising; and we can scarcely imagine that he understood the full force of his words; but it cannot be right to denude them of their natural signification Elihu certainly did not mean to speak of himself as an "angel-interpreter, one among a thousand;" and it is not probable that he intends a reference to any merely human helper. To show unto man. his uprightness; either "to show to a man what it is right for him to do," or "to indicate to a man in what true righteousness consists."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Yet if
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

there is
יֵ֤שׁ (yêš)
Adverb
Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is

a messenger
מַלְאָ֗ךְ (mal·’āḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

on his side,
עָלָ֨יו ׀ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

one
אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

mediator
מֵלִ֗יץ (mê·lîṣ)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

out of
מִנִּי־ (min·nî-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

a thousand,
אָ֑לֶף (’ā·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505: A thousand

to tell
לְהַגִּ֖יד (lə·hag·gîḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

a man
לְאָדָ֣ם (lə·’ā·ḏām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

what is right for him,
יָשְׁרֽוֹ׃ (yā·šə·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3476: Straightness, uprightness


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OT Poetry: Job 33:23 If there is beside him an angel (Jb)
Job 33:22
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