Job 23:13

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 23:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
Job 23:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But he [is] in one [mind], etc.] Either with respect to his commandments, every precept remains in full force, he never alters the thing that is gone out of his lips, or delivers out other commandments different from, or contrary to what he has given; and therefore Job thought it his duty to abide by them, and not decline from them; which is the sense of a Jewish commentator f884, connecting the words with the preceding: Or with respect to his dispensations towards Job in afflicting him; which he continued notwithstanding his innocence, because he is a sovereign Being, and does whatsoever he pleases; he is unchangeable in his purposes and decrees; he is not to be wrought upon by any means to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“in one mind--notwithstanding my innocence, He is unaltered in His purpose of proving me guilty (Job 9:12). soul--His will (Psa 115:3). God's sovereignty. He has one great purpose; nothing is haphazard; everything has its proper place with a view to His purpose.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But he is in one mind - He is unchangeable. He has formed his plans, and no one can divert him from them. Of the truth of this sentiment there can be no dispute. The only difficulty in the case is to see why Job adverted to it here, and how it bears on the train of thought which he was pursuing. The idea seems to be, that God was now accomplishing his eternal purposes in respect to him; that he had formed a plan far back in eternal ages, and that that plan must be executed; that he was a Sovereign, and that however mysterious his plans might be, it was vain to contend with them, and that man ought to submit to their execution with patience and resignation. Job expected yet that God would…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“23:13-14 No one can change God’s mind (9:12-13; 11:10; 12:14; 34:29; Num 23:19-20; Jas 1:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“who can: Job 9:12, Job 9:13, Job 11:10, Job 12:14, Job 34:29; Num 23:19, Num 23:20; Ecc 1:15, Ecc 3:14; Rom 9:19; Jam 1:17 and what: Psa 115:3, Psa 135:6; Pro 19:21; Isa 14:24-27, Isa 46:10; Dan 4:35; Eph 1:9-11 Job 23:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification