He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

JOB 33:26KJV
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Job 33:26 (KJV)

What does Job 33:26 mean?

Job 33:26 describes how a person who prays to God can experience God’s favor, see God’s face with joy, and receive a restored sense of righteousness from God. The verse highlights the possibility of reconciliation and renewed relationship with God after a time of distress or wrongdoing.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, explaining how God deals with people. Elihu is saying that when someone turns to God in prayer, God responds kindly, allowing that person to enjoy His presence and restoring their standing. The verse emphasizes hope and the possibility of being made right with God, even after suffering or mistakes.

The Hebrew behind Job 33:26

  • "pray" (עָתַר, ‘atar): This word often means to plead or entreat, suggesting earnest, heartfelt prayer rather than a casual request.
  • "favourable" (רָצָה, ratsah): This word means to be pleased with or accept, showing that God’s response is not just neutral but actively welcoming.
  • "face" (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew thought, seeing someone’s face, especially God’s, symbolizes closeness and acceptance, not just a literal vision.
  • "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word refers to being made right or just, indicating that God restores the person’s moral standing, not just their circumstances.

Why Job 33:26 matters

  • Job 33:26 clarifies that restoration with God is possible through sincere prayer, even after a period of suffering or alienation.
  • The verse shifts the focus from punishment to reconciliation, showing that God desires to restore rather than simply judge.
  • In the context of Elihu’s speech, this verse offers hope to Job and anyone suffering, emphasizing God’s willingness to forgive and renew.

Where else these words appear

“pray” Hebrew H6279 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Exodus 9:28 Intreat the LORD(for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

“joy” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 1 Samuel 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“favourable” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.