Job 23:13

But he is unchangeable, ¹  and who can change ²  him? Whatever he ³  has desired, he does.

"But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.

"But He is unique and who can turn Him? And what His soul desires, that He does.

Nevertheless, his mind concerning me remains unchanged, and who can turn him from his purposes? Whatever he wants to do, he does.

"But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to.

But his purpose is fixed and there is no changing it; and he gives effect to the desire of his soul.

But he stands alone and who can dissuade him? What he desires, that he does.

"But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.

But he is unchangeable, ¹  and who can change ²  him? Whatever he ³  has desired, he does.

¹ tc The MT has “But he [is] in one.” Many add the word “mind” to capture the point that God is resolute and unchanging. Some commentators find this too difficult, and so change the text from בְאֶחָד (bÿ’ekhad, here “unchangeable”) to בָחָר (bakhar, “he has chosen”). The wording in the text is idiomatic and should be retained. R. Gordis (Job, 262) translates it “he is one, i.e., unchangeable, fixed, determined.” The preposition בּ (bet) is a bet essentiae – “and he [is] as one,” or “he is one” (see GKC 379 §119.i).

² tn Heb “cause him to return.”

³ tn Or “his soul.”