What is a…
Daysman

“Daysman” is an archaic English term that primarily means an umpire, arbiter, mediator, or arbitrator—someone appointed or agreed upon by two disputing parties to hear their case, decide the merits, and impose a fair resolution.

The word appears almost exclusively in older English literature and translations, and it is best known today from its single occurrence in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

“Neither is there any daysman betwixt us [Job and God], that might lay his hand upon us both.” —Job 9:33 KJV

Here, Job is lamenting the vast gulf between himself (a finite, sinful human) and God (the infinite, holy Creator). He expresses despair that no neutral third party exists who could stand “betwixt” (between) them, adjudicate their differences, and exercise authority over both by “laying his hand” on each—symbolizing impartial control, restraint, or blessing to enforce fairness.

In ancient Near Eastern custom, a judge or mediator might physically place hands on the heads of disputants to signify authority, impartiality, and a desire for just reconciliation. Job argues no mere human qualifies for this role against God; no one is wise enough, powerful enough, or worthy enough to arbitrate between creature and Creator.

The word “daysman” is formed from the Latin diem dicere, i.e., to fix a day for hearing a cause.