Job 11:13

KJV

¶ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou prepare {H3559} thine heart {H3820}, and stretch {H6566} out thine hands {H3709} toward him;

Complete Jewish Bible

If you will set your heart right, if you will spread out your hands toward him,

Berean Standard Bible

As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,

American Standard Version

If thou set thy heart aright, And stretch out thy hands toward him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 11:13, part of Zophar the Naamathite's first speech, presents a timeless principle regarding the posture and disposition required for approaching God, despite Zophar's ultimately flawed application to Job's specific suffering. The verse articulates a call for an internal readiness of heart combined with an outward expression of earnest supplication, suggesting that a sincere turning towards the Divine involves both one's inner being and an active demonstration of dependence and desire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 11:13 is situated within Zophar's initial, fervent speech (Job 11) in response to Job's lamentations and assertions of innocence. Zophar, the most dogmatic of Job's three friends, vehemently upholds the traditional wisdom theology of divine retribution, arguing that God always punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. He believes Job's immense suffering must be due to some hidden, unconfessed sin. Zophar's speech is characterized by its harshness and lack of empathy, urging Job to confess and repent to receive restoration. Verse 13, along with subsequent verses (e.g., [Job 11:14-19](/job/11-14 "Job 11:14-19 - Zophar's Call to Repentance and Promise of Restoration")), outlines Zophar's prescribed path to divine favor, emphasizing a return to righteousness as the key to ending Job's affliction and restoring his prosperity. This verse, therefore, serves as a conditional imperative within Zophar's rigid theological framework, setting the stage for the promises of restoration that follow if Job would only "prepare" himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which often explored the problem of suffering and the nature of divine justice. The prevailing theological understanding among Job's friends, often termed "Deuteronomic theology" (though not exclusively Israelite), posited a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. This belief system was deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric. The physical posture of "stretching out hands" was a universally recognized gesture of prayer, supplication, surrender, or appeal across many ancient cultures, including Israel. It signified humility, dependence, and an earnest desire to receive from a higher power. Understanding this cultural norm illuminates the visual and emotional weight of Zophar's instruction.
* **Key Themes:** Job 11:13 contributes to several key themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Heartfelt Repentance and Seeking God**. The phrase "If thou prepare thine heart" speaks to an internal, sincere turning towards God, emphasizing that genuine spiritual change begins with an intentional readiness of one's inner being, encompassing intellect, will, and emotion, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart") or [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Earnest Supplication**. "And stretch out thine hands toward him" describes a physical posture of prayer and earnest appeal, a common biblical depiction of intense prayer or surrender, symbolizing humility, dependence, and a fervent desire to connect with the divine (e.g., [Psalm 28:2](/psalm/28-2 "Psalm 28:2 - Lifting Hands in Prayer")). From Zophar's perspective, the verse also touches on **Divine Accessibility**, implying that God is ready to respond to those who genuinely seek Him, offering a clear path from distress to peace through sincere devotion. While Zophar's application to Job was flawed, the underlying principle of God's responsiveness to a sincere heart is a pervasive biblical truth, even if His ways are often beyond human comprehension, as later affirmed in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Ways are Higher").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prepare (Hebrew, כּוּן, *kun*):** This verb carries the sense of establishing, setting up, making firm, directing, or making ready. When applied to the heart, it implies a deliberate, intentional act of aligning one's inner self—one's will, thoughts, and affections—towards a specific purpose or person. It's not a passive state but an active, volitional readiness, a spiritual orientation.
* **heart (Hebrew, לֵב, *lev*):** In Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" is far more comprehensive than merely the seat of emotions. It represents the totality of the inner person: intellect (understanding, [Proverbs 2:10](/proverbs/2-10 "Proverbs 2:10 - Wisdom Enters Your Heart")), will (decision-making, [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")), conscience (moral awareness, [1 Samuel 25:31](/1_samuel/25-31 "1 Samuel 25:31 - David's Heart Will Not Be Grieved")), and emotions. To "prepare the heart" means to direct one's entire inner being, all faculties, towards God.
* **stretch out (Hebrew, פָרַשׂ, *paras*):** This verb means to spread out, extend, or stretch forth. In the context of hands, it describes a common posture of prayer, supplication, or appeal. It is an outward, physical manifestation of an inward spiritual state, symbolizing humility, dependence, earnest desire, and a reaching out for divine intervention or blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou prepare thine heart":** This clause sets a condition, emphasizing the absolute necessity of an internal, volitional act. "Preparing the heart" signifies a deliberate, intentional turning of one's entire inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and conscience—towards God. It implies a readiness to receive, to obey, and to align oneself with divine purposes. It's a call for sincerity and wholeheartedness in one's spiritual disposition, moving beyond mere ritual or superficiality.
* **"and stretch out thine hands toward him":** This second clause describes the outward, physical expression that accompanies the internal preparation. "Stretching out hands" is a universal biblical posture of prayer, supplication, or surrender. It symbolizes humility, dependence, earnest appeal, and a fervent desire to connect with the divine. It is an act of reaching out for help, mercy, or blessing, demonstrating an active seeking of God's presence and intervention. Together, these two clauses describe a holistic approach to God: an inner disposition of readiness and an outward posture of earnest seeking.

#### Literary Devices
Job 11:13 employs several effective literary devices. The verse begins with a **Conditional Statement**, which sets up a cause-and-effect relationship, typical of wisdom literature. Zophar presents this as a clear path to restoration, implying that Job's suffering is due to his failure to meet this condition. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "heart" to represent the entire inner person—the intellect, will, emotions, and conscience—rather than just the physical organ. This emphasizes the holistic nature of the required internal disposition. Furthermore, the act of "stretching out thine hands" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a posture of earnest prayer, humility, and complete dependence upon God. This physical gesture vividly portrays the spiritual act of supplication and surrender, making the abstract concept of seeking God tangible and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Zophar's counsel to Job was ultimately flawed in its specific application—Job was not suffering due to unconfessed sin—the underlying principles articulated in Job 11:13 resonate profoundly with broader biblical theology concerning how humanity is to approach God. The verse underscores the dual necessity of an internal, sincere disposition and an external, earnest expression in seeking the Divine. It highlights that true engagement with God is not merely ritualistic but demands a prepared heart, one that is intentionally directed towards Him, coupled with humble, fervent supplication. This holistic approach to God, combining inner readiness with outward devotion, is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and a deep longing for God's presence and intervention.

* [1 Samuel 7:3](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3 - Samuel's Call to Repentance")
* [Psalm 28:2](/psalm/28-2 "Psalm 28:2 - Lifting Hands in Prayer")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 11:13, despite its challenging context within Zophar's misguided counsel, offers timeless wisdom for every believer. It reminds us that our approach to God must be characterized by both an internal readiness and an outward expression of devotion. To "prepare thine heart" means to intentionally cultivate a sincere desire for God, to align our thoughts, will, and affections with His truth, and to rid ourselves of anything that hinders genuine communion. This is an ongoing process of spiritual discipline, repentance, and surrender. Simultaneously, "stretching out thine hands toward him" calls us to active, earnest prayer and supplication. This isn't about a rigid physical posture but about the spirit behind it: humility, dependence, and a fervent longing for God's presence and intervention. Our prayers should be more than rote recitations; they should be heartfelt cries of a soul reaching out to its Creator, trusting in His ultimate wisdom and grace, even when His ways are mysterious.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "prepare my heart" before God in my daily life?**
* **In what ways do I "stretch out my hands" toward God, and how can I make my supplication more earnest and dependent?**
* **How does understanding Zophar's flawed context help me discern between timeless biblical principles and specific applications?**
* **Am I seeking God with my whole heart, or are there parts of my inner being I am holding back?**

### FAQ
**Is Zophar's advice in Job 11:13 always applicable, given that his overall assessment of Job's situation was mistaken?**

Answer: While Zophar's specific application of his theology to Job was indeed mistaken—Job's suffering was not a direct result of unconfessed sin—the principles articulated in Job 11:13 are universally true and applicable. The verse describes a proper posture and disposition for approaching God: a prepared heart and earnest supplication. The error was in Zophar's judgment of Job's character and the reason for his suffering, not in the inherent truth that God desires a sincere and humble approach from His people. The Bible consistently teaches that God responds to those who seek Him with a whole heart, as seen in [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Seeking God with All Your Heart") and [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock").

**What does "prepare thine heart" truly mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "Preparing your heart" means intentionally aligning your inner being—your thoughts, desires, will, and emotions—with God's will and truth. Practically, this involves cultivating a receptive and humble spirit, confessing known sins, letting go of distractions, and consciously choosing to focus on God before engaging in prayer or worship. It's about cultivating a sincere desire for communion with God, ensuring that your approach is not merely ritualistic but comes from a genuine place of devotion and readiness to hear and obey. This readiness is a prerequisite for genuine spiritual engagement, as highlighted in [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?").

**Is "stretching out hands" a mandatory physical posture for prayer, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While "stretching out hands" was a common and meaningful physical posture for prayer and supplication in biblical times (e.g., [1 Kings 8:54](/1_kings/8-54 "1 Kings 8:54 - Solomon's Prayer Posture")), it is primarily symbolic in Job 11:13. The emphasis is not on the literal physical act itself, but on the spiritual attitude it represents: humility, dependence, earnestness, and an active reaching out to God. God looks at the heart (cf. [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")), and while physical postures can aid in expressing devotion, the true essence of "stretching out hands" is a fervent, dependent, and sincere appeal to the Divine, regardless of one's physical position.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 11:13, though spoken by Zophar in a context of flawed human wisdom, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ. The call to "prepare thine heart" and "stretch out thine hands toward him" points to the very essence of true worship and relationship with God, which is now fully realized through Jesus. We can only truly prepare our hearts and approach God because Christ, our perfect mediator, has prepared the way for us. He is the one who perfectly embodies a heart fully prepared and submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of stretching out His hands on the cross, not in supplication for Himself, but in ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sin (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning work, the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity has been removed, granting us access. We no longer approach God based on our own imperfect preparation or merit, but through faith in Christ's perfect righteousness. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enabling us to draw near with confidence. Now, through Him, we are invited to [approach the throne of grace with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace"), having our hearts cleansed and our prayers heard, not because of our own merit, but because of His finished work. Jesus is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way"), and it is only through Him that we can truly "stretch out our hands" to God and find acceptance and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 143:6

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

Psalms 88:9

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Psalms 78:8

And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

1 Samuel 7:3

¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

Job 8:5

If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

Job 8:6

If thou [wert] pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

Job 5:8

I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: