Job 11:15

For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

For then shalt thou lift up {H5375} thy face {H6440} without spot {H3971}; yea, thou shalt be stedfast {H3332}, and shalt not fear {H3372}:

then when you lift up your face, there will be no defect; you will be firm and free from fear.

then indeed you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and unafraid.

Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

Commentary

Job 11:15 is part of Zophar the Naamathite's first speech to Job, where he asserts that if Job would only repent and turn to God, he would be restored to a state of honor, security, and peace.

Context

This verse comes from the book of Job, a profound exploration of suffering and divine justice. Zophar, one of Job's three friends, vehemently argues that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of his hidden sins. His counsel, though ultimately misguided in its application to Job's blamelessness, presents a conventional theology of his time: that God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous. In Job 11:15, Zophar paints a picture of the glorious restoration that awaits Job, or anyone, who turns back to the Almighty, promising an end to his current shame and despair, an assurance of stability, and liberation from fear.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Purity: The phrase "lift up thy face without spot" vividly portrays a return to dignity, honor, and a clear conscience. It implies being free from the shame, guilt, or blemish of sin, suggesting divine cleansing and acceptance. In the ancient Near East, bowing one's head was a sign of shame or defeat, so to "lift up thy face" signifies vindication and boldness.
  • Steadfastness and Security: "Yea, thou shalt be stedfast" speaks to a profound sense of stability and unshakeable security. It contrasts sharply with Job's current state of turmoil and uncertainty, promising a firm foundation that cannot be easily moved. This steadfastness comes from a restored relationship with God.
  • Freedom from Fear: The concluding promise, "and shalt not fear," is a powerful outcome of true repentance and divine favor. When one is free from the burden of guilt and secure in God's presence, the anxieties and dreads of life diminish, leading to inner peace and confidence. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's presence dispelling fear, as seen in passages like Isaiah 41:10.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "lift up thy face" (nasa' panim - נשא ׀נים) often denotes showing favor or having one's countenance lifted in honor. Here, it powerfully conveys the restoration of dignity and a clear conscience, allowing one to stand unashamed before God and man.
  • "Without spot" translates the Hebrew word mum (ΧžΧ•Χ), which refers to a blemish, defect, or stain. It's often used in sacrificial contexts to describe animals fit for sacrifice because they are "without blemish," signifying moral or ritual purity.
  • "Stedfast" comes from the Hebrew root mut (ΧžΧ•Χ˜), meaning to waver, shake, or be moved. The negative construction implies an unshakeable, firm, and secure position, suggesting resilience and stability.

Practical Application

While Zophar's judgment of Job was incorrect, the underlying principles he articulates hold profound truth. The Bible consistently teaches that seeking God, confessing true sin, and pursuing righteousness can indeed lead to inner peace, stability, and a freedom from debilitating fear. For believers, this verse serves as an encouragement that through Christ, we can have a boldness to approach God's throne without spot of guilt, finding steadfastness in His promises and casting away fear through faith. It reminds us that a clear conscience and a right relationship with God are foundations for true security and a life lived without shame.

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Cross-References

  • Job 22:26

    For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

  • 1 Timothy 2:8

    I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

  • 1 John 3:19

    And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

  • 1 John 3:22

    And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

  • 1 John 2:28

    ΒΆ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    ΒΆ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • Proverbs 28:1

    ΒΆ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.