Job 13:13

KJV

¶ Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what [will].

KJV (with Strong's)

Hold your peace {H2790}, let me alone, that I may speak {H1696}, and let come {H5674} on me what will.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So be quiet! Let me be! I'll do the talking, come on me what may!

Berean Standard Bible

Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.

American Standard Version

Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 13:13 captures Job's resolute and desperate plea to his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Having endured their prolonged and often accusatory speeches, Job demands their silence and space to articulate his own defense and lament directly to God. This verse encapsulates his profound determination to speak his truth, even if it means facing further divine judgment or dire consequences, demonstrating his unwavering conviction in his integrity amidst inexplicable and profound suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the third cycle of dialogue between Job and his friends, specifically within Job's impassioned response to Zophar's first speech (Job 11) and immediately preceding his direct address to God (Job 13:20ff). After patiently enduring their rigid theological arguments, which relentlessly attribute his immense suffering to hidden sin, Job's patience reaches its breaking point. He has already expressed his deep desire for an audience with God, lamenting the absence of a mediator in [Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - No Umpire Between Us") and declaring his profound hope for a vindicator in [Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - My Redeemer Lives"). His forceful demand for silence in [Job 13:13](/job/13-13 "Job 13:13 - Job's Plea for Silence") marks a crucial turning point, signaling a shift from defensive arguments against his friends to a determined preparation for his direct appeal to the Almighty, even if it brings about his demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during the patriarchal period, reflecting a society deeply preoccupied with divine justice and the prevailing concept of retribution theology. In this widespread worldview, suffering was almost universally linked directly to sin, and prosperity to righteousness. Job's friends embody this conventional wisdom, attempting to force Job's inexplicable suffering into their established theological framework. Culturally, friends were expected to offer solace and comfort to the afflicted; however, Job's friends fail spectacularly in this role, becoming "miserable comforters" as Job himself bitterly states in [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Miserable Comforters"). Job's fervent desire to "speak" is akin to presenting a legal case or making a formal appeal, a common and recognized practice in ancient judicial systems, where one could plead one's case directly to the highest authority.
* **Key Themes:** Job 13:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book. It highlights the **limits of human wisdom** and the profound inadequacy of simplistic theological explanations for complex and inexplicable suffering. Job's demand for silence underscores his vehement rejection of his friends' misguided and harmful counsel, emphasizing the critical distinction between **true comfort vs. false comfort**. His unwavering resolve to speak his truth, even at immense personal risk, showcases his profound **unwavering integrity** and his remarkable **courage in adversity**, which is further emphasized by his famous declaration in [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him"). Ultimately, this verse also articulates the deep **longing for direct communion with God**, a desperate desire for a personal encounter and explanation that transcends human intermediaries and their flawed interpretations of divine justice and providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hold your peace (Hebrew, _chârash'_):** This imperative verb (H2790) carries the primary meaning "to be silent," but also extends to "to let alone" or "to cease activity." In this context, it is far more than a mere request for quiet; it is a forceful, exasperated command for his friends to cease their harmful, accusatory rhetoric and their ceaseless attempts to explain his suffering. Job perceives their words not as comfort but as an active impediment to his ability to process his suffering and directly address God. It implies a demand for their complete cessation of activity, not just their speech.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696) is a primitive root meaning "to arrange," but is used figuratively and very widely for "to speak," "to utter," or "to declare." Job's desire to "speak" is not merely to express himself, but to articulate a formal case, to present his grievances, and to engage directly with God concerning his suffering and perceived injustice. It signifies his profound need to give voice to his pain, his questions, and his defense before the ultimate Judge.
* **let come (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This verb (H5674) means "to cross over" or "to pass." In the phrase "let come on me what will," it conveys the idea of something "passing over" or "coming upon" him. This powerful expression reveals Job's profound sense of resignation mixed with defiant determination. It signifies his willingness to allow whatever consequences God might bring upon him, whether further affliction, divine judgment, or even death, if it means he can finally articulate his case and seek answers directly from the Almighty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Hold your peace,"**: This is Job's emphatic and desperate command to his three friends. He has endured their prolonged, unhelpful, and often cruel counsel, which he views as not only misguided but actively detrimental to his emotional and spiritual state. This imperative reflects his profound exasperation and his urgent desire for an immediate end to their accusatory and judgmental speeches.
* **"let me alone,"**: Following the demand for silence, Job asks for both physical and emotional space. He desires for his friends to cease their interference, their constant badgering, and their suffocating presence, allowing him the necessary solitude and freedom to be with his thoughts and to prepare himself to address God without their constant presence and attempts to "comfort" him with their flawed theology.
* **"that I may speak,"**: This clause reveals the profound purpose behind Job's demands for silence and solitude. Job is not merely seeking quiet for its own sake; he is seeking a platform, an unhindered opportunity. He has an overwhelming and profound need to articulate his case, to present his grievances, and to engage directly with God concerning his inexplicable suffering and perceived injustice. This is the core of his immediate and most desperate desire.
* **"and let come on me what [will]."**: This concluding statement is a powerful testament to Job's profound courage, his unwavering conviction, and his ultimate desperation. He is prepared to face any outcome, however severe—whether it be further suffering, divine wrath, or even death—if it means he can finally speak his truth and seek answers from the Almighty. It signifies a defiant surrender, prioritizing his desperate need for expression and vindication over his own safety and even his very life.

#### Literary Devices
Job 13:13 is rich in literary devices that powerfully amplify Job's desperate state and his unwavering resolve. The verse opens with two strong **Imperatives**: "Hold your peace" and "let me alone." These direct commands immediately establish Job's authority and desperation, dramatically shifting the dynamic from a victim passively receiving counsel to an individual asserting his will and demanding control over his own narrative. The phrase "let come on me what will" functions as a powerful form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, emphasizing the extraordinary depth of Job's determination and the extremity of his dire situation. He is willing to risk everything, even his life, for the sake of speaking his truth. There is also a profound element of **Dramatic Irony** at play, as the reader knows Job's innocence (from the prologue), yet his friends persist relentlessly in their false accusations, making Job's plea for silence and his fierce resolve to speak even more poignant and heartbreaking. Furthermore, the verse serves as a crucial moment of **Foreshadowing**, powerfully setting the stage for Job's subsequent, more direct, and audacious challenges to God in the chapters that follow, demonstrating his profound readiness to confront the divine directly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 13:13 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of human suffering, the inherent limits of conventional human wisdom, and the sacred right of the afflicted to lament honestly and openly before God. Job's demand for silence from his friends highlights the utter inadequacy of human attempts to explain divine mysteries through rigid, formulaic theological frameworks. It underscores the biblical truth that true comfort in suffering often involves empathetic presence and silent, compassionate listening, rather than judgmental pronouncements or simplistic, unhelpful answers. Job's fierce determination to speak, regardless of the potential consequences, reflects a deep-seated conviction in his own integrity and a profound, desperate longing for vindication from God Himself. This honest lament, even bordering on defiance, is paradoxically an act of profound faith, demonstrating that a genuine relationship with God allows for the raw, unfiltered expression of pain, confusion, and even anger.

* [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Miserable Comforters")
* [Psalm 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits in Silence for God Alone")
* [Lamentations 3:26](/lamentations/3-26 "Lamentations 3:26 - It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's desperate plea in Job 13:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, particularly in how we navigate suffering, both our own and that of others. Firstly, it challenges us to cultivate radical empathy and compassionate understanding when encountering those in distress. Are we quick to offer simplistic theological explanations or judgmental pronouncements, or do we provide a safe, non-judgemental space for honest lament and questioning? Sometimes, the most profound comfort we can offer is a quiet, empathetic presence, allowing the suffering individual the dignity to process their pain without feeling the need to defend themselves or conform to our expectations. Secondly, Job's unwavering resolve to speak his truth to God, even with the risk of dire consequences, powerfully encourages us to bring our whole selves—our doubts, frustrations, anger, confusion, and deepest longings—before the Lord in prayer. God is infinitely big enough to handle our raw honesty, and true, mature faith often involves wrestling with Him in the midst of unanswered questions and profound mystery. Finally, Job's "let come on me what will" is a powerful testament to the integrity of faith that persists even when understanding is absent and the future is profoundly uncertain. It reminds us that steadfastness in faith is not the absence of questioning or doubt, but the willingness to continue engaging with God, come what may.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when a friend or loved one is suffering? Am I more inclined to offer advice or to listen empathetically and provide a safe space for their lament?**
* **In what areas of my life do I hold back from being fully honest with God in prayer, perhaps fearing judgment, misunderstanding, or that my raw emotions are inappropriate?**
* **What does Job's "let come on me what will" teach me about cultivating courage, radical honesty, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty even in the face of profound uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job want his friends to be silent?**

Answer: Job wants his friends to be silent because their counsel is not a source of comfort but rather a relentless stream of accusations based on a flawed and rigid retribution theology. They insist that Job's immense suffering must be due to some hidden sin, which Job vehemently denies, knowing his own integrity. Their words, far from bringing solace, only exacerbate his distress, deepen his isolation, and prevent him from articulating his own case directly to God. He views their advice as a significant impediment to his desperate longing for an audience with the Almighty, even famously calling them "miserable comforters" in [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Miserable Comforters").

**What does "let come on me what will" reveal about Job's character and faith?**

Answer: This powerful phrase reveals several profound aspects of Job's character and faith. Firstly, it demonstrates his extraordinary **courage** and **resolve**. Despite his immense suffering and the potential for further divine judgment, he is willing to face any consequence, even death, for the sake of speaking his truth and presenting his case. Secondly, it highlights his unwavering **integrity**; he is so profoundly convinced of his own righteousness that he is prepared to risk everything to defend it before God Himself. Thirdly, it speaks to a deep, albeit struggling, **trust** in God. Even in his defiance and desperation, there is an underlying belief that God will ultimately hear and respond, even if His ways are mysterious and the immediate outcome is dire. It's an act of defiant surrender, prioritizing his desperate need for expression and vindication over his own safety and comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate cry in [Job 13:13](/job/13-13 "Job 13:13 - Job's Plea for Silence") for silence from his accusers and his resolute determination to speak, "let come on me what will," finds a profound echo and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Job, a righteous sufferer, demands to speak in his own defense, Jesus, the truly innocent and perfectly righteous sufferer, often remained silent before His accusers, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth"). Yet, in His ultimate act of submission, Jesus uttered a similar "let come on me what will" in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This was not a defiant surrender like Job's, but a perfect, obedient submission to the Father's redemptive plan, even unto the agonizing death on the cross. Job longed for a mediator, an "umpire" between himself and God ([Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - No Umpire Between Us")), and a living redeemer who would stand upon the earth ([Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - My Redeemer Lives")). Jesus is that ultimate, perfect Mediator ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man")) and the living Redeemer who bore the full weight of sin and suffering, not for His own hidden transgressions, but for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Job's suffering, though righteous, was ultimately personal; Christ's suffering, though innocent, was vicarious, substitutionary, and redemptive, bringing about the reconciliation with God that Job desperately sought and that all humanity profoundly needs ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us")).

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

Job 7:11

Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 13:5

O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

Job 21:3

Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.

Job 6:9

Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

Job 6:10

Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

Job 10:1

¶ My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 7:15

So that my soul chooseth strangling, [and] death rather than my life.