TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Job 13:13–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Job here takes fresh hold, fast hold, of his integrity, as one that was resolved not to let it go, nor suffer it to be wrested from him. His firmness in this matter is commendable and his warmth excusable.
I.He entreats his friends and all the company to let him alone, and not interrupt him in what he was about to say (Job 13:13), but diligently to hearken to it, Job 13:17. He would have his own protestation to be decisive, for none but God and himself knew his heart. "Be silent therefore, and let me hear no more of you, but hearken diligently to what I say, and let my own oath for confirmation be an end of the strife."
II.He resolves to adhere to the testimony his own conscience gave of his integrity; and though his friends called it obstinacy that should not shake his constancy: "I will speak in my own defence, and let come on me what will, Job 13:13. Let my friends put what construction they please upon it, and think the worse of me for it; I hope God will not make my necessary defence to be my offence, as you do. He will justify me (Job 13:18) and then nothing can come amiss to me." Note, Those that are upright, and have the assurance of their uprightness, may cheerfully welcome every event. Come what will, bene praeparatum pectus - they are ready for it. He resolves (Job 13:15) that he will maintain his own ways. He would never part with the satisfaction he had in having walked uprightly with God; for, though he could not justify every word he had spoken, yet, in the general, his ways were good, and he would maintain his uprightness; and why should he not, since that was his great support under his present exercises, as it was Hezekiah's, Now, Lord, remember how I have walked before thee? Nay, he would not only not betray his own cause, or give it up, but he would openly avow his sincerity; for (Job 13:19) "If hold my tongue, and do not speak for myself, my silence now will for ever silence me, for I shall certainly give up the ghost," Job 13:19. "If I cannot be cleared, yet let me be eased, by what I say," as Elihu, Job 32:17, Job 32:20.
III.He complains of the extremity of pain and misery he was in (Job 13:14):
Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth? That is, 1. "Why do I suffer such agonies? I cannot but wonder that God should lay so much upon me when he knows I am not a wicked man." He was ready, not only to rend his clothes, but even to tear his flesh, through the greatness of his affliction, and saw himself at the brink of death, and his life in his hand, yet his friends could not charge him with any enormous crime, nor could he himself discover any; no marvel then that he was in such confusion. 2. "Why do I stifle and smother the protestations of my innocency?" When a man with great difficulty keeps in what he would say, he bites his lips. "Now," says he, "why may not I take liberty to speak, since I do but vex myself, add to my torment, and endanger my life, by refraining?" Note, It would vex the most patient man, when he has lost every thing else, to be denied the comfort (if he deserves it) of a good conscience and a good name.
IV.He comforts himself in God, and still keeps hold of his confidence in him. Observe here,
1.What he depends upon God for - justification and salvation, the two great things we hope for through Christ.
(1.)Justification (Job 13:18): I have ordered my cause, and, upon the whole matter, I know that I shall be justified. This he knew because he knew that his Redeemer lived, Job 19:25. Those whose hearts are upright with God, in walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit, may be sure that through Christ there shall be no condemnation to them, but that, whoever lays any thing to their charge, they shall be justified: they may know that they shall.
(2.)Salvation (Job 13:16): He also shall be my salvation. He means it not of temporal salvation (he had little expectation of that); but concerning his eternal salvation he was very confident that God would not only be his Saviour to make him happy, but his salvation, in the vision and fruition of whom he should be happy. And the reason why he depended on God for salvation was because a hypocrite shall not come before him. He knew himself not to be a hypocrite, and that none but hypocrites are rejected of God, and therefore concluded he should not be rejected. Sincerity is our evangelical perfection; nothing will ruin us but the want of that.
2.With what constancy he depends upon him: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him, Job 13:15. This is a high expression of faith, and what we should all labour to come up to - to trust in God, though he slay us, that is, we must be well pleased with God as a friend even when he seems to come forth against us as an enemy, Job 23:8-10. We must believe that all shall work for good to us even when all seems to make against us, Jer 24:5. We must proceed and persevere in the way of our duty, though it cost us all that is dear to us in this world, even life itself, Heb 11:35. We must depend upon the performance of the promise when all the ways leading to it are shut up, Rom 4:18. We must rejoice in God when we have nothing else to rejoice in, and cleave to him, yea, though we cannot for the present find comfort in him. In a dying hour we must derive from him living comforts; and this is to trust in him though he slay us.
V.He wishes to argue the case even with God himself, if he might but have leave to settle the preliminaries of the treaty, Job 13:20-22.
He had desired (Job 13:3) to reason with God, and is still of the same mind. He will not hide himself, that is, he will not decline the trial, nor dread the issue of it, but under two provisos: - 1. That his body might not be tortured with this exquisite pain: "Withdraw thy hand far from me; for, while I am in this extremity, I am fit for nothing. l can make a shift to talk with my friends, but I know not how to address myself to thee." When we are to converse with God we have need to be composed, and as free as possible from every thing that may make us uneasy. 2. That his mind might not be terrified with the tremendous majesty of God: "Let not thy dread make me afraid; either let the manifestations of thy presence be familiar or let me be enabled to bear them without disorder and disturbance." Moses himself trembled before God, so did Isaiah and Habakkuk. O God! thou art terrible even in thy holy places. "Lord," says Job, "let me not be put into such a consternation of spirit, together with this bodily affliction; for then I must certainly drop the cause, and shall make nothing of it." See what a folly it is for men to put off their repentance and conversion to a sick-bed and a death-bed. How can even a good man, much less a bad man, reason with God, so as to be justified before him, when he is upon the rack of pain and under the terror of the arrests of death? At such a time it is very bad to have the great work to do, but very comfortable to have it done, as it was to Job, who, if he might but have a little breathing-time, was ready either, (1.) To hear God speaking to him by his word, and return an answer: Call thou, and I will answer; or, (2.) To speak to him by prayer, and expect an answer: Let me speak, and answer thou me, v. 22. Compare this with Job 9:34, Job 9:35, where he speaks to the same purport. In short, the badness of his case was at present such a damp upon him as he could not get over; otherwise he was well assured of the goodness of his cause, and doubted not but to have the comfort of it at last, when the present cloud was over. With such holy boldness may the upright come to the throne of grace, not doubting but to find mercy there.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
These words mean, “Even if he kills me, I will support myself with my hope and faith in him.” O admirable man, who, being destined to be killed, praises his killer and looks at him. Indeed Job knew that if he had taken away his life, the same one who is the Lord of Abraham, would have given it back to him. He believed that God was able to make alive those who had died.
48. Whereas Paul the Apostle saith; For, if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, [1 Cor. 11, 31] the Lord is found to be our ‘Salvation’ Then, in proportion as our sin is now rebuked by ourselves, from fear of God. Whence the Elect are used never to spare their own sins, that they may find the Judge of sin rendered propitious; and they look to find Him hereafter truly their ‘Salvation,’ Whom they now strictly fear as their Judge. For, he that spareth himself now in sin, is not spared hereafter in punishment, So let him say, But I will rebuke mine own ways before Him. And what use and advantage results from such rebuking.
Continue studying Job 13:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Job 13:15 presents a profound and paradoxical declaration from Job, who, in the crucible of his intense suffering and amidst the relentless accusations of his friends, asserts an unwavering, even audacious, trust in God even if it means his death. Simultaneously, he resolves to vigorously defend his blameless character and integrity directly before his divine Creator. This verse powerfully encapsulates the complex tension between absolute submission to God's sovereign will and a fierce, unyielding insistence on personal righteousness and the fervent pursuit of divine justice.
Context
Literary Context
This potent declaration is strategically placed within the heart of Job's third cycle of speeches (chapters 12-14), specifically as his impassioned response to the collective arguments of his friends. Having previously lamented his desolate condition and challenged God's apparent injustice, Job now pivots his address more directly toward God, expressing both a desperate plea and an unshakeable resolve. Prior to this verse, Job has dismissed his friends as "worthless physicians" and "forgers of lies" (Job 13:4), accusing them of speaking deceitfully for God (Job 13:7) and warning them of divine judgment (Job 13:10-11). Job's declaration in Job 13:15 marks a pivotal shift, moving beyond his arguments with his human accusers to a direct, bold, and even confrontational appeal to God, inviting divine judgment as a means to prove his case.
Historical & Cultural Context
The narrative of the Book of Job is set in the ancient land of Uz, a region generally associated with Edom or northern Arabia. While the precise historical period remains a subject of scholarly debate, the patriarchal customs, the absence of references to the Mosaic Law, and the extended lifespans mentioned strongly suggest a very early era, possibly contemporary with the patriarchs like Abraham. In this ancient Near Eastern cultural milieu, a prevalent theological framework directly correlated suffering with sin: prosperity was seen as a clear sign of divine favor, while calamity was interpreted as a direct manifestation of divine wrath. Job's unwavering insistence on his innocence, despite enduring immense and inexplicable suffering, directly challenges this dominant retribution theology. His desire to "maintain his ways" before God reflects the legal and judicial customs of the time, where an accused individual would present their defense and plead their case directly before a judge or king, seeking vindication.
Key Themes
Job 13:15 masterfully encapsulates several foundational themes woven throughout the Book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully addresses the problem of undeserved suffering, as Job, a man explicitly described by God as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), endures inexplicable and extreme pain. Secondly, the verse showcases unwavering faith amidst profound doubt and despair, demonstrating that authentic trust in God can persist even when His actions appear contradictory to His character. Job's declaration, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him," stands as an enduring testament to this resilient faith. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of human integrity and the fervent pursuit of justice; Job is not merely submitting passively to his fate but actively seeking vindication for his blamelessness before God, a persistent motif throughout his speeches, evident in his longing for a divine arbiter in Job 9:33 and his passionate desire to present his case directly to God in Job 23:3-4. Finally, it profoundly touches upon the sovereignty of God, acknowledging His ultimate and absolute power over life and death, even as Job courageously grapples with His mysterious and seemingly inscrutable ways.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The verb אִם־יִקְטְלֵנִי ('im-yiqṭəlēni), derived from H6991, means "to cut off, i.e. (figuratively) put to death; kill, slay." Its use here is stark and absolute, conveying the ultimate power of God over Job's very life. It is not merely "strike" or "harm," but the final, irreversible act of ending existence, underscoring the extremity of Job's hypothetical scenario and the profound depth of his commitment to God, even unto death.
The word אֲיַחֵל ('ayaḥēl), from the root H3176, carries the connotation of "to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope." It signifies an active, patient endurance and a confident expectation, rather than a passive resignation. Job's trust is not a blind leap into the unknown but a steadfast, hopeful reliance on God's character and ultimate purpose, even when His present actions are incomprehensible and cause immense pain.
The verb אוֹכִיחַ ('ōḵiḥa), from H3198, means "to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict." It is a legal term, indicating Job's firm intention to present his case, argue for his innocence, and ultimately be vindicated before God. This is not defiance in the sense of rebellion, but a demand for justice and a fervent desire to be proven innocent of the charges leveled against him by his friends and implicitly by God's actions.
Verse Breakdown
"Though he slay me"
This initial clause establishes a radical, hypothetical scenario, acknowledging God's absolute and unquestionable sovereignty, extending even to the power to take Job's life. It reveals Job's profound awareness of God's ultimate power and his willingness to face the most extreme consequence. It is a statement of ultimate submission to divine prerogative, even if it leads to his demise.
"yet will I trust in him"
This is the powerful counterpoint, an astonishing declaration of unwavering faith that transcends all circumstances, even the prospect of death at God's hand. Despite the apparent injustice and the severe suffering inflicted by God, Job's core trust in God's ultimate goodness, wisdom, or purpose remains profoundly intact. This is not a trust in God's current actions toward him, but a steadfast reliance on God's being and ultimate character.
"but I will maintain mine own ways before him"
This final clause introduces a crucial tension, as Job asserts his right to defend his blamelessness and integrity. It is a declaration of his resolute integrity and a demand for a divine hearing. Job is not passively accepting his fate; he is actively appealing to God's justice, insisting on the opportunity to prove his righteousness and refute the accusations of sin that have been laid against him. He believes his "ways"—his conduct, character, and life's course (H1870, derek)—are upright, and he will not concede otherwise, even in the divine presence (H6440, pânîym).
Literary Devices
Job 13:15 is exceptionally rich in literary devices that amplify its profound impact and theological depth. The most prominent is Paradox, as Job simultaneously declares absolute submission to God's ultimate power ("Though he slay me") and a fierce, unyielding resolve for self-vindication ("yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him"). This creates a powerful and compelling tension, revealing the profound complexity and maturity of Job's faith. Hyperbole is evident in the phrase "Though he slay me," which emphasizes the extreme nature of his commitment and trust in God, even in the face of the most dire and ultimate consequence. The verse also employs striking Juxtaposition, placing Job's utter dependence on God's life-taking power directly alongside his unwavering trust and determined self-defense, highlighting the dynamic and often mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. The entire statement functions as a profound Confession of Faith, albeit one uniquely interwoven with a legal challenge, making it an enduring and deeply resonant expression of devotion and integrity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Job 13:15 stands as a monumental theological statement on the nature of faith in the face of inexplicable and overwhelming suffering. It profoundly challenges simplistic retribution theology by demonstrating that genuine faith is not contingent upon favorable circumstances, immediate understanding of God's ways, or the absence of pain. Job's declaration highlights that robust trust in God can powerfully coexist with intense wrestling, honest complaint, and a fervent desire for vindication. It speaks to the enduring mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, asserting that even when God's actions are perceived as hostile or inscrutable, the believer's core allegiance and hope can remain steadfast. This verse also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of faith as endurance and perseverance, a trust that looks beyond present trials and apparent abandonment to an ultimate divine purpose and redemptive outcome.
Reflection and Application
Job 13:15 offers immense spiritual nourishment and profound guidance for believers navigating life's most challenging and perplexing seasons. It provides a powerful and authentic model for unwavering faith that is robust enough to grapple with profound pain, perceived injustice, and deeply unanswered questions. In moments where God's presence feels distant, His actions seem contrary to His loving character, or His purposes remain shrouded in mystery, Job's declaration invites us to cling to Him nonetheless, to trust not merely in His provision or protection, but in His very being and ultimate goodness, even if it means walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Furthermore, this verse powerfully validates the spiritual honesty of bringing our complaints, arguments, and desperate pleas directly before God, reminding us that authentic faith does not demand silent, passive submission but courageously encourages fervent, even desperate, dialogue with our Creator, confident that He is just and will ultimately vindicate the righteous. This verse encourages us to maintain our integrity, even when falsely accused or misunderstood, knowing that our ultimate defense and vindication rest with God Himself.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Job 13:15 a contradiction? How can Job trust God if God is slaying him, and also maintain his own ways?
Job 13:15 is not a contradiction but rather a profound expression of paradoxical faith, revealing the complex depths of Job's relationship with God. The first part, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him," speaks to Job's absolute, unconditional trust in God's ultimate character, sovereignty, and wisdom, even in the face of seemingly destructive divine action. It's a trust that transcends his current suffering and the immediate appearance of God's dealings with him. The second part, "but I will maintain mine own ways before him," is not an act of defiance or self-righteousness, but a fervent plea for justice and vindication. Job is asserting his blamelessness in the face of his friends' accusations and demanding the right to present his case before God, believing that God is ultimately just and will acknowledge his integrity. It highlights that true faith can be both submissive to divine will and courageously argumentative, wrestling honestly with God while holding onto hope for ultimate vindication. This tension is central to the entire Book of Job, where human integrity is tested against divine mystery, as seen in Job's longing to present his case in Job 23:3-4.
Does "maintain mine own ways" imply self-righteousness or pride on Job's part?
While a superficial reading might suggest self-righteousness, the broader context of the Book of Job strongly indicates otherwise. Job is not claiming sinless perfection or boasting of moral superiority. Instead, he is vehemently insisting on his integrity and blamelessness in the face of his friends' relentless accusations that his immense suffering must be due to hidden, grievous sins. His desire to "maintain his ways" (from the Hebrew yâkach, H3198, meaning to prove, argue, or vindicate) is a legal defense, a heartfelt plea for vindication from God, not an arrogant assertion of his own merit. He desires to be proven innocent of the specific charges leveled against him, not to prove God wrong or to diminish God's sovereignty. This stance is consistent with the Lord's own assessment of Job as "blameless and upright" at the very beginning of the book in Job 1:1.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Job 13:15, with its profound declaration of unwavering faith amidst suffering and a resolute demand for vindication, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Job's willingness to trust God even unto the point of death powerfully foreshadows Christ's absolute and perfect obedience to the Father, even to the ignominious death on the cross. Jesus, the truly blameless and upright one (Hebrews 4:15), endured suffering far beyond Job's, taking upon Himself the sins of the entire world, yet never wavering in His perfect trust in God. On the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), a profound echo of Job's wrestling with divine mystery, yet His ultimate trust and submission were expressed in His final words, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46). While Job sought to maintain his own ways before God, Christ's perfect life and sacrificial death maintained God's righteous ways and provided the ultimate, definitive vindication for all humanity. Through His glorious resurrection, God fully vindicated Christ, proving His perfect integrity and establishing Him as the righteous judge and the compassionate redeemer. Believers, united with Christ by faith, are now able to stand before God, not on the basis of their own maintained ways, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ, our advocate and propitiation (1 John 2:1-2).