Job 13:15

KJV

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Though {H2005} he slay {H6991} me, yet will I trust {H3176} in him: but I will maintain {H3198} mine own ways {H1870} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, he will kill me - I don't expect more, but I will still defend my ways to his face.

Berean Standard Bible

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.

American Standard Version

Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.

Commentary

### 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](/job/13-4 "Job's Scorn for His Friends")), accusing them of speaking deceitfully for God ([Job 13:7](/job/13-7 "Job Accuses Friends of Deceit")) and warning them of divine judgment ([Job 13:10-11](/job/13-10-11 "God's Judgment on Deceit")). Job's declaration in [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job's Declaration of Faith and Integrity") 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](/job/13-15 "Job's Profound Faith and Integrity") 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](/job/1-1 "Introduction to Job's Righteousness")), 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](/job/9-33 "Job's Desire for an Arbiter") and his passionate desire to present his case directly to God in [Job 23:3-4](/job/23-3-4 "Job's Longing to Present His Case to God"). 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
* **Slay (Hebrew, _qâṭal'_):** 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.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** 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.
* **Maintain (Hebrew, _yâkach'_):** 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](/job/13-15 "Job's Profound Faith and Integrity") 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.

* [Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17-18 "Rejoicing in the Lord Amidst Loss")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Comfort in the Valley of the Shadow of Death")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")

### 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
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being called to trust God even when His actions or apparent absence seem incomprehensible or cause you pain?**
* **How does Job's willingness to "maintain his own ways" encourage you to uphold your integrity and stand firm in your convictions, even when it's difficult or unpopular?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the nature of a robust and mature faith that can both submit to God's sovereignty and courageously wrestle with Him in prayer?**
* **How can you cultivate a trust in God that is not dependent on immediate understanding, favorable circumstances, or the absence of suffering?**

### FAQ
**Is Job 13:15 a contradiction? How can Job trust God if God is slaying him, and also maintain his own ways?**

Answer: 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](/job/23-3-4 "Job's Desire to Present His Case").

**Does "maintain mine own ways" imply self-righteousness or pride on Job's part?**

Answer: 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](/job/1-1 "Introduction to Job's Righteousness").

### 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](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), 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](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), 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](/luke/23-46 "Jesus' Final Words on the Cross")). 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](/1_john/2-1-2 "Christ Our Advocate and Propitiation")).

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 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Job 23:10

But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 19:25

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

Job 19:28

But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?

Romans 8:38

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Romans 8:39

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 3:20

¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.