Job 13:16

He also [shall be] my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

He also shall be my salvation {H3444}: for an hypocrite {H2611} shall not come {H935} before {H6440} him.

And this is what will save me -that a hypocrite cannot appear before him.

Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.

This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him.

Context

Job 13:16 is a powerful declaration from Job during his intense suffering and debate with his three friends. Throughout the book of Job, Job steadfastly maintains his innocence against their accusations that his suffering is a direct result of hidden sin. In the preceding verse (Job 13:15), Job expresses profound trust in God, even if God were to take his life. This verse continues that defiant trust, asserting that God Himself will be his ultimate vindication and deliverance, because only those with genuine integrity can approach Him.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Trust in God's Deliverance: Despite his dire circumstances and the accusations of his friends, Job maintains a radical faith that God will ultimately prove to be his "salvation" or deliverance. This isn't just a hope for physical restoration, but a deep spiritual conviction of vindication before God.
  • The Nature of True Faith vs. Hypocrisy: Job directly contrasts his own genuine, albeit struggling, faith with the "hypocrite" (Hebrew: chanef). This term often refers to someone who is godless, impious, or profane, particularly one who pretends to be righteous while their heart is far from God. Job implies that his accusers, or perhaps people in general who only serve God for outward gain, cannot truly stand before a holy God.
  • God's Discernment of the Heart: The verse implicitly highlights God's perfect knowledge of the human heart. He sees beyond outward appearances and religious rituals, discerning the true motives and integrity of an individual. Only those with sincerity and purity of heart can truly approach Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "salvation" here is yeshu'ah (יְשׁוּעָה), which broadly means deliverance, help, welfare, or victory. In Job's context, it signifies ultimate vindication and rescue from his troubles, not merely a spiritual salvation in the New Testament sense, but a comprehensive deliverance from his current plight and an affirmation of his righteousness before God. The term "hypocrite" translates from chanef (חָנֵף), which denotes someone who is impious, ungodly, or polluted. It goes beyond mere pretense to describe a fundamental lack of reverence or true godliness, emphasizing a corrupt heart rather than just a deceptive outward show.

Significance and Application

Job's profound declaration of faith in Job 19:25 ("I know that my redeemer liveth") finds an early echo in this verse, underscoring his deep conviction that God is his ultimate source of hope and justice. This verse reminds us that true faith is characterized by sincerity and integrity, especially when facing adversity. God’s discernment of the heart, as also seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, means that genuine relationship with Him requires authenticity, not outward performance or pretense. The warning against the "hypocrite" is timeless; as Jesus later condemned the religious hypocrisy of His day (e.g., Matthew 23:27), this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our faith is sincere and our walk with God is marked by integrity. In times of suffering, Job 13:16 encourages us to cling to God as our ultimate salvation and vindication, trusting that He sees our hearts and will ultimately deliver those who are truly devoted to Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 12:1

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

  • Isaiah 12:2

    Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

  • Psalms 118:21

    I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

  • Isaiah 33:14

    The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

  • Acts 13:47

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Job 36:13

    But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.

  • Job 27:8

    For what [is] the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

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