TRV
Translation
Berean Standard Bible
Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated.
World English Bible Messianic
See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde nowe: if I prepare me to iudgement, I knowe that I shalbe iustified.
Young's Literal Translation
Lo, I pray you, I have set in order the cause, I have known that I am righteous.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 13,172 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Job 13 verses 13–22
13 ¶ Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will.
14 Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?
15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
17 Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.
18 Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.
19 Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.
20 Only do not two things unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee.
21 Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.
22 Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–22. Public domain.
Copy as
Olympiodorus of AlexandriaAD 600
COMMENTARY ON JOB 13:17-18
The Lord is near those, it is said, who invoke him, and therefore God is kindly disposed toward them. So listen, Job says, to what I am about to say: I will maintain my kindly disposed judgment upon God, who is just and speaks truthfully; and by trusting his truthfulness, I believe that I will appear to say words more righteous than yours. Or, in a different sense, “I am near my judgment,” that is, I am ready to suffer what God has decreed. Confiding in his truthfulness, I hope I will be seen to be righteous.
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
51. Which too is not at variance with the person of the self-same blessed Job, since he is only telling that concerning himself without, which ‘Truth’ had inwardly declared to his enemy concerning him; Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth? And yet it is much less that the holy man records concerning himself, than what the Lord declared concerning him. For it is one thing to be ‘just,’ and another to have ‘none like him.’ Therefore he thought humbly of himself, who, whereas he was just beyond comparison with another, described himself not just above others, but simply able to be ‘found just.’ It seems however to furnish this ground for raising a question in his words, viz. that he who said above, I will rebuke mine own ways before Him; and again says further on, Thou wouldest consume me in the inquities of my youth [ver. 26]; and seeing his sins with a distinct eye, says still further on, My transgression is sealed up in a bag, now saith, If I shall be judged, I know that I shall, be found just. [Job 14, 17] For it is impossible for sin and righteousness to meet together. But the holy man, attributing wickedness to himself, and the purifying of him to Almighty God, at once sees that he is a sinner in himself, and knows that he is made righteous by free gift. Who even in the midst of good practice earned in superabounding grace to have stripes put upon him. And he already rejoices to be ‘found just’ in Judgment, who beheld himself before Judgment smitten with the rod. Hence too when he says long afterwards, My transgression is sealed up in a bag, he adds directly; but Thou hast healed mine iniquity. He, then, that describes himself as ‘found just’ in Judgment, says not at all that he is not justly smitten, although the Lord did not intend to obliterate sins by the scourge, but to increase his merits.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Job 13:18 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 13:18 is a powerful and defiant declaration from Job, expressing his unwavering confidence in his own integrity and his absolute certainty of divine vindication. Despite the relentless accusations from his friends and the inexplicable suffering he endures, Job asserts that he has meticulously prepared his legal case before God and knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that he will be declared righteous. This verse encapsulates Job's profound faith in God's ultimate justice, even when God's actions seem contradictory to it, marking a pivotal moment where he turns from human debate to direct appeal to the Almighty.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Job 13:18 is Legal Metaphor/Imagery. The entire verse is framed within the context of a divine courtroom. Job positions himself as a defendant who has "ordered his cause," meaning he has meticulously prepared his legal defense, much like a lawyer assembling arguments and evidence. His expectation of being "justified" is a precise legal term signifying acquittal, vindication, or being declared righteous by a judge. This sustained metaphor highlights Job's fervent desire for a formal, fair hearing before God, where truth and justice will ultimately prevail, in stark contrast to the informal and biased "court" of his friends. The verse also functions as a powerful Declaration/Assertion, conveying Job's resolute and confident state of mind despite his profound suffering. It is a bold statement of self-assurance rooted in his integrity and his unwavering trust in God's character.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 13:18 stands as a pivotal expression of faith amidst profound suffering, highlighting the tension between human understanding of justice and the mysterious ways of God. Job's unwavering conviction in his own integrity and his certainty of divine vindication underscore a profound theological truth: that God is the ultimate Judge who sees beyond superficial appearances and human accusations. This verse challenges the simplistic retribution theology of Job's friends, asserting that suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin. It speaks to the human longing for justice and the deep-seated hope that, even when misunderstood or falsely accused, God will ultimately set the record straight. Job's declaration anticipates the broader biblical theme of divine vindication for the righteous, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 13:18 offers a powerful model for believers facing unjust accusations, misunderstanding, or inexplicable suffering. It teaches us the profound importance of maintaining integrity and a clear conscience before God, even when human judgment is flawed or hostile. Job's example encourages us to seek our vindication not from human opinion or the approval of others, but from God alone, who sees the heart and knows all things. In moments of deep trial, when circumstances seem to condemn us, we can cling to the conviction that God is just and will ultimately make all things right. This verse invites us to prepare our "cause" before God through prayer, self-examination, and unwavering trust, knowing that our ultimate justification rests in His righteous character and His perfect judgment. It is a call to courageous faith, to stand firm in our identity in Christ, and to patiently await the Lord's vindication, confident that He will ultimately reveal the truth and bring justice.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "ordered my cause" mean in a practical sense for Job?
Answer: For Job, "ordered my cause" means he has meticulously prepared his legal defense, as if for a divine courtroom. It implies that he has reviewed his life, his actions, and his conscience, finding himself innocent of the specific charges of hidden sin that his friends attribute to his suffering. He is ready to present his arguments, his integrity, and his plea directly before God, confident that a divine examination will reveal his blamelessness concerning the accusations. It's a declaration of readiness for a divine proceeding, where he expects to be acquitted.
How can Job be so confident of justification when he is suffering so immensely?
Answer: Job's confidence stems from his deep-seated conviction in his own integrity and his profound faith in God's character, despite his suffering. He knows he has not committed the specific sins his friends accuse him of, and he believes that God, as the ultimate Judge, is just and will ultimately affirm the truth. His suffering, while bewildering, does not shake his core belief in his innocence before God concerning the cause of his affliction. This is a testament to the strength of his faith, which trusts God even when His actions are inscrutable, as seen in his earlier declaration, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" Job 13:15.
Does Job believe himself to be sinless in this declaration?
Answer: No, Job does not claim absolute sinlessness in the way that implies moral perfection or freedom from all human failings. Throughout the book, Job acknowledges human sinfulness (e.g., Job 14:4 and Job 9:20). Rather, when Job declares he will be "justified," he is asserting his innocence concerning the specific accusations of grievous, hidden sin that his friends claim are the cause of his extraordinary suffering. He is confident that he has not committed any transgression worthy of such severe divine punishment, thus he expects to be vindicated in the divine court against these particular charges. His claim is one of integrity and blamelessness in the face of the specific accusations, not a claim to absolute moral perfection.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's defiant declaration, "I know that I shall be justified," echoes a profound longing for vindication that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Job, a righteous man suffering unjustly, yearned for an arbiter, a "daysman" Job 9:33, and ultimately declared his faith in a living Redeemer who would stand upon the earth Job 19:25. Christ is that Redeemer, the one who perfectly "ordered His cause" before God, living a life of impeccable righteousness and offering Himself as the spotless Lamb of God John 1:29. On the cross, Jesus, though innocent, bore the full weight of humanity's sin, being "made sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" 2 Corinthians 5:21. Through His death and resurrection, Christ was perfectly justified and vindicated by God, demonstrating His victory over sin and death 1 Timothy 3:16. Believers, by faith in Christ, are declared righteous—justified—not by their own "ordered cause" or merit, but by the imputed righteousness of Christ Romans 3:24. Thus, Job's confident cry for justification, born of his own integrity, ultimately points to the greater justification freely offered to all who trust in the perfect work of the one who was fully justified by God and who now intercedes for us Romans 8:34.