Job 13:21

KJV

Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

Withdraw {H7368} thine hand {H3709} far {H7368} from me: and let not thy dread {H367} make me afraid {H1204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

take your hand away from me, and don't let fear of you frighten me.

Berean Standard Bible

Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.

American Standard Version

Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 13:21 encapsulates a profound and desperate plea from Job to God, articulated amidst his intense suffering and the relentless accusations of his friends. In this verse, Job, preparing to present his case directly to the Almighty, implores God to alleviate the overwhelming divine pressure and the paralyzing dread that His presence inspires. It is a request for a temporary reprieve from God's active hand of affliction and His terrifying majesty, so that Job might engage in a rational and composed dialogue, seeking understanding and justification for his inexplicable plight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 13:21 is situated within Job's powerful and often confrontational response to his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) in chapters 12-14. Having endured their simplistic and accusatory theology, which posits that his suffering is a direct consequence of sin, Job vehemently defends his integrity and challenges their understanding of divine justice. This specific verse appears as Job expresses his profound desire to bring his case directly before God, bypassing his human interlocutors. He believes that only a direct encounter with the divine will allow him to present his defense and receive a fair hearing, provided God creates the conditions for such a dialogue by withdrawing His oppressive hand and terrifying presence. This plea sets the stage for Job's subsequent arguments and his continued longing for divine encounter, as seen in his earlier declaration, "Oh that I had one to hear me!" in [Job 31:35](/job/31-35 "Job 31:35 - Job's Desire for a Hearing"). Job's bold request for a direct audience with God, even daring to "reason with God" as stated in [Job 13:3](/job/13-3 "Job 13:3 - Job's Desire to Reason with God"), underscores his conviction of his own righteousness and his frustration with his friends' inadequate explanations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, suffering was often directly correlated with divine displeasure, and prosperity with divine favor. This prevailing worldview is precisely what Job's friends represent and what Job himself struggles against, as his experience contradicts this neat theological framework. The concept of encountering a deity was often fraught with peril, as the divine presence was considered overwhelmingly powerful and potentially destructive to mortals. Job's request for God to "withdraw thine hand" and "let not thy dread make me afraid" reflects this cultural understanding of divine majesty and the inherent danger in direct divine interaction. It also subtly touches on the legal customs of the time, where an accused person would desire a fair and unimpeded hearing before a judge, free from intimidation. Job's plea is, in essence, a request for a divine courtroom where he can present his case without being overwhelmed by the Judge's terrifying power, reflecting the ancient legal process of presenting one's defense without coercion.
* **Key Themes:** Job 13:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human suffering and divine sovereignty**, portraying Job's conviction that his affliction is directly from God's hand, even if he doesn't understand why. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **the nature of divine justice**, as Job seeks to understand God's actions and present his own righteousness, challenging the conventional wisdom of his day. Thirdly, the verse powerfully expresses the theme of **bold and honest prayer**, demonstrating Job's willingness to voice his deepest fears and desires directly to God, even while acknowledging God's terrifying majesty. This audacious yet reverent approach to God is a hallmark of Job's spiritual journey, culminating in his eventual encounter with God in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind") and [Job 40](/job/40 "Job 40 - God Continues to Answer Job"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **the desire for a mediator or direct encounter** with God, a longing that resonates throughout the book as Job seeks an advocate or a direct hearing to bridge the infinite gap between himself and the Almighty, a yearning that finds its ultimate answer in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Withdraw (Hebrew, _râchaq'_):** The Hebrew verb H7368 (_râchaq_) means "to widen (in any direction), i.e. (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove." In this context, Job is imploring God to actively remove or distance His hand, signifying a cessation of the divine affliction and pressure he is experiencing. It implies a desire for physical and spiritual space from the perceived source of his suffering.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** The Hebrew word H3709 (_kaph_) refers to "the hollow hand or palm," but it is frequently used figuratively in the Bible to denote power, authority, agency, or active intervention. Here, "thine hand" represents God's direct, active involvement in Job's suffering—the very instrument of his pain and the source of the overwhelming pressure he feels. Job perceives his affliction not as random misfortune but as a deliberate act of God.
* **Dread (Hebrew, _ʼêymâh'_):** The Hebrew word H367 (_ʼêymâh_) signifies "fright," "terror," or "horror," often associated with the overwhelming and paralyzing presence or actions of God. It is more than simple fear; it implies a sense of being utterly overwhelmed and incapacitated by a superior, terrifying force. Job's request is not that God diminish His power or holiness, but that the *effect* of His terrifying presence—the paralyzing dread—be temporarily lifted so that Job can maintain his composure and articulate his defense without being utterly undone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Withdraw thine hand far from me:"** This initial clause is a desperate and direct plea for relief from the perceived divine oppression. Job attributes his intense suffering directly to God's active intervention, symbolized by "thine hand." The request to "withdraw" implies a cessation of this active affliction, while "far from me" emphasizes the intensity of the pressure and Job's profound desire for a complete removal of this divine burden. It is a cry for physical and spiritual space, a moment of respite from the crushing weight of God's perceived judgment, allowing him to think clearly.
* **"and let not thy dread make me afraid."** This second clause clarifies the psychological and spiritual impact of God's presence on Job. The "dread" (אֵימָה, _ʼêymâh_) represents the overwhelming, paralyzing terror that accompanies the awareness of God's infinite power, holiness, and majesty. Job is not asking God to be less God, but for a temporary suspension of the *effect* of that divine majesty—the fear that incapacitates him and prevents him from speaking freely and rationally. He desires to engage God as a litigant in a courtroom, not as a terrified subject utterly undone by the Judge's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Job 13:21 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey Job's profound anguish and his audacious plea. The phrase "Withdraw thine hand far from me" is a potent **metaphor**, where God's "hand" represents His active power and the affliction it brings upon Job. The adverb "far" adds a touch of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the intensity of Job's desire for complete removal of the divine pressure, suggesting an overwhelming burden. The verse also exhibits clear **parallelism** in its structure, with the two clauses expressing similar requests for relief from divine imposition, one focusing on God's active hand and the other on the psychological impact of His dread. This creates a rhythmic and emphatic plea. Furthermore, the concept of "dread" actively "making" Job afraid can be seen as a form of **personification**, attributing an active, almost agentic quality to the feeling of terror itself, stemming from God's overwhelming presence. This combination of devices powerfully communicates Job's desperate yet respectful plea for a fair hearing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 13:21 stands as a poignant expression of humanity's struggle with divine sovereignty and suffering. It reveals a theology where God is intimately involved in human experience, even in affliction, and yet remains transcendent and awe-inspiring. Job's plea for God to "withdraw His hand" and alleviate "dread" highlights the tension between God's immanence (His active presence) and His transcendence (His overwhelming majesty). It also speaks to the human desire for clarity and justice from a God who often seems inscrutable. This verse, therefore, is not merely a cry for relief but a profound theological wrestling match, where Job seeks to bridge the chasm between his experience and his understanding of a just God. It foreshadows the ultimate revelation that true wisdom often begins with acknowledging God's incomprehensible greatness, as articulated in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance and Seeing God"). Job's plea for a fair hearing from God underscores the biblical theme of God as the ultimate Judge, who is both righteous and just, even when His ways are beyond human comprehension.

* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence") – Explores the inescapable presence of God, a presence Job feels as oppressive and seeks to mitigate for a moment of clarity.
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision of God") – Illustrates the overwhelming and terrifying nature of encountering God's holiness, leading to a profound sense of unworthiness and dread, similar to what Job experiences.
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Reverence and Awe for God") – Reminds believers of the need for reverence and awe when approaching God, acknowledging His consuming fire, yet in a context of grace and a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 13:21 offers a profound model for our own engagement with God, particularly in times of suffering and confusion. Job's raw honesty and vulnerability in prayer are striking; he doesn't sugarcoat his fear or his perception of God's active hand in his pain. This encourages us to bring our unfiltered emotions, doubts, and desperate pleas before God, trusting that He is big enough to handle our questions and our fear. It reminds us that seeking clarity, even demanding it, from God is not an act of disrespect but an act of profound faith—a belief that He is truly there, truly active, and truly capable of hearing and responding. Furthermore, Job's acknowledgment of God's "dread" teaches us that even in our most intimate and honest prayers, a deep reverence for God's power and majesty must remain. We can approach God boldly, but always with an understanding of His infinite holiness and our finite nature. This balance of intimacy and awe is crucial for a healthy spiritual life, allowing us to lament freely while remaining grounded in humble submission to divine sovereignty, knowing that God's ultimate purposes are good, even when His methods are mysterious.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel God's "hand" in a way that feels oppressive or confusing, similar to Job's experience?**
* **How honest are you with God in your prayers, especially when you are experiencing fear or confusion about His actions or presence?**
* **What does "dread" or "awe" of God mean to you personally, and how does it influence your approach to Him in prayer?**
* **How do you balance the desire for intimacy with God with a healthy reverence for His overwhelming power and holiness?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job ask God to "withdraw His hand" and "let not thy dread make me afraid"?**

Answer: Job asks for these two conditions because he desires a fair and composed hearing with God. He perceives his immense suffering as a direct result of God's active "hand" upon him, and this active affliction, combined with the overwhelming "dread" of God's majestic presence, is paralyzing him. Job wants to present his case and argue for his innocence without being incapacitated by fear or divine pressure, believing that if these conditions are met, he can engage God rationally and understand the reason for his suffering. His ultimate goal is to have a direct, unimpeded dialogue with his Maker, as he expresses a desire to "reason with God" in [Job 13:3](/job/13-3 "Job 13:3 - Job's Desire to Reason with God"). His plea is a testament to his conviction that God is just and will hear his defense, provided the conditions for a fair hearing are established.

**Is it acceptable for believers to feel "dread" or fear God in a negative way, as Job seems to?**

Answer: The "dread" (אֵימָה, _ʼêymâh_) Job speaks of is a profound, overwhelming terror, often associated with the direct, unmediated presence of a holy God. While the New Testament emphasizes a relationship with God through Christ that replaces a spirit of fear with a spirit of adoption ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption, Not Fear")), a healthy "fear of the Lord" remains a foundational biblical concept. This "fear" is not a cowering terror but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's power, holiness, and justice, leading to obedience and wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Job's experience highlights the human struggle with the magnitude of God's power, but his continued engagement with God, despite his dread, demonstrates a foundational reverence that ultimately leads to deeper understanding and a renewed relationship, as seen in [Job 42:5](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5 - Job Sees God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate plea in [Job 13:21](/job/13-21 "Job 13:21 - Job's Plea to God") for God to "withdraw thine hand" and alleviate "dread" finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job longed for a mediator, an umpire who could lay his hand on both God and man ([Job 9:33](/job/9-33 "Job 9:33 - Job's Desire for an Umpire")), someone who could bridge the infinite gap and remove the terrifying aspects of divine encounter. Christ is that mediator ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's "hand" of judgment against sin, experiencing the ultimate divine wrath so that believers would never have to. He became a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), absorbing the "dread" of divine separation and condemnation. Consequently, those who are in Christ can now "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")), no longer paralyzed by the dread of God's holiness, but welcomed as adopted children through the Spirit of adoption ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption, Not Fear")). Jesus, our great High Priest, has removed the terrifying barrier, allowing us to approach God not with paralyzing fear, but with reverent trust and intimate access, securing for us a relationship with a God who is both holy and merciful.

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 9:34

Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:

Psalms 39:10

Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.

Job 33:7

Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

Psalms 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

Job 22:15

¶ Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?

Job 22:17

Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

Job 13:11

Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you?