Job 13:25

KJV

Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wilt thou break {H6206} a leaf {H5929} driven to and fro {H5086}? and wilt thou pursue {H7291} the dry {H3002} stubble {H7179}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Do you want to harass a wind-driven leaf? do you want to pursue a dry straw?

Berean Standard Bible

Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff?

American Standard Version

Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 13:25, Job directs a poignant rhetorical question to God, challenging the perceived disproportionate intensity of divine scrutiny and affliction he endures. Through vivid metaphors of a "leaf driven to and fro" and "dry stubble," Job expresses his profound sense of insignificance and utter helplessness, questioning why an omnipotent God would expend such immense power to "break" or "pursue" something so fragile and ephemeral. This verse encapsulates his despair, his plea for God to acknowledge his frailty, and his bewildered protest against what he perceives as relentless and unjust divine opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 13:25 is situated within Job's third and final response to his friends, specifically transitioning into a direct and impassioned appeal to God Himself, beginning around [Job 13:20](/job/13-20 "Job 13:20 - Job's Plea to God"). Having vehemently defended his innocence against the accusations of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, Job now turns from the futility of debating his human companions to confront the Almighty. He longs for a direct hearing, a chance to present his case before his divine accuser, as expressed in [Job 13:3](/job/13-3 "Job 13:3 - Job's Desire to Reason with God"). He perceives God as treating him as a formidable adversary, relentlessly pursuing him as an enemy ([Job 13:24](/job/13-24 "Job 13:24 - God Hiding His Face From Job")), despite Job's own perception of himself as utterly weak and inconsequential. This verse, therefore, serves as a desperate cry for God to consider Job's extreme vulnerability in light of the overwhelming divine power being exerted against him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely during a patriarchal era, before the Mosaic Law. In this ancient Near Eastern context, suffering was often directly correlated with sin, a belief system known as retribution theology, which Job's friends rigorously uphold. Job's protest in [Job 13:25](/job/13-25 "Job 13:25 - Job's Plea of Frailty") defies this conventional wisdom, as he maintains his blamelessness while experiencing unparalleled calamity, including the [loss of his children and possessions](/job/1 "Job 1 - Job's Initial Calamities") and [grievous physical affliction](/job/2-7 "Job 2:7 - Job's Affliction"). The imagery of a "leaf driven to and fro" and "dry stubble" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, where the fragility of nature and the ephemerality of life were common observations. The legalistic tone of Job's desire to "reason" with God reflects the ancient practice of formal legal disputes, where one would present their case before a judge, even if that judge was perceived as one's accuser.

* **Key Themes:** Job 13:25 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **Human Insignificance and Divine Power**. Job, feeling like a mere "leaf" or "stubble," cannot comprehend why an infinitely powerful God would relentlessly pursue and "break" such a weak and transient being. This underscores the profound mystery of God's ways and the vast chasm between the Creator and creation. Secondly, the verse conveys Job's deep sense of **Perceived Injustice and Despair**. He implies that God's actions are beneath His dignity, expressing a bewildered frustration that his suffering seems utterly disproportionate to his perceived blamelessness. This raw honesty is a testament to the book's permission for lament and questioning in the face of inexplicable suffering. Lastly, it touches upon the **Nature of Suffering**, particularly when it feels arbitrary and overwhelming. Job's cry reflects a universal human experience of feeling small and helpless when confronted by adversity that seems to originate from an incomprehensible divine will, echoing sentiments of human frailty found in passages like [Psalm 103:14](/psalms/103-14 "Psalm 103:14 - God Remembers Our Frame").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **break (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** From H6206, meaning "to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass; be affrighted (afraid, dread, feared, terrified), break, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, shake terribly." Job's use of this word does not merely suggest physical destruction but rather the overwhelming, terrifying, and oppressive force he perceives God to be exerting upon him. He questions why God would expend such intimidating power to "harass" or "terrify" something as insignificant as he feels himself to be.
* **leaf (Hebrew, _ʻâleh'_):** From H5929, meaning "a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage; branch, leaf." This word evokes an image of extreme fragility, ephemerality, and vulnerability. A leaf is easily detached, carried by the wind, and quickly withers. By identifying himself with a leaf, Job emphasizes his perceived lack of substance, power, or ability to resist the forces acting upon him.
* **pursue (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** From H7291, meaning "to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by); chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r)." This verb carries strong connotations of relentless, often hostile, tracking or persecution. Job feels as though God is actively hunting him down, treating him as a dangerous enemy worthy of sustained, aggressive pursuit, rather than a helpless, suffering individual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro?":** This first rhetorical question encapsulates Job's profound sense of vulnerability and the perceived disproportionate nature of God's actions. A "leaf driven to and fro" (Hebrew: `ʻâleh nâdaph`) is an image of extreme fragility, instability, and lack of control, tossed about by external forces (like the wind) with no inherent power or direction. Job asks why God, with His infinite might, would bother to "terrify," "harass," or "oppress" such an insignificant, helpless entity, implying that such an action is beneath God's dignity or power. It's a desperate plea for God to consider his frailty and the perceived absurdity of His intense focus on him.
* **"and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?":** The second rhetorical question reinforces and intensifies the first. "Dry stubble" (Hebrew: `qash yâbêsh`) refers to the worthless, brittle remnants of grain left after harvest, easily scattered by wind or consumed by fire. It represents something utterly devoid of strength, value, or resistance. By asking if God would "pursue" such a thing, Job is expressing his bewilderment and despair. He feels targeted as if he were a significant threat, yet he sees himself as nothing more than disposable, easily destroyed refuse. The question highlights the perceived absurdity and cruelty of God's intense focus on him, further emphasizing his perceived insignificance.

#### Literary Devices
Job 13:25 is rich in literary devices that amplify Job's desperate plea. The entire verse is structured as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking a direct answer but powerfully conveying Job's bewilderment, protest, and profound sense of injustice. He uses two striking **Metaphors** to describe himself: "a leaf driven to and fro" and "dry stubble." Both are potent images of extreme fragility, insignificance, and helplessness. These metaphors create vivid **Imagery** that appeals to the reader's senses, allowing them to visualize Job's perceived state of vulnerability against an overwhelming divine force. The use of these particular images also employs **Understatement** regarding his own perceived threat, while simultaneously implying **Hyperbole** in describing God's actions toward him. Job is essentially saying, "I am nothing, why are you treating me as if I am everything?" The **Parallelism** between the two clauses ("Wilt thou break...?" and "wilt thou pursue...?") reinforces the central idea of God's relentless and seemingly excessive attention to Job's suffering, creating a rhythmic and emphatic lament that underscores his perceived plight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 13:25 serves as a profound theological statement on the human condition in the face of divine sovereignty and suffering. It encapsulates the tension between God's immense power and humanity's inherent frailty, a theme woven throughout Scripture. Job's rhetorical question forces a confrontation with the mystery of why God permits or inflicts suffering, especially on those who perceive themselves as innocent and insignificant. It underscores the biblical truth that human life is fleeting and vulnerable, yet simultaneously challenges the notion that God's justice always operates in ways immediately comprehensible to human understanding. While Job's lament is born of pain and a limited perspective, it implicitly acknowledges God's absolute power, even as it questions His methods, setting the stage for a deeper revelation of divine wisdom later in the book.

* [Psalm 103:14](/psalms/103-14 "Psalm 103:14 - God Remembers Our Frame")
* [Isaiah 40:24](/isaiah/40-24 "Isaiah 40:24 - Frailty of Princes")
* [James 1:10-11](/james/1-10-11 "James 1:10-11 - The Rich Man's Passing Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 13:25 offers a powerful invitation for us to honestly engage with our own experiences of suffering and vulnerability. Job's raw, unvarnished lament reminds us that it is not only permissible but often necessary to bring our deepest questions, frustrations, and feelings of injustice directly to God. He can handle our doubts and our pain, even when they seem to challenge His character. This verse also serves as a poignant reminder of our inherent human frailty and dependence. Like the "leaf" and "stubble," we are transient, susceptible to forces beyond our control, and utterly reliant on God's sustaining grace. While Job uses this imagery to protest, we can embrace it as a truth that fosters humility and prompts us to lean into God's strength. Ultimately, Job's persistent desire to reason with God, despite his despair, teaches us to cling to hope and trust in God's ultimate wisdom and justice, even when His immediate actions remain shrouded in mystery.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing overwhelming difficulties, do you feel comfortable expressing your raw emotions and questions directly to God, as Job did? Why or why not?**
* **How does the imagery of "a leaf driven to and fro" or "dry stubble" resonate with your own sense of vulnerability or insignificance in the face of life's challenges?**
* **What does Job's lament in this verse teach us about the nature of God, even when His actions seem incomprehensible or harsh?**
* **How can we balance acknowledging our human frailty with trusting in God's sovereign power and good purposes, especially when suffering feels unjust?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job use such weak and transient imagery for himself?**

Answer: Job uses the imagery of a "leaf driven to and fro" and "dry stubble" to emphasize his extreme vulnerability, insignificance, and lack of power in contrast to God's overwhelming might. He feels utterly helpless, tossed about by forces beyond his control, and easily destroyed. By portraying himself as something so weak and worthless, he is rhetorically asking God why He would expend such immense divine power and attention to "break" or "pursue" him. It's a desperate plea for God to recognize his frailty and to cease treating him as a formidable enemy, highlighting the perceived injustice of his suffering. This imagery underscores his profound despair and bewilderment at the intensity of God's perceived opposition.

**Does God actually "break" or "pursue" people like Job suggests?**

Answer: Job's words reflect his *perception* and *experience* of God's actions in his suffering, not necessarily a definitive theological statement about God's character in all circumstances. From Job's limited perspective, God's hand feels heavy and relentlessly against him, as if God is actively pursuing and destroying him. While God is sovereign and can bring about trials, the Book of Job ultimately reveals that God's purposes are far more complex and loving than Job initially understands. God does not delight in crushing the weak, but sometimes uses suffering for refining, testing, or revealing His greater glory. The New Testament clarifies that God's ultimate posture towards humanity is one of redemptive love through Christ, even when discipline or trials occur. Job's lament is a human cry from the depths of pain, expressing how divine sovereignty can *feel* to a suffering individual, even if it doesn't fully capture God's full nature or intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate plea in [Job 13:25](/job/13-25 "Job 13:25 - Job's Plea of Frailty"), where he, as a frail "leaf" and "stubble," questions God's relentless pursuit, finds its ultimate and paradoxical fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Job felt unjustly pursued *by* God, Christ was truly pursued *for* us. The strong Son of God, who was not a "leaf driven to and fro" but the very Word by whom all things were made ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")), willingly humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He, the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), allowed Himself to be "broken" and "pursued" by the forces of sin and death, bearing the full weight of divine judgment that we deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Unlike Job, who maintained his innocence, Jesus truly was innocent, yet He identified fully with our human frailty and suffering, becoming "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ's Suffering")). Through His voluntary suffering and death, Christ transformed the experience of being "broken" and "pursued" from a symbol of despair into the means of our redemption, offering hope and ultimate vindication to all who, like Job, feel like insignificant dust before the Almighty ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ Our High Priest")).

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 21:18

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Isaiah 17:13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Matthew 12:20

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

1 Samuel 24:14

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

Job 14:3

And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?