Job 15:13

KJV

That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest [such] words go out of thy mouth?

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou turnest {H7725} thy spirit {H7307} against God {H410}, and lettest such words {H4405} go out {H3318} of thy mouth {H6310}?

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you turn your spirit against God and let such words escape your mouth?

Berean Standard Bible

as you turn your spirit against God and pour such words from your mouth?

American Standard Version

That against God thou turnest thy spirit, And lettest words go out of thy mouth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:13 captures the escalating severity of Eliphaz's second speech, where he directly accuses Job of an impious attitude and blasphemous speech. In this verse, Eliphaz asserts that Job's lamentations and questioning of God's ways are not merely expressions of grief but a deliberate act of turning his inner being, his "spirit," in opposition to God, implying a rebellious disposition that manifests in defiant words. This accusation underscores the fundamental misunderstanding between Job and his friends, who operate under a rigid retribution theology that cannot reconcile Job's suffering with his proclaimed innocence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15:13 is situated within Eliphaz's second discourse (Job 15), following Job's passionate and despairing lament in [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Lament and Despair"). The friends' initial, more sympathetic approach, seen in Eliphaz's first speech (e.g., [Job 4-5](/job/4 "Job 4-5 - Eliphaz's First Discourse")), has hardened into direct and increasingly harsh accusation. Job's persistent assertion of innocence and his bold questioning of God's justice are perceived by Eliphaz as outright rebellion and impiety. This verse is a direct charge, forming a critical part of Eliphaz's argument that Job's words betray a wicked heart, thereby justifying his suffering as divine punishment. The cyclical dialogue structure of the book of Job sees each friend respond to Job, with Job then responding to them, creating a deepening theological conflict that ultimately reveals the inadequacy of their conventional wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, suffering was frequently interpreted as a direct consequence of sin, a clear sign of divine judgment. This "retribution theology" was a dominant worldview, particularly within the wisdom traditions, which sought to understand the orderly operation of the cosmos under divine rule and believed that righteousness was always rewarded and wickedness punished. The friends of Job—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—represent this conventional wisdom. They believe that God is just and always punishes the wicked while rewarding the righteous. From their perspective, Job's immense and prolonged suffering *must* be irrefutable evidence of hidden sin, and his complaints against God are seen as further proof of his impiety and rebellion. They struggle to conceive of innocent suffering or a God whose ways might transcend human understanding of justice, a profound theme explored throughout [the book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Suffering and Divine Justice").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Job. Primarily, it highlights the **misunderstanding of divine justice** and the **nature of human suffering**. Eliphaz's accusation embodies the friends' rigid adherence to retribution theology, failing to grasp the complexity of God's dealings with humanity or the legitimacy of lament within a faithful relationship. It also touches on the **power and responsibility of human speech**, particularly in times of distress; for Eliphaz, Job's words are not mere expressions of pain but "such words" that cross a line into defiance against the Almighty. This contrasts sharply with Job's initial responses to suffering, where he [did not sin nor charge God foolishly](/job/1-22 "Job 1:22 - Job's Initial Faithfulness") and later refused to [curse God](/job/2-10 "Job 2:10 - Job Refuses to Curse God"). The verse also underscores the theme of **human inability to fully comprehend God's ways**, as the friends' limited theological framework prevents them from seeing beyond their preconceived notions of divine retribution, leading them to misjudge Job's integrity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turnest (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." It often carries the idea of returning or reversing a course. In this context, Eliphaz uses it to accuse Job of a deliberate and active reversal of his proper spiritual orientation. Job is not merely straying but actively turning his inner being *away* from God, implying a conscious or unconscious act of rebellion or opposition.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** The Hebrew word (H7307) is multifaceted, meaning "wind," "breath," or "spirit." Here, it refers to Job's inner disposition, his attitude, his very being or essence, the core of his rational and emotional self. Eliphaz is not merely accusing Job of a momentary lapse in judgment but of a fundamental orientation of his deepest self—his spirit—being set in opposition to God. This implies a deeply rooted rebellion, not just an outward expression of frustration.
* **words (Hebrew, _millâh'_):** From the root _mâlal_ (H4405), this noun refers to "a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic." It encompasses Job's entire verbal output in his laments and arguments. Eliphaz is not just concerned with a single utterance but with the cumulative effect and nature of Job's speech, which he perceives as a discourse of defiance. The "such" implies that these are words of a particular, offensive kind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou turnest thy spirit against God":** This clause forms the core of Eliphaz's accusation. He asserts that Job's inner being, his very disposition and attitude, has been actively turned in opposition to God. This is not merely a passive state of doubt or grief but an intentional, albeit perhaps unconscious, act of rebellion. Eliphaz interprets Job's questioning, his laments, and his pleas of innocence as a direct affront to divine sovereignty and justice, stemming from a rebellious heart rather than a broken one. The preposition "against" (Hebrew _'el_, H410) here strongly conveys antagonism and defiance, rather than simple direction.
* **"and lettest [such] words go out of thy mouth?":** This second clause highlights the manifestation of Job's alleged rebellious spirit. The "such words" refer to Job's complaints, his arguments with God, and his assertions of innocence, which Eliphaz and the friends deem impious or blasphemous. For them, these words are not legitimate expressions of pain but evidence of a defiant spirit. The phrase "lettest... go out" (Hebrew _yâtsâʼ_, H3318) suggests a lack of control or a deliberate unleashing of these offensive utterances from his "mouth" (Hebrew _peh_, H6310), further emphasizing Job's culpability in Eliphaz's eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's statement employs several literary devices to convey his strong accusation. The verse functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, though it is clearly an accusation disguised as an inquiry, designed to condemn Job rather than elicit an answer. This rhetorical strategy places the burden of guilt squarely on Job, forcing him to confront the perceived impiety of his actions. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in Eliphaz's charge that Job is turning his "spirit against God," as it exaggerates Job's lament into outright rebellion, reflecting the friends' rigid and unforgiving theology that cannot tolerate any questioning of divine justice. The concept of Job's "spirit" being turned **against** God could also be seen as a form of **Personification**, where an abstract quality (spirit, inner disposition) is depicted as taking an active, opposing stance. This powerful imagery serves to underscore the perceived gravity of Job's offense in Eliphaz's eyes, painting a picture of profound spiritual rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:13 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the theological chasm between Job and his friends. It highlights the dangers of a rigid, simplistic theology that cannot accommodate the complexities of human suffering and divine justice. The friends' belief in a direct, one-to-one correlation between sin and suffering leads them to misinterpret Job's honest lament as outright rebellion. This verse underscores the broader biblical theme that while God is sovereign and just, human understanding of His ways is limited, and suffering is not always a direct punitive consequence of sin. It also raises questions about the nature of faithful speech in times of crisis—whether honest questioning and lament are permissible or if they cross a line into impiety. The book of Job ultimately vindicates Job's integrity, showing that his "spirit" was not against God, even as his words expressed profound distress, thus challenging the friends' narrow theological framework.

* [Job 1:22](/job/1-22 "Job 1:22 - Job's Initial Faithfulness")
* [Psalm 13:1-6](/psalms/13-1-6 "Psalm 13 - A Psalm of Lament and Trust")
* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliphaz's accusation in Job 15:13 serves as a profound warning against self-righteous judgment and the dangers of imposing a simplistic theological framework onto the complex reality of human suffering. When we encounter others in deep pain, it is easy to fall into the trap of assuming we understand the reasons for their distress or to judge their expressions of grief as a lack of faith. This verse challenges us to cultivate empathy and humility, recognizing that God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension and that authentic lament can be a legitimate, even necessary, part of a faithful journey. For those enduring suffering, it reminds us that while our pain may lead us to question, the ultimate posture of our heart should remain one of trust in God's goodness, even when His actions are inscrutable. It also prompts us to consider the impact of our words—both those we speak in distress and those we speak in judgment—and to strive for speech that builds up, rather than tears down, and that honors God even in our deepest struggles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to react when I see others suffering? Do I rush to judgment, or do I extend empathy and listen?**
* **In what ways might my own theological framework limit my understanding of God's work in the world or the experiences of others?**
* **When I am in distress, how do my words reflect my inner spirit? Do I allow myself to lament honestly, while still striving for a heart of trust?**
* **How can I better support those who are questioning or struggling with their faith during difficult times, without imposing my own answers or judgments?**

### FAQ
**What does Eliphaz mean by "turnest thy spirit against God"?**

Answer: Eliphaz is accusing Job of having an inner disposition, a fundamental attitude of his heart and mind, that is set in opposition to God. He views Job's lamentations, his arguments with God, and his persistent claims of innocence as evidence of a rebellious spirit. In Eliphaz's rigid theological framework, Job's suffering *must* be due to sin, and his refusal to confess that sin, coupled with his questioning of God's justice, is interpreted as a deliberate act of defiance against the Almighty. He believes Job's very essence is hostile towards God, a profound spiritual rebellion.

**Is it wrong to question God when one is suffering?**

Answer: The Bible presents a nuanced view. While outright blasphemy or a spirit of defiant rebellion is condemned, the book of Job itself, along with many Psalms of lament (e.g., [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - A Psalm of Lament and Trust")), demonstrates that honest questioning, wrestling with God, and expressing deep pain and confusion can be a legitimate part of a faithful relationship. Job's integrity is ultimately affirmed by God, despite his bold and often challenging words. The key distinction lies between a spirit of genuine lament that seeks understanding and ultimately trusts, and a spirit of defiant rebellion that seeks to overthrow or reject God's authority. God welcomes our honest cries, even our doubts, if they are rooted in a desire to understand and ultimately trust Him, rather than to reject Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 15:13, though an accusation against Job, ultimately points to the profound contrast between humanity's fallen tendency to rebel and the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Eliphaz's charge that Job "turnest thy spirit against God" highlights the human propensity to question, blame, and even defy God when faced with suffering or injustice. This stands in stark contrast to the perfect Son of God, Jesus, whose spirit was never turned against the Father, even in the face of unimaginable suffering and injustice. On the cross, Jesus cried out, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (quoting [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - A Psalm of Lament")), a lament that expressed profound anguish but never rebellion. His words, even in agony, were always in perfect submission to the Father's will, as demonstrated by His prayer in Gethsemane: "[Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")". Jesus, the truly innocent sufferer, perfectly fulfilled the righteous requirements that Job struggled to maintain, offering a life of blameless obedience and a sacrifice that truly takes away the sin of the world, redeeming those whose spirits, unlike His, have indeed been turned against God. He is the ultimate vindication of innocent suffering and the perfect example of a spirit fully surrendered to God, even unto death, providing the perfect answer to the human dilemma of suffering and sin.

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 15:25

For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

Job 15:27

Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on [his] flanks.

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Job 9:4

[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

Psalms 34:13

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Malachi 3:13

¶ Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?