Job 20:13

KJV

[Though] he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:

KJV (with Strong's)

Though he spare {H2550} it, and forsake {H5800} it not; but keep it still {H4513} within {H8432} his mouth {H2441}:

Complete Jewish Bible

he may linger over it and not let it go but keep it there in his mouth -

Berean Standard Bible

though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth,

American Standard Version

Though he spare it, and will not let it go, But keep it still within his mouth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 20:13, delivered within Zophar's second discourse, vividly illustrates the wicked individual's tenacious grip on sin, portraying it as a delightful morsel cherished and held within the mouth. This potent imagery underscores the deceptive allure and persistent embrace of evil, which, though initially perceived as sweet, is ultimately revealed as a source of bitter and destructive consequences. The verse encapsulates Zophar's rigid, albeit ultimately flawed, retribution theology, wherein suffering is presented as an immediate and direct outcome of unconfessed wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 20:13 is situated within Zophar the Naamathite's final and most vehement speech (Job 20), a discourse characterized by its unyielding condemnation of the wicked and an unwavering commitment to the doctrine of immediate divine retribution. This verse directly builds upon the preceding verse, [Job 20:12](/job/20-12 "Job 20:12 - The Wicked's Secret Sin"), which introduces the unsettling notion of the wicked person finding evil "sweet in his mouth." Verse 13 expands on this visceral metaphor, emphasizing the deliberate and persistent choice to cling to sin, thereby setting the stage for the inevitable reversal and bitter outcome detailed in [Job 20:14-15](/job/20-14-15 "Job 20:14-15 - The Bitter End of Wickedness"). Zophar's speech, mirroring the arguments of Eliphaz and Bildad, serves to accuse Job of hidden iniquity, employing generalized principles about the fate of the wicked to explain Job's inexplicable suffering. This approach significantly advances the central theological debate of the book concerning the true nature of divine justice and the perplexing reality of undeserved suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during a patriarchal era, although its precise historical dating remains a subject of scholarly debate. The cultural milieu is deeply rooted in wisdom traditions, which frequently grappled with profound questions concerning the relationship between righteousness, prosperity, and adversity. Zophar's arguments, along with those of Job's other companions, embody a prevalent "retribution theology" common in both ancient Israel and the broader ANE. This theological framework posits that God unfailingly blesses the righteous with prosperity and punishes the wicked with suffering. While this perspective finds echoes in covenant blessings and curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), the friends present it as an absolute, simplistic, and universally applicable rule, a premise that the overarching narrative of [the Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - The Problem of Suffering") ultimately challenges, refines, and transcends. The vivid imagery of savoring food, as employed in this verse, was a widely understood metaphor for delight, enjoyment, or deep satisfaction across many ancient cultures.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the Book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **deceptive nature of sin**, portraying it as something initially "sweet" and desirable, yet inevitably leading to ruin and destruction. Secondly, it underscores the inherent **human propensity to cling to evil**, even when its destructive consequences become apparent, thereby emphasizing the deliberate and conscious choice involved in unrepentant sin. Thirdly, it serves as a stark example of the **friends' rigid retribution theology**, which dogmatically asserts that the wicked will invariably face swift and severe punishment—a framework they erroneously apply to Job's suffering. Lastly, by dramatically setting up the reversal of fortune described in the subsequent verses, Job 20:13 contributes to the overarching theme of **divine justice and its ultimate triumph**, even as it highlights the friends' flawed and limited understanding of God's complex ways and timing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spare (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** From H2550, meaning "to commiserate; by implication, to spare; have compassion, (have) pity, spare." In this context, "spare" implies a deliberate act of preserving or showing leniency towards the evil. The wicked person does not let the evil go or allow it to be destroyed, but rather treats it with a kind of protective care, unwilling to release it from its perceived delight. This denotes a conscious decision to retain and cherish the wrongdoing.
* **forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From H5800, meaning "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely." The phrase "and forsake it not" powerfully emphasizes the wicked person's unyielding refusal to abandon or relinquish their evil. It signifies a tenacious, intentional attachment, a deep-seated unwillingness to part with the cherished wrongdoing, reinforcing the idea of a deliberate and persistent embrace of sin.
* **mouth (Hebrew, _chêk'_):** From H2441, meaning "probably from חָנַךְ in the sense of tasting; properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing); (roof of the) mouth, taste." This word is central to the verse's vivid metaphor. Holding something "within his mouth" signifies not merely a fleeting taste but a prolonged savoring, an internalization, and an intimate connection. It paints a picture of the wicked person relishing the evil, prolonging its presence and sensation, unwilling to expel it, thereby symbolizing a deep, personal enjoyment and refusal to part with cherished wrongdoing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Though] he spare it":** This initial clause, with the KJV's interpretive "though" (which serves to introduce a concessive clause in English but is a simple conjunction in Hebrew), introduces the wicked person's deliberate action. It signifies that the individual withholds the evil from being expelled or released. Instead of letting it go or allowing it to pass, they actively retain it, indicating a conscious choice to hold onto the perceived "sweetness" of their wrongdoing, treating it with a kind of protective care.
* **"and forsake it not":** This phrase serves to intensify the preceding thought, emphasizing the wicked person's persistent refusal to abandon their evil. It is not a momentary lapse or a passive tolerance, but a tenacious clinging, a deliberate decision to remain attached to their sin. This highlights the deep-seated nature of their commitment to wrongdoing, suggesting that the evil has become an integral part of their identity or habitual practice, demonstrating an unwavering resolve to retain it.
* **"but keep it still within his mouth":** This is the climax of the verse's powerful imagery, providing the most potent and visceral visual. The wicked person doesn't just hold onto evil; they keep it *within their mouth*, savoring it as one would a delightful taste. This metaphor profoundly conveys the idea of internalizing, enjoying, and prolonging the perceived pleasure of sin. It suggests a deep, personal attachment and an unwillingness to expel or repent of the wrongdoing, indicating that the sin is not merely tolerated or endured, but actively cherished and relished.

#### Literary Devices
Zophar masterfully employs powerful **Imagery** and **Metaphor** in Job 20:13 to construct a vivid and unsettling portrayal of the wicked person's relationship with sin. The central **Metaphor** is that of sin as a "sweet" morsel that is deliberately held and savored "within his mouth." This culinary imagery effectively communicates the idea that the wicked find immediate gratification and perverse pleasure in their evil deeds, relishing them as one would a delectable food. This creates a strong visual of an individual consciously prolonging the enjoyment of wrongdoing, unwilling to swallow or spit it out. The phrases "spare it, and forsake it not" further utilize **Repetition** of the idea of clinging and refusal to release, emphasizing the tenacity, intentionality, and deep-seated nature of the wicked person's embrace of sin. This combination of literary devices makes Zophar's description profoundly impactful, highlighting both the deceptive allure of sin and the deliberate choice of the sinner to embrace it, thereby setting up a dramatic contrast with the bitter consequences described in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 20:13, though articulated by Zophar with a flawed and misapplied judgment toward Job, offers profound and enduring insights into the insidious nature of sin and the depths of human depravity. The striking imagery of holding evil "within his mouth" speaks eloquently to the insidious way sin can become not merely tolerated, but deeply cherished and internalized. It powerfully highlights the deceptive, fleeting pleasure that sin often offers initially, making it exceedingly difficult for individuals to release its tenacious grip. This "savoring" of evil reveals a heart that is not merely susceptible to temptation but actively delights in wrongdoing, choosing to prolong its presence rather than expelling it through genuine repentance. The verse thus serves as a timeless and urgent warning about the alluring power and tenacious hold of unrepentant sin, underscoring the universal truth that what may seem sweet and gratifying in the moment ultimately leads to bitter, destructive, and eternal consequences—a truth consistently affirmed and elaborated upon throughout the broader narrative of Scripture.

* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression and Fruit of Sin")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Job 20:13, depicting the wicked person clinging to sin as a sweet morsel, serves as a powerful and convicting mirror for profound self-examination. While Zophar misapplied this truth to Job's blameless suffering, the underlying principle of a heart that savors evil remains profoundly relevant for all believers. This verse urgently challenges us to honestly confront the "sweet" sins, cherished habits, or hidden idols we might be holding onto, stubbornly refusing to "forsake" them, even when we know they are harmful, destructive, or directly contrary to God's holy will. It compels us to consider if there are areas in our lives where we are prolonging the perceived pleasure of wrongdoing, rather than decisively spitting it out in radical repentance and turning to Christ. True spiritual health, deep freedom, and authentic joy come not from clinging to the temporary, deceptive delights of sin, but from a decisive and continuous turning away from it, allowing God's transforming grace to cleanse, renew, and reorient our deepest desires towards righteousness. It is a profound call to a life of uncompromised integrity, where our inward disposition genuinely aligns with our outward confession, and where our ultimate delight is found in God's perfect righteousness, not in the fleeting and ultimately bitter pleasures of disobedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sweet" sins or cherished habits might I be holding onto, refusing to release, even when I know they are contrary to God's will?**
* **How does the temporary pleasure of sin deceive me into clinging to it, despite its ultimate destructive nature and consequences?**
* **What practical and spiritual steps can I take to decisively "spit out" cherished sin and fully embrace God's path of righteousness, freedom, and holiness?**

### FAQ
**Is Zophar's assessment of the wicked person always accurate in the Bible?**

Answer: While Zophar's description of a person tenaciously clinging to and savoring sin is a powerful and accurate portrayal of the human heart's propensity towards depravity, his application of this principle to Job is ultimately flawed within the broader narrative of the Book of Job. Zophar, like Job's other friends, operates under a rigid retribution theology, which simplistically assumes that all suffering is a direct and immediate consequence of specific, unconfessed sin. The book of [Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - The Problem of Suffering") itself profoundly challenges this simplistic view, demonstrating that righteous individuals can indeed suffer without having committed hidden iniquities. Therefore, while the vivid imagery of savoring sin is universally true about the nature of unrepentant evil and its allure, Zophar's specific judgment on Job based on this premise is shown to be incorrect and an oversimplification of God's complex and sovereign ways.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "delighting in sin"?**

Answer: Job 20:13 directly and powerfully relates to the concept of "delighting in sin" through its vivid and visceral imagery of keeping evil "within his mouth." This phrase transcends mere temptation or occasional transgression; it signifies a deep, internal pleasure, satisfaction, and even enjoyment derived from wrongdoing. To "keep it still within his mouth" implies an active savoring, a deliberate prolongation of the experience, and an unwillingness to let it go. This stands in stark contrast to the righteous person who "delights in the law of the Lord" ([Psalm 1:2](/psalm/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")). The verse highlights that the wicked person finds a perverse enjoyment and satisfaction in their sin, making it a cherished possession rather than something to be expelled, which ultimately leads to their inevitable downfall and destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 20:13, with its stark imagery of the wicked clinging to and savoring sin, finds its ultimate contrast, profound resolution, and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Fallen humanity, in its inherent depravity, is tragically prone to "keep" sin "within its mouth," finding a deceptive and fleeting sweetness in rebellion against God's holy commands, precisely as described in this poignant verse. However, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, never savored sin; He was utterly "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and lived a life of perfect, unwavering obedience to the Father's will. He did not cling to the allure of earthly power, personal comfort, or fleeting pleasure, but instead, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")) and courageously bore the full, bitter weight of humanity's sin on the cross. He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that "in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, believers are now enabled to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires" ([Ephesians 4:22](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22 - Put Off the Old Self")), effectively "spitting out" the cherished sin that once held them captive. In Christ, we are truly freed from sin's dominion, no longer compelled to savor its fleeting pleasures, but wonderfully enabled to delight in righteousness and live a life pleasing to God ([Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11-14 "Romans 6:11-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")).

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

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Mark 9:43

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Mark 9:49

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Numbers 11:18

And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for [it was] well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

Numbers 11:20

[But] even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which [is] among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?

Matthew 5:29

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:30

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.