Job 13:10
He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.
Original Language Analysis
יוֹכִ֣יחַ
He will surely
H3198
יוֹכִ֣יחַ
He will surely
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
1 of 7
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
יוֹכִ֣יחַ
He will surely
H3198
יוֹכִ֣יחַ
He will surely
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
2 of 7
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּ֝סֵּ֗תֶר
you if ye do secretly
H5643
בַּ֝סֵּ֗תֶר
you if ye do secretly
Strong's:
H5643
Word #:
5 of 7
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
Historical Context
The shock of God ultimately condemning the orthodox friends and vindicating the complaining Job would subvert ancient wisdom's assumptions. Job foreshadows this stunning reversal.
Questions for Reflection
- How can defending orthodox theology actually place us in opposition to God?
- What is the relationship between theological correctness and justice/compassion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.' Job warns his friends that God will 'reprove' (יוֹכִיחַ, yokiach—correct, rebuke, prove) them for secret partiality (בַּסֵּתֶר, baseter). The shock: they think they're defending God, but God will rebuke them (confirmed in Job 42:7-8). This exposes the danger of assuming our defense of orthodoxy automatically pleases God. God values justice and truth over protective lies. The friends' public orthodoxy conceals injustice—they show partiality by assuming prosperity proves righteousness. God's final verdict will vindicate Job and condemn the comforters. This warns against confusing theological correctness with righteousness.