Job Chapter 13 · Verse 26
For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִכְתֹּ֣ב
For thou writest
H3789
תִכְתֹּ֣ב
For thou writest
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
2 of 7
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מְרֹר֑וֹת
bitter things
H4846
מְרֹר֑וֹת
bitter things
Strong's:
H4846
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, bitterness; concretely, a bitter thing; specifically bile; also venom (of a serpent)
וְ֝תוֹרִישֵׁ֗נִי
against me and makest me to possess
H3423
וְ֝תוֹרִישֵׁ֗נִי
against me and makest me to possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
5 of 7
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom recognized words' power to heal or harm (Proverbs 15:1, 16:24). Job here testifies to the crushing weight of his friends' accusations, despite their theological orthodoxy.
Questions for Reflection
- How can our theologically correct words become instruments of crushing oppression?
- What responsibility do we bear for the emotional and spiritual impact of our speech?
Analysis & Commentary
'How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?' Job's anguish breaks through: 'How long' (עַד־אָנָה, ad-anah) introduces lament's classic question. They 'vex' (תּוֹגְיוּן, togyun—grieve, afflict) his 'soul' (נַפְשִׁי, nafshi) and 'break in pieces' (תְּדַכְּאוּנַנִּי, tedakkunani—crush, oppress) with 'words' (מִלִּין, millin). Words can wound (Proverbs 12:18, 18:21). The friends' speeches compound Job's suffering. This warns against theological abuse—using truth to bludgeon. James 3:1-12 addresses the tongue's power to destroy. The Reformed emphasis on speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) requires both content and manner reflect Christ.