Job 20:13
Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
Original Language Analysis
עָ֭לֶיהָ
H5921
עָ֭לֶיהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַֽעַזְבֶ֑נָּה
it and forsake
H5800
יַֽעַזְבֶ֑נָּה
it and forsake
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
4 of 7
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
וְ֝יִמְנָעֶ֗נָּה
it not but keep it still
H4513
וְ֝יִמְנָעֶ֗נָּה
it not but keep it still
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
5 of 7
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom distinguished between stumbling in sin versus cherishing it. The righteous might fall but hate their sin; the wicked embrace and protect theirs. Zophar assumes Job must cherish hidden sin, unable to conceive of righteous suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between struggling with sin versus cherishing it?
- What does it mean to hate our sin while acknowledging ongoing struggle?
- How does the Gospel transform our relationship with sin from cherishing to mortifying it?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked cherish sin: 'Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth.' Continuing the taste metaphor, the wicked won't swallow or spit out sin—they hold it in their mouth, savoring it. The Hebrew 'chamal' (spare) suggests protective attachment. This describes loving sin, not mere failure. While accurately depicting hardened sinners, this doesn't apply to Job, who genuinely sought righteousness.