Job Chapter 36 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.

Original Language Analysis

וְֽחַנְפֵי But the hypocrites H2611
וְֽחַנְפֵי But the hypocrites
Strong's: H2611
Word #: 1 of 8
soiled (i.e., with sin), impious
לֵ֭ב in heart H3820
לֵ֭ב in heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 2 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יָשִׂ֣ימוּ heap up H7760
יָשִׂ֣ימוּ heap up
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 3 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אָ֑ף wrath H639
אָ֑ף wrath
Strong's: H639
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְ֝שַׁוְּע֗וּ they cry H7768
יְ֝שַׁוְּע֗וּ they cry
Strong's: H7768
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲסָרָֽם׃ not when he bindeth H631
אֲסָרָֽם׃ not when he bindeth
Strong's: H631
Word #: 8 of 8
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

Analysis & Commentary

But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath—The phrase חַֽנְפֵי־לֵ֭ב (chanfei-lev, "hypocrites of heart") literally means "profane/godless of heart," describing those whose inner reality contradicts outward religious profession. They יָשִׂ֣ימוּ אָ֑ף (yasimu af, "store up anger/wrath")—accumulating divine wrath like a reservoir filling before the dam breaks. This theological principle appears in Romans 2:5: "treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath."

They cry not when he bindeth them—לֹ֥א יְ֝שַׁוְּע֗וּ כִּ֣י אֲסָרָֽם (lo yeshavve'u ki asaram, "they do not cry out when He binds them") reveals the hypocrite's defining characteristic: silent stubbornness under discipline. Unlike authentic believers who cry out to God in affliction (Psalm 18:6, 120:1), the hardened heart refuses to seek mercy even when suffering proves God's displeasure. This unrepentant silence demonstrates spiritual death—no relationship with God prompts prayer. The publican who cried "God be merciful to me a sinner" was justified; the self-righteous Pharisee who didn't cry out was condemned (Luke 18:9-14).

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern piety expected vocal lament during suffering—the Psalms model crying out to God in distress. Silent endurance of affliction suggested either stoic pride or acknowledgment that one's sin was too great for mercy. Elihu identifies this silence as diagnostic: those with no living relationship with God don't pray when He disciplines them. The "binding" imagery recalls verse 8's fetters and cords—God constrains the hypocrite through affliction, but unlike the righteous who respond to correction (v.10), the godless remain mute in stubborn rebellion.

Questions for Reflection