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
How can we examine our hearts to identify areas of hypocrisy where our profession doesn't match our practice?
What does your prayer life during trials reveal about the authenticity of your relationship with God?
How can we cultivate the habit of crying out to God in affliction rather than silent, stubborn endurance?
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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).