Job 6:28
Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭עַתָּה
H6258
הוֹאִ֣ילוּ
Now therefore be content
H2974
הוֹאִ֣ילוּ
Now therefore be content
Strong's:
H2974
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּ֝נֵיכֶ֗ם
upon me for it is evident unto you
H6440
פְּ֝נֵיכֶ֗ם
upon me for it is evident unto you
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
In ancient legal proceedings, testimony was evaluated through direct observation of the witness's demeanor and character. Job invokes this cultural practice, essentially saying, 'Look me in the eyes and tell me I'm lying.' This was a serious challenge in a culture where honor and shame were paramount, and false accusation could destroy one's social standing permanently.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain confidence in our integrity before God while avoiding self-righteousness?
- When facing false accusations, what does Job's appeal to honest examination teach us about defending ourselves?
- How does Job's transparency contrast with the tendency to hide our struggles from fellow believers?
Analysis & Commentary
After his sharp rebuke, Job appeals for honest examination. 'Be content' (ya'al, יָאַל) means to be willing or to resolve, calling for a deliberate choice to truly look at him. 'Look upon me' (panah, פָּנָה) means to turn the face toward, demanding direct personal attention rather than abstract theological debate. The phrase 'it is evident unto you' (literally 'before your face') emphasizes that Job's integrity should be obvious upon honest inspection. The conditional 'if I lie' (kazab, כָּזַב) challenges them to find actual deception in his claims of innocence. This verse models a crucial aspect of suffering righteously—Job maintains his integrity while still engaging his accusers. He doesn't retreat into self-pity but instead invites scrutiny, confident that truth will vindicate him. This confidence in one's own uprightness before God, while maintaining humility, reflects the biblical balance between godly self-awareness and pride.