Job 13:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 13:8
8 Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?
Chapter Context
Job 13 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, wisdom. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 13:8
8 Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?
Analysis
'Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?' Job questions whether the friends are showing partiality (נָשָׂא פָנִים, nasa panim—lift up face, show favoritism) toward God or 'contending' (תְּרִיבוּן, teribun—striving, arguing) for Him. The irony: they think they're defending God by accusing Job, but they're actually bearing false witness. Deuteronomy 1:17 and Leviticus 19:15 prohibit partiality in judgment. Even defending God doesn't justify falsehood or injustice. God doesn't need our lies to protect His reputation. Romans 3:7-8 addresses this—we shouldn't do evil that good may come. The friends' zeal for God blinds them to their injustice toward Job.
Historical Context
Ancient legal culture prohibited showing partiality even toward the powerful. Job here suggests the friends violate this principle, showing partiality toward God by bearing false witness against Job.
Reflection
- How do we defend God's character without resorting to falsehood or injustice?
- In what ways does misguided zeal for God lead us to sin against others?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 24:23