Job 6:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 6:13
13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
Chapter Context
Job 6 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, worship. 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 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 6:13
13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
Analysis
Job concludes: 'Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?' The Hebrew allows two readings: either Job has no help within himself and wisdom has fled, or he's questioning Eliphaz's implication that this is so. Most likely Job admits he has no internal resources left—no help and no wisdom. This radical honesty about spiritual bankruptcy positions Job paradoxically for divine help, since God gives grace to the humble who acknowledge need (James 4:6).
Historical Context
Wisdom literature typically encouraged self-sufficiency and internal resources for handling life's challenges. Job's admission that wisdom has been driven from him represents profound humility or possibly despair, depending on interpretation.
Reflection
- What does it mean to acknowledge that help is not in you and wisdom has fled?
- How does admitting complete spiritual bankruptcy position you for divine grace?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 26:2, 2 Corinthians 1:12