> [[job-12|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-14|Next →]] --- # Job, Chapter 13 ## Chapter 13 1 All this my eye has seen; ^job-13-1 my ear has heard and perceived it. 2 What you know, I also know; ^job-13-2 I do not fall short of you. 3 But I would speak with the Almighty; ^job-13-3 I want to argue with God. 4 But you gloss over falsehoods, ^job-13-4 you are worthless physicians, every one of you! 5 Oh, that you would be altogether silent; ^job-13-5 that for you would be wisdom! 6 Hear now my argument ^job-13-6 and listen to the accusations from my lips. 7 Is it for God that you speak falsehood? ^job-13-7 Is it for him that you utter deceit? 8 Is it for him that you show partiality? ^job-13-8 Do you make accusations on behalf of God? 9 Will it be well when he shall search you out? ^job-13-9 Can you deceive him as you do a mere human being? 10 He will openly rebuke you ^job-13-10 if in secret you show partiality. 11 Surely his majesty will frighten you ^job-13-11 and dread of him fall upon you. 12 Your reminders are ashy maxims, ^job-13-12 your fabrications mounds of clay. 13 Be silent! Let me alone that I may speak, ^job-13-13 no matter what happens to me. 14 I will carry my flesh between my teeth, ^job-13-14 and take my life in my hand. 15 Slay me though he might, I will wait for him; ^job-13-15 I will defend my conduct before him. 16 This shall be my salvation: ^job-13-16 no impious man can come into his presence. 17 Pay close attention to my speech, ^job-13-17 give my statement a hearing. 18 Behold, I have prepared my case, ^job-13-18 I know that I am in the right. 19 If anyone can make a case against me, ^job-13-19 then I shall be silent and expire. 20 Two things only do not use against me, ^job-13-20 then from your presence I need not hide: 21 Withdraw your hand far from me, ^job-13-21 do not let the terror of you frighten me. 22 Then call me, and I will respond; ^job-13-22 or let me speak first, and answer me. 23 What are my faults and my sins? ^job-13-23 My misdeed, my sin make known to me! 24 Why do you hide your face ^job-13-24 and consider me your enemy? 25 Will you harass a wind-driven leaf ^job-13-25 or pursue a withered straw? 26 For you draw up bitter indictments against me, ^job-13-26 and punish in me the faults of my youth. 27 You put my feet in the stocks; ^job-13-27 you watch all my paths and trace out all my footsteps, 28 Though I wear out like a leather bottle, ^job-13-28 like a garment the moth has consumed. --- \* (13:14) The second half of the verse is a common biblical expression for risking one’s life; cf. [Jgs 12:3]; [1 Sm 19:5]; [28:21]; [Ps 119:109]; the first half of the verse must have a similar meaning. Job is so confident of his innocence that he is willing to risk his life by going to judgment with God. \* (13:15) Many translations adopt the Ketib reading, “I have no hope.” \* (13:20) In [13:20] – [14:22], Job directs his address to God; cf. [7:8] – [21]; [9:28] – [10:22]. His three friends never do this. \* (13:24) The Hebrew word for “enemy” (*‘oyeb*) is very close to the Hebrew form of Job’s name (*‘iyyob*). The play on the word implies that God has confused the two. --- a. (13:2) [Jb 12:3]; [15:9]. b. (13:3) [Jb 23:4]. c. (13:15) [Jb 27:5]. d. (13:18) [Jb 33:9]. e. (13:24) [Jb 19:11]; [33:10]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[job-12|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-14|Next →]]