King James Version

What Does Job 10:13 Mean?

Job 10:13 in the King James Version says “And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. — study this verse from Job chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee.

Job 10:13 · KJV


Context

11

Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. fenced: Heb. hedged

12

Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

13

And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee.

14

If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.

15

If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job discerns hidden divine purpose: 'And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee.' The phrase 'hid in thine heart' (tsaphan be-lebabeka, צָפַן בְּלְבָבְךָ) means concealed in inner counsel. 'I know' (yada, יָדַע) expresses conviction despite lack of full understanding. Job perceives God has purposes beyond his comprehension, hidden intentions that explain but don't justify his suffering.

This verse shows Job's theological sophistication. He doesn't deny divine purpose; he recognizes it while unable to access it. God's heart contains plans Job cannot read—a humbling admission. Job knows God has reasons but cannot discover them. This creates tension: faith trusts hidden purposes while wanting them revealed. Job maintains faith in divine intentionality while questioning divine methods.

The Reformed doctrine of God's secret will versus revealed will addresses this. Some divine purposes remain hidden (Deuteronomy 29:29); others are revealed in Scripture. Job lacked the fuller revelation we possess through Christ. We know what Job could only intuit: God's hidden purposes serve redemptive ends, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). God's heart is love, even when His hand feels harsh.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom recognized human limitations before divine mysteries. 'Hidden' wisdom or counsel was common theme (Proverbs 25:2). Job's acknowledgment of divine purposes beyond his understanding reflects this wisdom tradition while adding personal urgency—he's living the mystery, not merely contemplating it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we trust God's hidden purposes when His revealed actions seem to contradict His revealed character?
  2. What does Job's conviction of divine intentionality teach about maintaining faith despite incomprehension?
  3. In what ways does Scripture's fuller revelation help us trust God's hidden purposes more than Job could?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְ֭אֵלֶּה1 of 7
H428

these or those

צָפַ֣נְתָּ2 of 7

And these things hast thou hid

H6845

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

בִלְבָבֶ֑ךָ3 of 7

in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי4 of 7

I know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּי5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זֹ֥את6 of 7
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עִמָּֽךְ׃7 of 7
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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