King James Version

What Does Job 11:15 Mean?

Job 11:15 in the King James Version says “For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: — study this verse from Job chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

Job 11:15 · KJV


Context

13

If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

14

If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

15

For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

16

Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:

17

And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. be clearer: Heb. shall arise above the noon-day


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zophar promises that if Job repents, he'll 'lift up [his] face without spot' (מוּם, mum—blemish, defect), be 'stedfast' (יָצַק, yatsaq—poured out, solid, secure), and fearless. This describes the confidence of a clear conscience (1 John 3:21, Hebrews 10:22). The theology isn't false—confession does bring peace (Psalm 32:1-5, 1 John 1:9). The error is the assumption that Job's suffering proves he lacks this innocence. Zophar offers conditional grace: perform repentance, receive blessing. But biblical grace is unconditional (Romans 5:8). Job's later restoration comes not from repentance for imaginary sins but from God's sovereign mercy. The Reformed emphasis on justification by faith alone refutes Zophar's works-righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature often promised that righteous behavior would lead to prosperity and peace. Zophar operates within this retribution paradigm, which Job's experience will complicate and ultimately transcend.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish between the confidence of a clear conscience and false assurance based on works?
  2. In what ways do we subtly make God's acceptance conditional on our performance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּי1 of 9
H3588

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

אָ֤ז׀2 of 9
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תִּשָּׂ֣א3 of 9

For then shalt thou lift up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

פָנֶ֣יךָ4 of 9

thy face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִמּ֑וּם5 of 9

without spot

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

וְהָיִ֥יתָ6 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֻ֝צָ֗ק7 of 9

yea thou shalt be stedfast

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

וְלֹ֣א8 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִירָֽא׃9 of 9

and shalt not fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten


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 11:15 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 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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