King James Version

What Does Job 13:23 Mean?

Job 13:23 in the King James Version says “How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.” — study this verse from Job chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.”

Job 13:23 · KJV

Context

21

Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

22

Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

23

How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.

24

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?

25

Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

Read Job 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.' Job demands specificity. He wants to know his 'iniquities' (עֲוֹנֹת, avonotay), 'sins' (חַטָּאות, chataot), and 'transgression' (פֶּשַׁע, pesha—rebellion, revolt). The three terms cover different aspects of sin: missing the mark, guilt/punishment, and willful rebellion. Job isn't claiming sinlessness (7:21) but demanding his accusers specify charges. This is legally and pastorally wise: vague accusations can't be answered or corrected. The friends make general accusations; Job demands evidence. The Reformed practice of specific confession rather than vague admission of 'sinfulness' reflects this wisdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient legal practice required specific accusations, not vague character assassination. Job here appeals to proper legal procedure, demanding his accusers provide evidence for their claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it important to distinguish between general acknowledgment of sinfulness and specific accusations?
  2. How do vague accusations harm both accused and accuser?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כַּמָּ֣ה1 of 7
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לִ֭י2 of 7
H0
עֲוֹנ֣וֹת3 of 7

“How many are mine iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְ֝חַטָּאתִ֗י4 of 7

“and my sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

פִּֽשְׁעִ֥י5 of 7

“my transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וְ֝חַטָּאתִ֗י6 of 7

“and my sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

הֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃7 of 7

“make me to know”

H3045

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

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 13:23 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 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 139:23Job 36:8-9Psalms 44:20-21Job 22:5

Test Your Knowledge

Job 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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