King James Version

What Does Job 13:25 Mean?

Job 13:25 in the King James Version says “Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?” — study this verse from Job chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 13:25 · KJV

Context

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?

26

For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.

27

Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet. lookest: Heb. observest heels: Heb. roots

Read Job 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job feels God treats him like insignificant refuse: 'Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?' The imagery emphasizes Job's utter helplessness—he's as powerless as windblown leaves or dried stubble. Yet God seems to pursue him with overwhelming force. The contrast is stark: God's infinite power versus Job's complete weakness. Job can't understand why divine omnipotence would crush something so fragile.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dry leaves and stubble were proverbial images for the helpless and worthless (Isaiah 40:24, Psalm 1:4). In arid Palestine, wind easily scattered such lightweight materials. Job applies this image to emphasize his powerlessness before divine might.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing our frailty before God's power produce humility rather than despair?
  2. When have you felt crushed by circumstances that seemed disproportionate to your strength?
  3. What comfort comes from knowing that God is aware of our weakness and doesn't judge beyond what we can bear?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֶעָלֶ֣ה1 of 7

“a leaf”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

נִדָּ֣ף2 of 7

“driven to and fro”

H5086

to shove asunder, i.e., disperse

תַּעֲר֑וֹץ3 of 7

“Wilt thou break”

H6206

to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass

וְאֶת4 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קַ֖שׁ5 of 7

“stubble”

H7179

straw (as dry)

יָבֵ֣שׁ6 of 7

“the dry”

H3002

dry

תִּרְדֹּֽף׃7 of 7

“and wilt thou pursue”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

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 13:25 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 13:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 21:18Leviticus 26:36Matthew 12:20Isaiah 17:131 Samuel 24:14Job 14:3

Test Your Knowledge

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