King James Version

What Does Job 13:26 Mean?

Job 13:26 in the King James Version says “For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.” — study this verse from Job chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 13:26 · KJV

Context

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

28

And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?' Job's anguish breaks through: 'How long' (עַד־אָנָה, ad-anah) introduces lament's classic question. They 'vex' (תּוֹגְיוּן, togyun—grieve, afflict) his 'soul' (נַפְשִׁי, nafshi) and 'break in pieces' (תְּדַכְּאוּנַנִּי, tedakkunani—crush, oppress) with 'words' (מִלִּין, millin). Words can wound (Proverbs 12:18, 18:21). The friends' speeches compound Job's suffering. This warns against theological abuse—using truth to bludgeon. James 3:1-12 addresses the tongue's power to destroy. The Reformed emphasis on speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) requires both content and manner reflect Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom recognized words' power to heal or harm (Proverbs 15:1, 16:24). Job here testifies to the crushing weight of his friends' accusations, despite their theological orthodoxy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can our theologically correct words become instruments of crushing oppression?
  2. What responsibility do we bear for the emotional and spiritual impact of our speech?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

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

תִכְתֹּ֣ב2 of 7

“For thou writest”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עָלַ֣י3 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְרֹר֑וֹת4 of 7

“bitter things”

H4846

properly, bitterness; concretely, a bitter thing; specifically bile; also venom (of a serpent)

וְ֝תוֹרִישֵׁ֗נִי5 of 7

“against me and makest me to possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

עֲוֹנ֥וֹת6 of 7

“the iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

נְעוּרָֽי׃7 of 7

“of my youth”

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 25:7John 5:14Proverbs 5:11-13Jeremiah 31:19Job 20:11Ruth 1:20

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