King James Version

What Does Job 36:13 Mean?

Job 36:13 in the King James Version says “But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.” — study this verse from Job chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.”

Job 36:13 · KJV

Context

11

If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

12

But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. perish: Heb. pass away

13

But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.

14

They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. They: Heb. Their soul dieth unclean: or, sodomites

15

He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. poor: or, afflicted

Read Job 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath—The phrase חַֽנְפֵי־לֵ֭ב (chanfei-lev, "hypocrites of heart") literally means "profane/godless of heart," describing those whose inner reality contradicts outward religious profession. They יָשִׂ֣ימוּ אָ֑ף (yasimu af, "store up anger/wrath")—accumulating divine wrath like a reservoir filling before the dam breaks. This theological principle appears in Romans 2:5: "treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath."

They cry not when he bindeth them—לֹ֥א יְ֝שַׁוְּע֗וּ כִּ֣י אֲסָרָֽם (lo yeshavve'u ki asaram, "they do not cry out when He binds them") reveals the hypocrite's defining characteristic: silent stubbornness under discipline. Unlike authentic believers who cry out to God in affliction (Psalm 18:6, 120:1), the hardened heart refuses to seek mercy even when suffering proves God's displeasure. This unrepentant silence demonstrates spiritual death—no relationship with God prompts prayer. The publican who cried "God be merciful to me a sinner" was justified; the self-righteous Pharisee who didn't cry out was condemned (Luke 18:9-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern piety expected vocal lament during suffering—the Psalms model crying out to God in distress. Silent endurance of affliction suggested either stoic pride or acknowledgment that one's sin was too great for mercy. Elihu identifies this silence as diagnostic: those with no living relationship with God don't pray when He disciplines them. The "binding" imagery recalls verse 8's fetters and cords—God constrains the hypocrite through affliction, but unlike the righteous who respond to correction (v.10), the godless remain mute in stubborn rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we examine our hearts to identify areas of hypocrisy where our profession doesn't match our practice?
  2. What does your prayer life during trials reveal about the authenticity of your relationship with God?
  3. How can we cultivate the habit of crying out to God in affliction rather than silent, stubborn endurance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְֽחַנְפֵי1 of 8

“But the hypocrites”

H2611

soiled (i.e., with sin), impious

לֵ֭ב2 of 8

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

יָשִׂ֣ימוּ3 of 8

“heap up”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אָ֑ף4 of 8

“wrath”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

לֹ֥א5 of 8
H3808

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

יְ֝שַׁוְּע֗וּ6 of 8

“they cry”

H7768

properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)

כִּ֣י7 of 8
H3588

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

אֲסָרָֽם׃8 of 8

“not when he bindeth”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

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 36:13 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 36:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:5Job 27:8-10Job 36:82 Chronicles 28:222 Chronicles 28:13Matthew 22:12-13

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