King James Version

What Does Job 40:13 Mean?

Job 40:13 in the King James Version says “Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.” — study this verse from Job chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.”

Job 40:13 · KJV

Context

11

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.

12

Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

13

Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.

14

Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.

15

Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. behemoth: or the Elephant as some think

Read Job 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret." God continues the challenge—can Job hide (tomen, טָמְנֵם) the wicked in dust and bind (chavosh, חֲבֹשׁ) their faces in darkness? This describes comprehensive judgment—death and the grave. Only God controls life and death, determining when the wicked face final judgment. Job cannot hasten that day despite desiring it. This teaches that God's timing in judgment, though mysterious, reflects perfect wisdom and purpose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Death and burial ("hidden in dust") represented final judgment in ancient thought. The "secret" place suggests Sheol/the grave. God's exclusive power over death and judgment distinguished Yahweh from pagan deities. This would assure readers that ultimate justice is certain, even if delayed beyond human preference.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does trusting God's perfect timing for judgment free you from bitterness over unpunished evil?
  2. What wickedness are you trying to "bury" yourself rather than entrusting to divine justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בַּטָּמֽוּן׃1 of 6

“Hide”

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

בֶּעָפָ֣ר2 of 6

“them in the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

יָ֑חַד3 of 6

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

פְּ֝נֵיהֶ֗ם4 of 6

“their faces”

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

חֲבֹ֣שׁ5 of 6

“and bind”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

בַּטָּמֽוּן׃6 of 6

“Hide”

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

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 40:13 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 40:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:10Job 14:13Esther 7:8Job 36:13Psalms 49:14John 11:44

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