King James Version

What Does Job 9:13 Mean?

Job 9:13 in the King James Version says “If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. proud: Heb. helpers of pride, or, strength” — study this verse from Job chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. proud: Heb. helpers of pride, or, strength”

Job 9:13 · KJV

Strength

Context

11

Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not.

12

Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? hinder: Heb. turn him away?

13

If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. proud: Heb. helpers of pride, or, strength

14

How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?

15

Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.

Read Job 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job proclaims God's inflexible purpose: 'If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.' The phrase 'will not withdraw' (lo yashub, לֹא יָשׁוּב) means God won't turn back or relent. His 'anger' (aph, אַף, literally 'nostril') remains fixed. The 'proud helpers' (ra'ab, רַהַב, possibly mythological chaos forces or earthly powers) 'stoop' (shachach, שָׁחַח, bow down) beneath God—even the mightiest forces submit to divine power.

Job may reference Rahab (not the harlot, but a mythological sea monster representing chaos—Psalm 89:10, Isaiah 51:9). If even cosmic chaos-forces cannot resist God, how can Job hope to contend? The imagery emphasizes total divine sovereignty. No ally can assist Job against God; no power can moderate divine anger once kindled. Job's situation appears hopeless—the prosecution is irresistible.

Yet Scripture elsewhere shows God does relent—when Christ bears the anger deserved by sinners. The 'proud helpers' that stoop under God are ultimately defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15). The inflexible divine anger Job experiences finds appeasement in Christ's substitutionary atonement. God's purpose doesn't change, but Christ redirects divine wrath from us to Himself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern creation myths featured gods defeating chaos monsters (Tiamat, Leviathan, Rahab). Biblical references to these figures demythologize them—they're not rival deities but creatures under God's control. Job uses this imagery to emphasize that if mythological 'helpers' cannot resist God, neither can he.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's unyielding purpose both terrify (in judgment) and comfort (in promises)?
  2. What does the defeat of 'proud helpers' teach about the futility of resisting God's will?
  3. In what ways does Christ's bearing of divine anger demonstrate God's purpose to save rather than merely punish?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ1 of 8

“If God”

H433

a deity or the deity

לֹא2 of 8
H3808

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

יָשִׁ֣יב3 of 8

“will not withdraw”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַפּ֑וֹ4 of 8

“his anger”

H639

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

תַּחְתָּ֥ו5 of 8
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

שָׁ֝חֲח֗וּ6 of 8

“do stoop”

H7817

to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)

עֹ֣זְרֵי7 of 8

“helpers”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

רָֽהַב׃8 of 8

“the proud”

H7293

bluster(-er)

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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 26:12Psalms 89:10Isaiah 51:9Isaiah 30:7James 4:6-7Isaiah 31:2-3

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