Be silent, and I will speak.
In this passage, Job is addressing his friends, who have been offering him counsel and accusations throughout the dialogue. The call for silence is significant, as it reflects Job's desire to be heard without interruption. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of the importance of listening, as seen in Proverbs 18:13, which warns against answering before listening. Job's insistence on speaking also highlights his confidence in his integrity and his relationship with God, despite his suffering. The cultural context of the time placed great value on wisdom and speech, and Job's demand for silence underscores his belief that he has something important and truthful to convey.

Then let come to me what may.
This phrase reflects Job's resignation to whatever consequences may follow his boldness in speaking. It demonstrates his trust in God's sovereignty and justice, akin to the sentiment found in Esther 4:16, where Esther resolves to approach the king despite the risk, saying, "If I perish, I perish." Job's statement is an expression of faith and courage, showing his willingness to face any outcome, whether it be vindication or further suffering. This attitude can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitted to the Father's will, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Job's acceptance of potential consequences also aligns with the biblical theme of enduring trials with faith, as encouraged in James 1:2-4.

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends who have been accusing him of wrongdoing.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have come to comfort Job but end up arguing that his suffering must be due to some sin he has committed.

3. God
Although not directly speaking in this verse, God is the ultimate judge and the one whom Job desires to present his case before.

4. The Setting
The land of Uz, where Job lived, a place of ancient wisdom and prosperity, now a backdrop for Job's intense personal and spiritual struggle.

5. The Event
Job's discourse in response to his friends' accusations, where he asserts his desire to speak freely and face whatever consequences may come.The Importance of Silence
Silence can be a powerful tool in communication, allowing for reflection and understanding. Job's request for silence underscores the need for thoughtful listening before responding.

Courage to Speak Truth
Job's willingness to speak and face the consequences demonstrates courage and integrity. Believers are encouraged to speak truthfully and trust God with the outcomes.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Job's acceptance of "what may come" reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty. Christians are called to trust God, even when the future is uncertain.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
Job's friends intended to help but ended up causing more distress. This teaches the importance of empathy and support rather than judgment when others are suffering.

Faith Amidst Trials
Job's faith remains steadfast despite his trials. Believers are encouraged to hold onto their faith, knowing that God is with them in their struggles.(13) Hold your peace.--He now prepares to make a declaration like the memorable one in Job 19. He resolves at all hazards to face God in judgment.

Verse 13. - Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; literally, be silent from me that I may speak; but our version gives the true meaning. Job repeats the entreaty with which he had bemoan (vers. 5, 6). And let some on me what will. Job is prepared to face the worst. He feels, as he expresses it below (ver. 19), that, if he holds his tongue, he must die. He must speak, and speak he will. After that, let God do as he may please - he will accept his punishment, if God thinks fit to punish him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Be silent,
הַחֲרִ֣ישׁוּ (ha·ḥă·rî·šū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

and I
אָ֑נִי (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will speak.
וַאֲדַבְּרָה־ (wa·’ă·ḏab·bə·rāh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

Then let come
וְיַעֲבֹ֖ר (wə·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

to me
עָלַ֣י (‘ā·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

what [may].
מָֽה׃ (māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what


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OT Poetry: Job 13:13 Be silent leave me alone that (Jb)