Job 13:8
New International Version
Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

New Living Translation
Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God’s case for him?

English Standard Version
Will you show partiality toward him? Will you plead the case for God?

Berean Standard Bible
Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?

King James Bible
Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?

New King James Version
Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?

New American Standard Bible
“Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?

NASB 1995
“Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?

NASB 1977
“Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?

Legacy Standard Bible
Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?

Amplified Bible
“Will you show partiality for Him [and be unjust to me so that you may gain favor with Him]? Will you contend and plead for God?

Christian Standard Bible
Would you show partiality to him or argue the case in his defense?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Would you show partiality to Him or argue the case in His defense?

American Standard Version
Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God?

Contemporary English Version
and not telling the whole truth when you argue his case?

English Revised Version
Will ye respect his person? will ye contend for God?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Will you favor him [as] if you were arguing in court on God's behalf?

Good News Translation
Are you trying to defend him? Are you going to argue his case in court?

International Standard Version
Will you show partiality to him? Will you plead God's case?

Majority Standard Bible
Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?

NET Bible
Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

New Heart English Bible
Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?

Webster's Bible Translation
Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?

World English Bible
Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do you accept His face, if you strive for God?

Young's Literal Translation
His face do ye accept, if for God ye strive?

Smith's Literal Translation
Will ye accept his face? will ye contend for God?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Do you accept his person, and do you endeavour to judge for God?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Have you taken his place, and do you struggle to give judgment in favor of God?

New American Bible
Is it for him that you show partiality? Do you make accusations on behalf of God?

New Revised Standard Version
Will you show partiality toward him, will you plead the case for God?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Will you respect his person? Will you contend with him?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Do you accept his person, or do you judge with God?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Will ye show Him favour? Will ye contend for God?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Or will ye draw back? nay do, ye yourselves be judges.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job Reproves His Friends
7Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him? 8Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense? 9Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man?…

Cross References
Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

James 2:9
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Galatians 2:6
But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

2 Chronicles 19:7
And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Malachi 2:9
“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

Matthew 22:16
They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

Luke 20:21
“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Colossians 3:25
Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Leviticus 19:15
You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.

Isaiah 11:3-4
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.


Treasury of Scripture

Will you accept his person? will you contend for God?

Job 32:21
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

Job 34:19
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

Exodus 23:2,3
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: …

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Job 13
1. Job reproves his friends for partiality
14. He professes his confidence in God;
19. and entreats to know his own sins, and God's purpose in afflicting him














Would you show Him partiality
This phrase challenges the idea of showing favoritism towards God, which is a central theme in the book of Job. Job accuses his friends of being biased in their defense of God, suggesting they are not being truthful or just. Biblically, partiality is condemned (James 2:1-9), as God Himself is impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17). The cultural context of the time valued loyalty to deities, but Job insists on truth over blind allegiance. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God desires honesty and integrity over mere lip service (Isaiah 29:13).

or argue in His defense?
Job questions the need to defend God, implying that God is capable of defending Himself. This reflects the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and omnipotence (Isaiah 40:28). Historically, ancient Near Eastern cultures often depicted gods as needing human defense, but the God of Israel is portrayed as self-sufficient. This phrase also connects to the idea that human wisdom is limited compared to divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). Job's challenge to his friends suggests that true faith involves wrestling with difficult questions rather than offering simplistic defenses. This anticipates the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, who often challenged religious leaders to think deeply about their faith (Matthew 23).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and questioning the justice of God.

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

3. God
The Almighty Creator, whose justice and ways are being questioned and defended throughout the Book of Job.

4. The Heavenly Court
The setting at the beginning of the Book of Job where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness.

5. The Land of Uz
The region where Job lived, often associated with the ancient Near East.
Teaching Points
Impartiality in Judgment
As believers, we are called to reflect God's impartial nature. We must avoid favoritism in our judgments and interactions, ensuring that our defense of God or others is rooted in truth and justice.

Defending God with Integrity
When defending our faith or God's character, we must do so with integrity, avoiding the temptation to twist facts or show partiality to suit our arguments.

Understanding God's Justice
Job's struggle with understanding God's justice reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours. We must trust in His perfect justice, even when circumstances are difficult to comprehend.

The Role of Suffering
Job's experience teaches us that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. We should be cautious in attributing blame and instead seek to support and understand those who suffer.

Faith in Uncertainty
Job's account encourages us to maintain our faith and integrity, even when we do not understand our circumstances. Trusting in God's character is crucial during times of trial.Verse 8. - Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God? Job intends to accuse his opponents of leaning unduly to God's side, and being prepared to justify him in the teeth of reason and justice. This is like the conduct of a judge who should allow his decision to be biassed by favour towards one or the other party in a suit.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Would you show Him partiality
הֲפָנָ֥יו (hă·p̄ā·nāw)
Article | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

or
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

argue
תְּרִיבֽוּן׃ (tə·rî·ḇūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7378: To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend

in His defense?
לָאֵ֥ל (lā·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty


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OT Poetry: Job 13:8 Will you show partiality to him? Will (Jb)
Job 13:7
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