Job 13:23
How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
How many
This phrase reflects Job's deep introspection and desire for understanding. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "מָה" (mah), which is an interrogative that seeks to quantify or understand the extent of something. Job is not merely asking for a number; he is expressing a profound yearning to comprehend the nature and extent of his wrongdoings. This reflects a heart that is open to correction and eager for reconciliation with God.

are my iniquities
The term "iniquities" comes from the Hebrew word "עֲוֹנוֹת" (avonot), which refers to moral perversity or guilt. In the ancient Near Eastern context, iniquity was seen as a deviation from the path of righteousness. Job's use of this term indicates his awareness of the potential for moral failure and his desire to address any such failures before God. It underscores the biblical theme that all humans are prone to sin and must seek God's forgiveness.

and sins
The Hebrew word for "sins" here is "חַטָּאוֹת" (chataot), which means to miss the mark. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe actions that fall short of God's standards. Job's inclusion of both "iniquities" and "sins" suggests a comprehensive acknowledgment of both intentional and unintentional wrongdoings. It highlights the biblical teaching that sin is not just about overt acts but also about failing to live up to God's holiness.

Make known to me
This phrase is a plea for divine revelation. The Hebrew verb "הוֹדִיעֵנִי" (hodi'eni) implies a request for God to reveal or disclose something hidden. Job is asking God to illuminate his understanding, to bring to light any hidden faults. This reflects a humble and teachable spirit, one that is willing to be corrected and guided by God's wisdom.

my transgression
The word "transgression" is translated from the Hebrew "פֶּשַׁע" (pesha), which denotes rebellion or a breach of trust. In the biblical context, transgression is a willful violation of God's law. Job's request for God to reveal his transgressions indicates his desire to restore any broken relationship with God. It emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for divine forgiveness in the life of a believer.

and sin
The repetition of the word "sin" at the end of the verse reinforces the gravity of Job's inquiry. It serves as a bookend to his plea, emphasizing the seriousness with which he approaches his spiritual condition. The Hebrew concept of sin encompasses both actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. Job's earnest request for God to reveal his sins demonstrates his commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God.

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, known for his immense suffering and his quest for understanding God's justice.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, whom Job is addressing in his plea for understanding and revelation of his sins.

3. Friends of Job
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Job's friends play a significant role in the surrounding chapters, often accusing him of hidden sins as the cause of his suffering.

4. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

5. Suffering and Trials
The broader context of Job's life, marked by severe trials, including the loss of his children, wealth, and health.
Teaching Points
The Desire for Self-Examination
Job's request for God to reveal his sins reflects a heart willing to undergo self-examination. As believers, we should regularly seek God's guidance to identify and address areas of sin in our lives.

Understanding Suffering
Job's question arises from his suffering and the accusations of his friends. It teaches us that not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin, and we should be cautious in making such assumptions about others.

The Role of Confession
Job's plea highlights the importance of confession in our relationship with God. Acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness is crucial for spiritual growth and restoration.

God's Omniscience
Job's request for God to reveal his sins acknowledges God's complete knowledge of our hearts. Trusting in God's omniscience can bring comfort and clarity in times of confusion and doubt.

The Pursuit of Righteousness
Job's desire to know his sins demonstrates a commitment to righteousness. As Christians, we should strive to live in a way that honors God, continually seeking His guidance to align our lives with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's request for God to reveal his sins challenge us to examine our own lives for hidden sins?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our understanding of suffering is aligned with biblical teachings, rather than assuming it is always a result of personal sin?

3. How can the practice of regular confession and repentance impact our spiritual growth and relationship with God?

4. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart that is open to God's examination and correction, as Job demonstrates in this verse?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Job's life to support and encourage others who are experiencing trials and suffering?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 139:23-24
This passage echoes Job's plea for God to search his heart and reveal any offensive way, highlighting a similar desire for divine examination and guidance.

1 John 1:9
This verse connects to the theme of confession and forgiveness, emphasizing that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and purify us.

Proverbs 28:13
This proverb underscores the importance of confessing and renouncing sins to receive mercy, aligning with Job's desire for revelation and repentance.
How Many are My SinsDonald Smith Brunton.Job 13:23
Sin Revealed by GodW.F. Adeney Job 13:23
Struggles of ConscienceSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJob 13:23
Struggles of ConscienceCharles Haddon Spurgeon Job 13:23
Self-Defence Before God: 1. the Weak Against the StrongE. Johnson Job 13:23-28
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Committed, Disobedience, Evil-doings, Iniquities, Offense, Rebellion, Sin, Sins, Transgression
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 13:23

     6206   offence
     8478   self-examination

Job 13:20-27

     8615   prayer, doubts

Library
Struggles of Conscience
I shall attempt to address you in the following order this morning. First, a little by way of consolation; then, a little by way of instruction; a little more upon discrimination or caution; and in the last place, a few sentences by way of exhortation. I. First, beloved, let me speak to you who are desiring to feel more and more your sins, and whose prayer is the prayer of the text, "Lord how many are mine iniquities and my sins, make me to know my transgression and my sin." Let me try to COMFORT
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked.
"Let no man deceive you."--Eph. v: 6. "As one man mocketh another, do ye so mock Him?"--Job xiii: 9. Be Not Deceived: God Is Not Mocked. We have all lived long enough to know what it is to be deceived. We have been deceived by our friends, by our enemies, our neighbors, our relatives. Ungodly companions have deceived us. At every turn of life we have been imposed upon in one way or another. False teachers have crossed our path, and under pretence of doing us good, have poisoned our mind with
Dwight L. Moody—Sowing and Reaping

Whether Indulgences are as Effective as they Claim to Be?
Objection 1: It would seem that indulgences are not as effective as they claim to be. For indulgences have no effect save from the power of the keys. Now by the power of the keys, he who has that power can only remit some fixed part of the punishment due for sin, after taking into account the measure of the sin and of the penitent's sorrow. Since then indulgences depend on the mere will of the grantor, it seems that they are not as effective as they claim to be. Objection 2: Further, the debt of
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Not Now, but Hereafter!
It is mainly my business, today, to deal with those who may wickedly continue in sin because their judgment tarries. If the Lord does not in this world visit the ungodly with stripes, this is but the surer evidence that in the world to come there is a solemn retribution for the impenitent. If the affliction which is here accorded to men be not the punishment of sin, we turn to Scripture and discover what that punishment will be, and we are soon informed that it is something far heavier than any calamities
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us.
The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition. Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this. The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them. But first let us
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Whether Fraud Pertains to Craftiness?
Objection 1: It would seem that fraud does not pertain to craftiness. For a man does not deserve praise if he allows himself to be deceived, which is the object of craftiness; and yet a man deserves praise for allowing himself to be defrauded, according to 1 Cor. 6:1, "Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" Therefore fraud does not belong to craftiness. Objection 2: Further, fraud seems to consist in unlawfully taking or receiving external things, for it is written (Acts 5:1) that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is always a mortal sin. For Jerome says on Is. 16:14: "Of the two evils it is less to sin openly than to simulate holiness": and a gloss on Job 1:21 [*St. Augustine on Ps. 63:7], "As it hath pleased the Lord," etc., says that "pretended justice is no justice, but a twofold sin": and again a gloss on Lam. 4:6, "The iniquity . . . of my people is made greater than the sin of Sodom," says: "He deplores the sins of the soul that falls into hypocrisy, which is a greater
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How a Desolate Man Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God
O Lord, Holy Father, be Thou blessed now and evermore; because as Thou wilt so it is done, and what Thou doest is good. Let Thy servant rejoice in Thee, not in himself, nor in any other; because Thou alone art the true joy, Thou art my hope and my crown, Thou art my joy and my honour, O Lord. What hath Thy servant, which he received not from Thee, even without merit of his own? Thine are all things which Thou hast given, and which Thou hast made. I am poor and in misery even from my youth up,(1)
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

A Canticle of Love
It is not only when He is about to send me some trial that Our Lord gives me warning and awakens my desire for it. For years I had cherished a longing which seemed impossible of realisation--to have a brother a Priest. I often used to think that if my little brothers had not gone to Heaven, I should have had the happiness of seeing them at the Altar. I greatly regretted being deprived of this joy. Yet God went beyond my dream; I only asked for one brother who would remember me each day at the Holy
Therese Martin (of Lisieux)—The Story of a Soul

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8,
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch:
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6.--"And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Here they join the punishment with the deserving cause, their uncleanness and their iniquities, and so take it upon them, and subscribe to the righteousness of God's dealing. We would say this much in general--First, Nobody needeth to quarrel God for his dealing. He will always be justified when he is judged. If the Lord deal more sharply with you than with others, you may judge there is a difference
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Conversion.
THE DIFFICULTY OF CONVERSION. CONVERSION to God is not so easy and so smooth a thing, as some would have men believe it is. Why is man's heart compared to fallow ground, God's word to a plough, and his ministers to ploughmen, if the heart indeed has no need of breaking in order to the receiving of the seed of God unto eternal life? Why is the conversion of the the soul compared to the grafting of a tree, if that be done without cutting? CONVERSION THE POWER OF GOD. A broken heart is the handy-work
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it Produces in Men's Apprehensions.
2 COR. v. 17. 2 COR. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. THE knowledge of our true state in religion, is at once a matter of so great importance, and so great difficulty that, in order to obtain it, it is necessary we should have line upon line and precept upon precept. The plain discourse, which you before heard, was intended to lead you into it; and I question not but I then said enough to convince many, that they were
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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