Job isn't just asking his friends to be quiet; he's declaring his absolute readiness to speak his truth before God, no matter the personal cost or outcome. This phrase "let come on me what will" reveals a profound, albeit fearful, trust that even the worst that could happen from God is something he's willing to face in order to be heard.
“Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job's friends have been accusing him relentlessly, misinterpreting his suffering as proof of his sin. In this moment, Job demands they stop their constant interruptions and accusations so he can finally speak his heart directly to God, willing to face whatever consequences may come from that bold confrontation. He's turning away from their flawed arguments to present his case to the ultimate Judge.
Job's friends have been speaking, but their words are not helping. Now, Job demands silence so he can speak his truth, even if it's risky.
A Plea for Understanding
Job is at a breaking point. His friends have offered plenty of advice and judgment, but it's all falling short. In Job 13:13, he pleads, “Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak.” This isn't just about wanting to talk; it's a deep need to articulate his reality, his innocence, and his questions to God.
Speaking Against the Odds
The second part of the verse, "and let come on me what will," reveals Job's incredible resolve. He's willing to face any consequence – from his friends, or even from God – to speak his heart. This shows a profound courage, stemming from his conviction of his own uprightness, even amidst suffering. He’s choosing to be honest about his pain and confusion, rather than staying silent and letting his condition consume him.
Job's declaration is powerful, but the verses around it reveal a deep inner battle between his determination to speak and his awareness of the potential danger.
A Vulnerable Stand
While Job boldly declares he will speak "let come on me what will," the context shows this isn't a reckless challenge. The commentary highlights a "singular picture of the conflict between resolution and fear." Job knows he's speaking truth, but he also understands that confronting God and his friends directly could have severe repercussions, potentially even costing him his life.
Ask a follow-up
Trusting God's Justice
This tension between speaking out and facing fear is resolved by Job's ultimate trust in God's justice. He believes that if he can just present his case fairly, God will see his innocence. He's willing to risk the immediate consequences because he trusts that, in the end, God will vindicate him. This allows him to face potential punishment not with terror, but with a kind of hopeful submission.
Understand the original words
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The breath of life or the vital principle of a living being given by God. It represents the seat of one's existence and vitality.
yachal · Hebrew Verb
A firm, expectant trust in God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. It is the confident assurance of what God will eventually accomplish.
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
A broad term often denoting deliverance from danger, distress, or judgment. In a theological sense, it refers to God's act of rescuing His people from their enemies, sin, or eternal separation from Him.
chaneph · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to someone who is profane, impious, or without God. Biblically, it describes an individual who rejects God's authority and moral standard, often characterized by hypocrisy or willful rebellion.
David, facing betrayal and danger from Saul, pleads with Jonathan for space to speak his truth and assess his situation, echoing Job's desperate need to be heard without interruption.
Proverbs 18:13This proverb warns against answering before hearing, which Job’s friends were doing. Job’s plea for silence is a demand for them to stop their premature judgments so he can finally present his case.
Acts 26:1King Agrippa tells Paul, 'You have permission to speak for yourself.' This echoes Job's desire for the opportunity to speak, even if he must face the consequences, highlighting the universal human need to defend oneself when unjustly accused.
James 1:19The call to be 'quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry' is precisely what Job is demanding from his friends here, as their words are full of anger and judgment rather than thoughtful listening.
cambridgeJob 13:13: "Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will."
13 . that I may speak ] Emphasis on I,—that I now may speak. The last clause intimates his resolve to speak at all risks. 13–22 . Job now turns from his friends, whom he commands to be silent, to his great plea with God, resuming the intention expressed in Job 13:3 . The passage has two parts, one preliminary, Job 13:13-16 , exhibiting a singular picture of the conflict between resolution and fear in Job…
ellicottJob 13:13: "Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will."
(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.
Job isn't just asking his friends to be quiet; he's declaring his absolute readiness to speak his truth before God, no matter the personal cost or outcome. This phrase "let come on me what will" reveals a profound, albeit fearful, trust that even the worst that could happen from God is something he's willing to face in order to be heard.
Job's friends have been accusing him relentlessly, misinterpreting his suffering as proof of his sin. In this moment, Job demands they stop their constant interruptions and accusations so he can finally speak his heart directly to God, willing to face whatever consequences may come from that bold confrontation. He's turning away from their flawed arguments to present his case to the ultimate Judge.
Job's friends have been accusing him relentlessly, misinterpreting his suffering as proof of his sin. In this moment, Job demands they stop their constant interruptions and accusations so he can finally speak his heart directly to God, willing to face whatever consequences may come from that bold confrontation. He's turning away from their flawed arguments to present his case to the ultimate Judge.
"“Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. Th…" — Job isn't just asking his friends to be quiet; he's declaring his absolute readiness to speak his truth before God, no matter the personal cost or outcome. This phrase "let come on me what will" reve…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
