withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job isn't just asking for relief from pain; he's specifically asking that God's awesome presence, which naturally inspires fear, be tempered. He wants to be free from the dread of God's overwhelming majesty so he can actually think clearly and speak freely in his defense.
withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is pleading with God to pause the intense physical suffering and terrifying presence that is hindering his ability to speak and defend himself. He wants a reprieve from God's overwhelming power and crushing affliction so he can present his case clearly and freely, without being paralyzed by fear.
Imagine being so overwhelmed by pain and fear that you can't even speak your truth. Job felt this acutely.
Job isn't asking God to leave permanently, but to temporarily 'withdraw his hand.' This means pausing the physical suffering and mental anguish that are paralyzing him.
The 'Hand' of Affliction
Job sees his pain not as random chance, but as a direct 'hand' from God. He's asking for a reprieve, a pause in the onslaught of suffering, so he can think clearly and present his case without being incapacitated by agony.
Freedom to Be Heard
This isn't a sign of weakness, but a strategic plea for a fair hearing. When we are under extreme duress, our ability to reason and articulate is compromised. Job wants the space to be fully present in his defense.
Job asks God not to let 'dread' terrify him. What's the difference between dread and godly awe?
Job is seeking to move from a place of paralyzing, slavish fear ('dread') to a more constructive, respectful awe of God.
The Terror of God's Majesty
Job feels God's presence as overwhelming and terrifying, like facing a fearsome judge rather than a compassionate listener. This 'dread' isn't just fear of punishment; it's the overwhelming sense of God's power and judgment that crushes his spirit.
Towards Fearless Honesty
He desires freedom from this intense, disabling fear so he can speak honestly. He wants to approach God not with the trembling of a condemned criminal, but with the earnestness of someone seeking understanding and justice, albeit from a place of deep reverence.
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This shift allows for a more authentic dialogue, where Job can lay bare his heart without being silenced by terror.
Understand the original words
pachad · Hebrew Noun
A strong feeling of fear or terror, often associated with the awe-inspiring majesty and holiness of God. It can describe a paralyzing fear caused by divine judgment.
This passage directly echoes Job's plea here, showing his consistent desire for God to remove His intimidating presence and afflictions so he can present his case clearly.
Psalm 39:10This psalm also expresses a deep awareness of God's powerful hand in discipline, asking for its removal so the psalmist can speak freely before departing.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise offers a stark contrast to Job's dread, assuring believers that God is with them, strengthening and upholding them, thus conquering fear.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse speaks to God's faithfulness in times of trial, promising that He will not allow us to be tempted or afflicted beyond our ability, offering comfort against overwhelming dread.
pooleJob 13:21: "Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid."
i.e. Suspend my torments during the time of my pleading with thee, that my mind may be at liberty; and do not present thyself to me in terrible majesty, neither deal with me in rigorous justice; but hear me meekly, as one man heareth another, and plead with me upon those gracious terms wherewith thou usest to deal with mankind.
ellicottJob 13:21: "Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid."
(21) Withdraw thine hand far from me. —That is, “Cease to torture me bodily, and to terrify me mentally; let me at least have freedom from physical pain and the undue apprehension of Thy terrors.”
Job isn't just asking for relief from pain; he's specifically asking that God's awesome presence, which naturally inspires fear, be tempered. He wants to be free from the dread of God's overwhelming majesty so he can actually think clearly and speak freely in his defense.
Job is pleading with God to pause the intense physical suffering and terrifying presence that is hindering his ability to speak and defend himself. He wants a reprieve from God's overwhelming power and crushing affliction so he can present his case clearly and freely, without being paralyzed by fear.
Job is pleading with God to pause the intense physical suffering and terrifying presence that is hindering his ability to speak and defend himself. He wants a reprieve from God's overwhelming power and crushing affliction so he can present his case clearly and freely, without being paralyzed by fear.
"withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me." — Job isn't just asking for relief from pain; he's specifically asking that God's awesome presence, which naturally inspires fear, be tempered. He wants to be free from the dread of God's overwhelmin…
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Last reviewed October 2026