How many are my iniquities and sins?In this phrase, Job is expressing a deep sense of introspection and a desire for understanding his own moral failings. The use of "iniquities" and "sins" highlights the comprehensive nature of human wrongdoing, encompassing both intentional and unintentional acts against God's law. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, sin was often seen as a breach of divine order, and Job's question reflects a common practice of self-examination. Biblically, this echoes
Psalm 139:23-24, where David asks God to search his heart. Job's inquiry also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on sin, where Paul in
Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
Here, Job is pleading for divine revelation and understanding of his wrongdoings. This request underscores the belief that true knowledge of sin comes from God, aligning with the biblical theme that God alone can illuminate the human heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10). The term "transgression" suggests a willful rebellion against God's commands, while "sin" can refer to missing the mark of God's standards. This plea for revelation is reminiscent of the New Testament promise in 1John 1:9, where confession leads to forgiveness and cleansing. Job's request can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His role as the ultimate revealer of truth, exposes sin and offers redemption.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA 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.
GodThe Almighty Creator, whom Job is addressing in his plea for understanding and revelation of his sins.
3.
Friends of JobAlthough 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 UzThe setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.
5.
Suffering and TrialsThe 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-ExaminationJob'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 SufferingJob'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 ConfessionJob'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 OmniscienceJob'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 RighteousnessJob'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.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Job 13
Why are you far from me?
If Job’s firm claim of innocence in Job 27:5–6 is correct, how do we reconcile this with Biblical teachings on universal human sin (e.g., Romans 3:23)?
In Job 22:5, Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness, yet Job 1:1 calls him blameless; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction?
How do we reconcile the severity of God's threats in Micah 2 against claims of divine mercy elsewhere in the Bible?(23)
How many are mine iniquities?--We must be careful to note that alongside with Job's claim to be righteous there is ever as deep a confession of personal sin, thus showing that the only way in which we can understand his declarations is in the light of His teaching who convicts of sin before He convinces of righteousness.
Verse 23. -
How many are mine iniquities and sins? This is scarcely, as Professor Stanley Leathes represents it, "a deep confession of personal sin" ('Old Testament Commentary,' vol. 4. p. 27). It is more in the nature of a remonstrance. "These sins of mine, for which I. am so grievously punished, what are they? Name them. How many are there of them? Let me know exactly what they are; and then I can question my conscience concerning them."
Make me to know my transgression and my sin. These words imply that lie does not know them at present. He knows of some infirmities and lighter misdoings of his youth (ver. 26); but he knows of no such sins as are commensurate with his sufferings.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
How manyכַּמָּ֣ה(kam·māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely what[are] myלִ֭י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewiniquitiesעֲוֺנ֣וֹת(‘ă·wō·nō·wṯ)Noun - common plural
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityand sins?וְחַטָּא֑וֹת(wə·ḥaṭ·ṭā·’ō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offenderReveal to meהֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃(hō·ḏî·‘ê·nî)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3045:To knowmy transgressionפִּֽשְׁעִ֥י(piš·‘î)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6588:Transgressionand sin.וְ֝חַטָּאתִ֗י(wə·ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯî)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender
Links
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OT Poetry: Job 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? (Jb) 
