Old Testament
Job 13:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Remove your hand far from me, and do not let your dread make me afraid.
Compare translations
Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.
What Job 13:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 13:21, Job is expressing a deep desire for God to withdraw His hand from him, which symbolizes God's judgment or punishment. Job feels overwhelmed by his suffering and is asking God not to let His fear or dread cause him further distress. This plea reflects Job's struggle with his understanding of God's presence and the weight of his own suffering. He is in a state of desperation, seeking relief from the intense emotional and spiritual turmoil he is experiencing. Job's request highlights the tension between his faith in God and the pain he is enduring. He wants to confront God without the fear of being crushed by divine judgment, indicating a longing for a more personal and less intimidating relationship with God. This verse encapsulates the human experience of grappling with suffering and the desire for divine understanding and compassion.
How to apply Job 13:21 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges, it is important to express our feelings to God honestly. Like Job, we can ask for relief from our burdens and seek a deeper understanding of our relationship with Him. This encourages open communication with God during difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 13:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 13:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 13:21 mean?
In Job 13:21, Job is pleading with God to withdraw His hand, which symbolizes judgment, and to not let fear overwhelm him. This reflects Job's deep suffering and desire for a more compassionate relationship with God during his trials.
What is the meaning of 'withdraw thine hand' in Job 13:21?
The phrase 'withdraw thine hand' in Job 13:21 signifies Job's request for God to stop inflicting pain or judgment upon him. Job feels burdened by his suffering and seeks relief from the weight of divine scrutiny.
How does Job 13:21 relate to suffering?
Job 13:21 relates to suffering by illustrating Job's emotional turmoil and his plea for relief from his pain. It shows how suffering can lead individuals to seek a deeper understanding and connection with God.
What themes are present in Job 13:21?
The themes present in Job 13:21 include suffering, divine judgment, fear of God, desperation, and the human experience of seeking relief. This verse encapsulates the struggle between faith and the pain of suffering.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.