This verse illustrates how stubborn pride leads to a self-imposed separation from divine help.
Elihu, a younger companion of Job who speaks toward the end of this biblical narrative around 2000 BC, addresses the persistent pride of those who refuse to turn to God when confronted with trials. He declares, “But the godless in heart lay up anger; They do not cry for help when He binds them” (Job 36:13). In this statement, Elihu highlights the stubbornness of certain people who, instead of seeking divine deliverance, allow resentment to accumulate within their hearts. Although the Book of Job is set in the Land of Uz—a region east of the Jordan River, possibly north of Arabia—its message on humility and trust in God cuts across every land and time, reminding readers of the universal challenge of pride.
When Elihu uses the phrase, “godless in heart” (Job 36:13), he refers to individuals who reject God’s counsel. In other scriptures, one is encouraged to call upon God in moments of trouble (Psalm 50:15), yet here, those who “do not cry for help” choose to rely on themselves and nurse their anger. Elihu warns that such resistance against God’s merciful invitation can result in prolonged suffering and spiritual isolation. Like Job’s friends, Elihu attempts to interpret suffering through the lens of divine justice, but his unique contribution is to emphasize both God’s just discipline and gracious mercy.
The refusal to seek God can bring about a hardened heart—a heart bound not only by adversity but also by unresolved anger. Through his words, “…They do not cry for help when He binds them” (Job 36:13), Elihu distinguishes a posture of humble dependence on God from one of self-inflicted alienation. He teaches that even amid affliction, a humble trust in God fosters hope and renewal, foreshadowing the themes of surrender and faith in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:6-7), who calls all to approach Him with repentant hearts.
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Job 36:13 meaning
Elihu, a younger companion of Job who speaks toward the end of this biblical narrative around 2000 BC, addresses the persistent pride of those who refuse to turn to God when confronted with trials. He declares, “But the godless in heart lay up anger; They do not cry for help when He binds them” (Job 36:13). In this statement, Elihu highlights the stubbornness of certain people who, instead of seeking divine deliverance, allow resentment to accumulate within their hearts. Although the Book of Job is set in the Land of Uz—a region east of the Jordan River, possibly north of Arabia—its message on humility and trust in God cuts across every land and time, reminding readers of the universal challenge of pride.
When Elihu uses the phrase, “godless in heart” (Job 36:13), he refers to individuals who reject God’s counsel. In other scriptures, one is encouraged to call upon God in moments of trouble (Psalm 50:15), yet here, those who “do not cry for help” choose to rely on themselves and nurse their anger. Elihu warns that such resistance against God’s merciful invitation can result in prolonged suffering and spiritual isolation. Like Job’s friends, Elihu attempts to interpret suffering through the lens of divine justice, but his unique contribution is to emphasize both God’s just discipline and gracious mercy.
The refusal to seek God can bring about a hardened heart—a heart bound not only by adversity but also by unresolved anger. Through his words, “…They do not cry for help when He binds them” (Job 36:13), Elihu distinguishes a posture of humble dependence on God from one of self-inflicted alienation. He teaches that even amid affliction, a humble trust in God fosters hope and renewal, foreshadowing the themes of surrender and faith in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:6-7), who calls all to approach Him with repentant hearts.