Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.

JOB 13:6KJV
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Job 13:6 (KJV)

What does Job 13:6 mean?

Job 13:6 is Job’s request for his friends to listen carefully as he explains and defends himself. Job asks them to pay attention to his arguments and to the words he is about to speak in his own defense.

In this verse, Job is speaking directly to his friends who have been criticizing him. He wants them to stop making assumptions and instead truly hear his side of the story. Job is preparing to lay out his reasoning and his plea, showing that he believes he has a fair case to present and deserves to be heard.

The Hebrew behind Job 13:6

  • The word “reasoning” comes from תּוֹכֵחָה (tokhechah), which often means a case, argument, or even a rebuke. Here, it highlights that Job is not just complaining—he is making a thoughtful, reasoned defense.
  • “Pleadings” is רִיב (riv), a word used for legal disputes or arguments. This shows Job sees his situation almost like a court case, where he is presenting his side formally.
  • “Hear” (שָׁמַע, shama‘) and “hearken” (קָשַׁב, qashav) both stress careful, attentive listening, not just hearing sounds but truly considering what is said.

Why Job 13:6 matters

  • Job 13:6 shows that Job is not simply venting emotion; he is making a reasoned appeal and wants to be understood, not dismissed.
  • The verse sets up the legal and formal tone of Job’s speech, helping readers see that Job views his suffering as something that deserves a fair hearing, not just quick judgment.
  • This request for attentive listening challenges Job’s friends—and readers—not to jump to conclusions but to listen deeply before responding.

Where else these words appear

“reasoning” Hebrew H8433 · used in 28 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
  • Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
  • Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

“hearken” Hebrew H7181 · used in 45 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  • Isaiah 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

“pleadings” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.