13:8 Will you show him partiality? 1
Will you argue the case 2 for God?
13:23 How many are my 3 iniquities and sins?
Show me my transgression and my sin. 4
32:21 I will not show partiality to anyone, 5
nor will I confer a title 6 on any man.
1 sn The idiom used here is “Will you lift up his face?” Here Job is being very sarcastic, for this expression usually means that a judge is taking a bribe. Job is accusing them of taking God’s side.
2 tn The same root is used here (רִיב, riv, “dispute, contention”) as in v. 6b (see note).
3 tn The pronoun “my” is not in the Hebrew text, but has been supplied here in the translation.
4 sn Job uses three words for sin here: “iniquities,” which means going astray, erring; “sins,” which means missing the mark or the way; and “transgressions,” which are open rebellions. They all emphasize different kinds of sins and different degrees of willfulness. Job is demanding that any sins be brought up. Both Job and his friends agree that great afflictions would have to indicate great offenses – he wants to know what they are.
5 tn The idiom is “I will not lift up the face of a man.” Elihu is going to show no favoritism, but speak his mind.
6 tn The verb means “to confer an honorary title; to give a mark of distinction,” but it is often translated with the verb “flatter.” Elihu will not take sides, he will not use pompous titles.